Fontaine playing cards

[Frost]

on Zach Muller's youtube account he posted  a video that says the Fontaine deck is coming soon. There's even a website for it to .

[Don Boyer]

on Zach Muller's youtube account he posted  a video that says the Fontaine deck is coming soon. There's even a website for it to .

I don't suppose you'd like to share that site for those of us who don't have video access at work? 

Can you tell us more about the Fontaine deck?

[Frost]

its only a email subscription but its going to tell you when they release it. I think they are not going to be a theory11 release  http://www.fontainecards.com/ .

[Joker and the Thief]

Don, as far as we know there is a blue and a red deck that he has been using as a personal advertising statement these past couple of months. They seem to have standard faces from Zach's videos. If I'm not mistaken they also appear to be smooth finish.

Those are basically all the leads we have at the moment.

[Don Boyer]

Don, as far as we know there is a blue and a red deck that he has been using as a personal advertising statement these past couple of months. They seem to have standard faces from Zach's videos. If I'm not mistaken they also appear to be smooth finish.

Those are basically all the leads we have at the moment.

Fair enough.  Please keep me posted!

[sinsandman]

If we use some linking analysis here this is what I find. Zach released an effect or flourish on the wire which was named Fontaine. The page to sign up has Zach's name at the bottom. So I am assuming this deck is his personal gig. Now unless the kid is independently wealthy, I would assume that T11 is going to be helping on this.

[Don Boyer]

If we use some linking analysis here this is what I find. Zach released an effect or flourish on the wire which was named Fontaine. The page to sign up has Zach's name at the bottom. So I am assuming this deck is his personal gig. Now unless the kid is independently wealthy, I would assume that T11 is going to be helping on this.

It's kind of odd, really.  Most companies would put a non-compete clause in every employee's contract.  Typically the period is one or two years.  There has to be something in there about competing with the company without having left the company...

But then, why would T11 make a deck release that's completely off their site?

I think we're missing a few facts here.

[Joker and the Thief]

If we use some linking analysis here this is what I find. Zach released an effect or flourish on the wire which was named Fontaine. The page to sign up has Zach's name at the bottom. So I am assuming this deck is his personal gig. Now unless the kid is independently wealthy, I would assume that T11 is going to be helping on this.

It's kind of odd, really.  Most companies would put a non-compete clause in every employee's contract.  Typically the period is one or two years.  There has to be something in there about competing with the company without having left the company...

But then, why would T11 make a deck release that's completely off their site?

I think we're missing a few facts here.

True, I'm sure he could get small print runs off of Zazzle, which I suspect he did but a run large enough to satisfy an audience of at least a thousand? Expensive, to say the least. Unless Mueller has enough money in the bank to compensate for that, if not he'll need some assistance. It would most likely come from theory11 but it doesn't add up...

I'm betting that Zach is self funding the deck and that may be assisted by the funds from his four wire downloads, which have been quite successful. But alas, again, it doesn't add up.

[Paul Carpenter]

True, I'm sure he could get small print runs off of Zazzle, which I suspect he did but a run large enough to satisfy an audience of at least a thousand? Expensive, to say the least.

I can tell you from personal experience that zazzle is not an option for a project like that. The cards simple handle so poorly it would be impossible to use.

He's used those cards in videos for a long time and since he actually knows how to use cards, I'm pretty sure they are a "real" uspcc printing. I wouldn't be surprised if they've been around for a long time, printed en masse with the backing of T11 and are just now being marketed and released.

[twiscold]

I think Zack has been hyping this deck for a few month now, this is probably a self-funding project, designed and printed by himself, I doubt T11 is backing this.

[sr15]

I'd guess he's banking on his youtube followers buying the deck, since he's been hyping them on his channel for a while now. 5.5k subscribers isn't a bad fanbase though so we'll see. I have no desire to own this deck though so w/e

[jmrock]

My wife is going to be so happy that Johnny Fontaine playing cards are going to be released... She's a huge Dirty Dancing fan and I'm sure that even the guys will agree that there's nobody cooler than Johnny Fontaine... "Nobody puts Baby in a corner!!!"

[Joker and the Thief]

True, I'm sure he could get small print runs off of Zazzle, which I suspect he did but a run large enough to satisfy an audience of at least a thousand? Expensive, to say the least.

I can tell you from personal experience that zazzle is not an option for a project like that. The cards simple handle so poorly it would be impossible to use.

He's used those cards in videos for a long time and since he actually knows how to use cards, I'm pretty sure they are a "real" uspcc printing. I wouldn't be surprised if they've been around for a long time, printed en masse with the backing of T11 and are just now being marketed and released.

How bad is the handling at Zazzle? I thought they went through USPCC with bicycle stock and a smooth finish.

[Don Boyer]

True, I'm sure he could get small print runs off of Zazzle, which I suspect he did but a run large enough to satisfy an audience of at least a thousand? Expensive, to say the least.

I can tell you from personal experience that zazzle is not an option for a project like that. The cards simple handle so poorly it would be impossible to use.

He's used those cards in videos for a long time and since he actually knows how to use cards, I'm pretty sure they are a "real" uspcc printing. I wouldn't be surprised if they've been around for a long time, printed en masse with the backing of T11 and are just now being marketed and released.

How bad is the handling at Zazzle? I thought they went through USPCC with bicycle stock and a smooth finish.

I'm thinking they get pre-printed faces on one side of an uncut sheet, much like what USPC does for the Congress brand.  It's why Congress cards have no letter code - the face and back aren't printed at the same time, possibly not even in the same year.  Then Zazzle prints the custom backs.  But my guess would be that the backs have no finish on them and Zazzle prints the backs of the sheet with a laser printer or something like that - it would account for the terribly high price on their decks.  Then Zazzle finishes them using something either provided by USPC or sourced on their own.

I'm trying to remember when Kevin showed me a few projects that were prototyped using Zazzle.  I seem to recall the fine details of the cards didn't come out well due to Zazzle's printing process.  But I could be simply remembering it incorrectly.  It happens when you start getting old... 

[Paul Carpenter]

How bad is the handling at Zazzle? I thought they went through USPCC with bicycle stock and a smooth finish.

They are not good. They "look" like a normal USPCC air cushion, but are nothing like it at all. They fan exceedingly badly. If you get a 10-card-visible thumb fan you did well. I guess they work ok if you are just doing packet cuts or something but they handle nothing like a normally printed deck. I am pretty sure they use a direct digital print technology and then apply a coating. They are registered very well though and they print nicely very close to the edge...

[Joker and the Thief]

How bad is the handling at Zazzle? I thought they went through USPCC with bicycle stock and a smooth finish.

They are not good. They "look" like a normal USPCC air cushion, but are nothing like it at all. They fan exceedingly badly. If you get a 10-card-visible thumb fan you did well. I guess they work ok if you are just doing packet cuts or something but they handle nothing like a normally printed deck. I am pretty sure they use a direct digital print technology and then apply a coating. They are registered very well though and they print nicely very close to the edge...

Thanks Paul and Don. I had a design in mind that I was ready to print just as an experimental thing. Is there any way from USPCC to do a really small print run or is it just a minimum 2500 print run?

[Don Boyer]

Thanks Paul and Don. I had a design in mind that I was ready to print just as an experimental thing. Is there any way from USPCC to do a really small print run or is it just a minimum 2500 print run?

You can get a prototype deck made.  It costs about $250, last time I looked; it's probably higher.

Alternately, you could get Brahma to make a prototype for about $50.  It would have to be devoid of any USPC or other trademarks unless you own them.

[CBJ]

My wife is going to be so happy that Johnny Fontaine playing cards are going to be released... She's a huge Dirty Dancing fan and I'm sure that even the guys will agree that there's nobody cooler than Johnny Fontaine... "Nobody puts Baby in a corner!!!"

Swayze played Johnny Castle.. My wife is nuts about the film as well

[Paul Carpenter]

Thanks Paul and Don. I had a design in mind that I was ready to print just as an experimental thing. Is there any way from USPCC to do a really small print run or is it just a minimum 2500 print run?

You can get a prototype deck made.  It costs about $250, last time I looked; it's probably higher.

Alternately, you could get Brahma to make a prototype for about $50.  It would have to be devoid of any USPC or other trademarks unless you own them.

I think the prototype are $450 now. They are a special digital print on the normal stock and then finished, though the laminate of the paper is a little different and they can be a bit more fragile than a real print, and the edges can chip a bit easier.

[Joker and the Thief]

Thanks Paul and Don. I had a design in mind that I was ready to print just as an experimental thing. Is there any way from USPCC to do a really small print run or is it just a minimum 2500 print run?

You can get a prototype deck made.  It costs about $250, last time I looked; it's probably higher.

Alternately, you could get Brahma to make a prototype for about $50.  It would have to be devoid of any USPC or other trademarks unless you own them.

I think the prototype are $450 now. They are a special digital print on the normal stock and then finished, though the laminate of the paper is a little different and they can be a bit more fragile than a real print, and the edges can chip a bit easier.

Thanks for your help, but if I'm just looking to print a couple of decks out of USPCC of standard quality, that's not possible yeah?

[Don Boyer]

Thanks Paul and Don. I had a design in mind that I was ready to print just as an experimental thing. Is there any way from USPCC to do a really small print run or is it just a minimum 2500 print run?

You can get a prototype deck made.  It costs about $250, last time I looked; it's probably higher.

Alternately, you could get Brahma to make a prototype for about $50.  It would have to be devoid of any USPC or other trademarks unless you own them.

I think the prototype are $450 now. They are a special digital print on the normal stock and then finished, though the laminate of the paper is a little different and they can be a bit more fragile than a real print, and the edges can chip a bit easier.

Thanks for your help, but if I'm just looking to print a couple of decks out of USPCC of standard quality, that's not possible yeah?

If you want standard faces and custom backs, you can use the personalized deck program - perhaps $20 a pack, but don't expect miraculous performance.  Otherwise, it looks like $450 a deck.

Now, can we get back to the topic at hand?  This is really more for the Design/Dev board, right?  And we're talking about Zach Mueller's Fontaine deck, which mysteriously appears to be independent rather than something done through T11, despite Zach being a T11 employee...

[Joker and the Thief]

Thanks Paul and Don. I had a design in mind that I was ready to print just as an experimental thing. Is there any way from USPCC to do a really small print run or is it just a minimum 2500 print run?

You can get a prototype deck made.  It costs about $250, last time I looked; it's probably higher.

Alternately, you could get Brahma to make a prototype for about $50.  It would have to be devoid of any USPC or other trademarks unless you own them.

I think the prototype are $450 now. They are a special digital print on the normal stock and then finished, though the laminate of the paper is a little different and they can be a bit more fragile than a real print, and the edges can chip a bit easier.

Thanks for your help, but if I'm just looking to print a couple of decks out of USPCC of standard quality, that's not possible yeah?

If you want standard faces and custom backs, you can use the personalized deck program - perhaps $20 a pack, but don't expect miraculous performance.  Otherwise, it looks like $450 a deck.

Now, can we get back to the topic at hand?  This is really more for the Design/Dev board, right?  And we're talking about Zach Mueller's Fontaine deck, which mysteriously appears to be independent rather than something done through T11, despite Zach being a T11 employee...

Thanks again buddy. After a bit of thought I think that Fontaine Playing Cards would have to be self funded. We really don't know much yet though, it's hard to make a judgement whether theory11 would be involved or not because no hype at all has been released from them.

[Don Boyer]

Now, can we get back to the topic at hand?  This is really more for the Design/Dev board, right?  And we're talking about Zach Mueller's Fontaine deck, which mysteriously appears to be independent rather than something done through T11, despite Zach being a T11 employee...

Thanks again buddy. After a bit of thought I think that Fontaine Playing Cards would have to be self funded. We really don't know much yet though, it's hard to make a judgement whether theory11 would be involved or not because no hype at all has been released from them.

But the one thing that would put the kibosh on that idea would be that I couldn't imagine there's a card company out there that doesn't have their employees sign a non-compete agreement.  I also couldn't imagine the company letting an active employee compete against them as well.  Unless Zach quit the company (or was fired) and his NCA expired, I really don't know what to think of this deck.

[Joker and the Thief]

You'd probably find that some of the funds would go to T11. I doubt Zach would have quit or had been fired.

[Don Boyer]

You'd probably find that some of the funds would go to T11. I doubt Zach would have quit or had been fired.

That would be an unusual arrangement by US standards.  Perhaps not impossible, but definitely not par for the course.

[Joker and the Thief]

Update: This deck will have a custom Ace of Spades! I know, not the most surprising news in the world...

[Don Boyer]

Update: This deck will have a custom Ace of Spades! I know, not the most surprising news in the world...

"One o' these days, Alice, one o' these days...  POW, right in tha' kisser!"

[Joker and the Thief]

Update: This deck will have a custom Ace of Spades! I know, not the most surprising news in the world...

"One o' these days, Alice, one o' these days...  POW, right in tha' kisser!"

Hahahaha

[MrMollusk]

Update: This deck will have a custom Ace of Spades! I know, not the most surprising news in the world...

Ace of spades released today.





Along with this message:

"Fontaine Playing Cards are finally coming. Soon, after much anticipation, intrigue and mystery, every detail will be unveiled.

We begin that unveiling process with the custom Ace of Spades - simple, minimalistic and iconic. You are among the first to see it. Click the unlisted video link above to watch it in action.

Thank you for your support - I created this deck for myself, a deck of cards that I would want to use. It's amazing how many of you like it as much I do. More will be revealed in the weeks ahead. Stay tuned "


Video here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiaIT4-YmJc&feature=youtu.be


Looks like sort of a fusion between the NOC and Virts deck to me.

[Evan]

The AoS reminds me a lot of the NOC decks. It's simple, but seems a bit unoriginal.

[Don Boyer]

The AoS reminds me a lot of the NOC decks. It's simple, but seems a bit unoriginal.

Hey, sometimes simple is exactly what's called for.  It is a lot like the NOC and the Virts, when you factor in that quick glimpse of the back.

[S.C.]

I'm a little confused as to why any one would assume that its not going to be in co-op with T11? I understand the independent advertising, but couldn't that just be a way to get people wondering whats going to happen. I mean who's to say T11 isn't behind all the hype, given his employment. Not to mention the mass distribution reach T11 has, he would almost be stupid to not use that connection to reach a broader audience quicker. 5k you tube followers is impressive but its nothing compared to the reach of T11. i dunno, just my 2 cents.

[S.C.]

I'm a little confused as to why any one would assume that its not going to be in co-op with T11? I understand the independent advertising, but couldn't that just be a way to get people wondering whats going to happen. I mean who's to say T11 isn't behind all the hype, given his employment. Not to mention the mass distribution reach T11 has, he would almost be stupid to not use that connection to reach a broader audience quicker. 5k you tube followers is impressive but its nothing compared to the reach of T11. i dunno, just my 2 cents.

a little followup...i signed up for the email alerts and they come from zach@theory11.com so any doubt that T11 is behind this should probably be put to rest on that fact alone.

[Joker and the Thief]

Custom Jokers, revealed soon.

[PlayingKards]

I can't find any pictures on the deck accept for the front page one. But judging from that it looks pretty cool.

[Don Boyer]

I'm a little confused as to why any one would assume that its not going to be in co-op with T11? I understand the independent advertising, but couldn't that just be a way to get people wondering whats going to happen. I mean who's to say T11 isn't behind all the hype, given his employment. Not to mention the mass distribution reach T11 has, he would almost be stupid to not use that connection to reach a broader audience quicker. 5k you tube followers is impressive but its nothing compared to the reach of T11. i dunno, just my 2 cents.

a little followup...i signed up for the email alerts and they come from zach@theory11.com so any doubt that T11 is behind this should probably be put to rest on that fact alone.

I have an idea about this...

It's a T11 deck.  Instead of using the ad campaigns that got people ticked off with them (Monarchs, anyone?), they're promoting this deck on the down-low, using Zach as the conduit for disseminating information into the community.

It's kinda clever, when you think about it.  All Zach is doing is playing with the deck, and gradually revealing certain aspects of it.  No goofy imagery or objects in shadow or out of focus - just a dude with some cards.

[Joker and the Thief]

I'm a little confused as to why any one would assume that its not going to be in co-op with T11? I understand the independent advertising, but couldn't that just be a way to get people wondering whats going to happen. I mean who's to say T11 isn't behind all the hype, given his employment. Not to mention the mass distribution reach T11 has, he would almost be stupid to not use that connection to reach a broader audience quicker. 5k you tube followers is impressive but its nothing compared to the reach of T11. i dunno, just my 2 cents.

a little followup...i signed up for the email alerts and they come from zach@theory11.com so any doubt that T11 is behind this should probably be put to rest on that fact alone.

I have an idea about this...

It's a T11 deck.  Instead of using the ad campaigns that got people ticked off with them (Monarchs, anyone?), they're promoting this deck on the down-low, using Zach as the conduit for disseminating information into the community.

It's kinda clever, when you think about it.  All Zach is doing is playing with the deck, and gradually revealing certain aspects of it.  No goofy imagery or objects in shadow or out of focus - just a dude with some cards.

Very good points. Its a different type of hype up and its kind of designed to seem as though theory11 has nothing to do with it. It's not as if some of the other theory11 staff haven't seen the deck in person. I've seen Michael James flourish with them and I would presume Christen Gerhart Would have used them as well considering them meeting up every week for exposé.

[Don Boyer]

I have an idea about this...

It's a T11 deck.  Instead of using the ad campaigns that got people ticked off with them (Monarchs, anyone?), they're promoting this deck on the down-low, using Zach as the conduit for disseminating information into the community.

It's kinda clever, when you think about it.  All Zach is doing is playing with the deck, and gradually revealing certain aspects of it.  No goofy imagery or objects in shadow or out of focus - just a dude with some cards.

Very good points. Its a different type of hype up and its kind of designed to seem as though theory11 has nothing to do with it. It's not as if some of the other theory11 staff haven't seen the deck in person. I've seen Michael James flourish with them and I would presume Christen Gerhart Would have used them as well considering them meeting up every week for exposé.

They could practically deny the "hype" if they wanted to!  But seriously, using a person with a face that's known in the community is smart - they're trying to make the roll-out more personal in feel, and the hype builds among us talking about stuff like this rather than from anything they're doing directly.  It's more at a low simmer than full boil.

[S.C.]

I have an idea about this...

It's a T11 deck.  Instead of using the ad campaigns that got people ticked off with them (Monarchs, anyone?), they're promoting this deck on the down-low, using Zach as the conduit for disseminating information into the community.

It's kinda clever, when you think about it.  All Zach is doing is playing with the deck, and gradually revealing certain aspects of it.  No goofy imagery or objects in shadow or out of focus - just a dude with some cards.

Very good points. Its a different type of hype up and its kind of designed to seem as though theory11 has nothing to do with it. It's not as if some of the other theory11 staff haven't seen the deck in person. I've seen Michael James flourish with them and I would presume Christen Gerhart Would have used them as well considering them meeting up every week for exposé.

They could practically deny the "hype" if they wanted to!  But seriously, using a person with a face that's known in the community is smart - they're trying to make the roll-out more personal in feel, and the hype builds among us talking about stuff like this rather than from anything they're doing directly.  It's more at a low simmer than full boil.

agreed on all accounts. the more we wonder about it the more we talk and the more we talk the more we want. its actually extremely clever if you ask me...by making it almost seem like an interdependent release it only adds to the hype.

[Michael]

I'll be honest. As much as I like "super fancy" backs (as in those that take up the whole thing and super detailed in design), a simple designed back, and usually deck as well, is a welcome. The NOC deck was nice in it's simplicity and if this deck can pull off simple yet elegant or sleek then it would be amazing. Looking forward to the joker reveals soon!

[Michael]

Jokers revealed in an email that I received from signing up for updates today:

[Don Boyer]

Jokers revealed in an email that I received from signing up for updates today:

Those are probably the plainest jokers I've ever seen.  That's not necessarily bad, but still...  Plain...

[Michael]

Jokers revealed in an email that I received from signing up for updates today:

Those are probably the plainest jokers I've ever seen.  That's not necessarily bad, but still...  Plain...

The J of the Jokers and F for Fontaine is reminiscent of the font for the J of the Jokers in the Jaqk decks. Unfortunately, the Jaqk jokers were much more "detailed" (quotes are only there cause they weren't heavily detailed) than these jokers. I think it definitely fits with the whole simplistic style this deck is going for.

But I will say though that the NOC jokers have a fighting chance at having one of the plainest jokers, if not the plainest, as well.

[Don Boyer]

Jokers revealed in an email that I received from signing up for updates today:

Those are probably the plainest jokers I've ever seen.  That's not necessarily bad, but still...  Plain...

The J of the Jokers and F for Fontaine is reminiscent of the font for the J of the Jokers in the Jaqk decks. Unfortunately, the Jaqk jokers were much more "detailed" (quotes are only there cause they weren't heavily detailed) than these jokers. I think it definitely fits with the whole simplistic style this deck is going for.

But I will say though that the NOC jokers have a fighting chance at having one of the plainest jokers, if not the plainest, as well.

Well, damn near everything about the NOCs are plain!    Still, this is pretty plain.  But it's a joker, so who cares, right?

[Michael]

Jokers revealed in an email that I received from signing up for updates today:

Those are probably the plainest jokers I've ever seen.  That's not necessarily bad, but still...  Plain...

The J of the Jokers and F for Fontaine is reminiscent of the font for the J of the Jokers in the Jaqk decks. Unfortunately, the Jaqk jokers were much more "detailed" (quotes are only there cause they weren't heavily detailed) than these jokers. I think it definitely fits with the whole simplistic style this deck is going for.

But I will say though that the NOC jokers have a fighting chance at having one of the plainest jokers, if not the plainest, as well.

Well, damn near everything about the NOCs are plain!    Still, this is pretty plain.  But it's a joker, so who cares, right?

And honestly, that's what I love about the NOCs! and yeah I mean jokers are the cards usually forgotten about but hey, wouldn't hurt to have an attractive one but it seems this joker design could've worked well as an ad card or something... Oh well! I'm not a deck designer so what do I know

[MrMollusk]

Eeeesh. There's a line between "minimalist" and "boring". I think this deck definitely had the potential to make some pretty neat jokers that weren't too complex or silly. But really? Just a red block and some text? I dunno...

[Evan]

I agree, the jokers are pretty damn boring.

[sr15]

this whole deck is completely underwhelming

[DrianAbara]

this whole deck is completely underwhelming

I completely agree. What I cannot possibly fathom are all the fanboys in the comments section who are like 'OMGMGMGG I NEEDZ TO BUY A GAZEELION OF DEEZ DECKZ DEY R SO AMAZIN'
It makes me sad

[Paul Carpenter]

I understand the desire to do a minimalistic deck design, but when the final package is so very close to many decks that have been done already, why bother? This is basically the NOC with the addition of a single logo. The borders are thin, but because they are just plain straight edges, the overall effect when fanned will be no different than any number of other decks out there. The faces are standard, so you get nothing new there. The AoS is clean, but not inspiring or worth any additional study. The Jokers are basically ad cards.

There's nothing wrong about the deck, but there really isn't much right about it either, if you know what I mean.

I think (well, actually I KNOW ) there are ways to combine a simple visual look with detail and interest at the same time. It just takes a little more effort and thought...

[PlayingKards]

The release and full trailer will be out this friday according to his latest teaser of the cards.

[Frost]

In the latest teaser video i saw. The Fontaine deck will be limited only 2500 were made. It will not be sold in the theory11 website it is going to be sold at fontainecards.com .

[Don Boyer]

The more I'm hearing about this deck, the more I'm losing interest.  You'd think it would be the opposite, but no.  All this hype for a deck that doesn't look terribly innovative or even interesting...not for me.

[MrMollusk]

Box revealed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MotJtc6Jn4c

[Fanofyankees13]

Bleh.....I'm with Don on this one. Progressively losing interest the more I see. Looking like a pass for me on these.

[Utterfool]

Every time I read the name of this deck I just keep thinking Bioshock and although It was a very good game and the decks is done is a "classic" casino style which would fit the game, I just can't bring myself to want to buy the deck.
In the end much as Ace Fulton's casino was ugly and Jerry's nuggets are ugly (this is obviosly my opinion and I know there are other reasons to own a Jerrys)  The Fontaine deck is ugly.
The NOC deck was simple yes, but I didn't see it as ugly I think the simple solid back may be more pleasing to me than a simple solid back broken up by a not to innovative and simple motif.

The nail in the coffin for me though was the use of the word "Supreme" on the box. I don't know why but it irks me

[Benjam]

I agree! I hate the fact he used "supreme" cause it reminds me of those stupid supreme hats that all those hipsters wear... thats just what bugs me about it xD

As for the overall deck of cards, I personally like the design and MIGHT consider picking up 1 or 2 of these decks... but what I don't understand is why everyone is getting SO hyped up about a deck of cards which they know NOTHING about... I mean, so far the advertisement has been purely design-based, there is no mentioning of how the cards will handle, which is the most important thing! All these fanboys are getting hyped over a nice looking deck of cards but they have no idea if they have smooth or air cushioned finish, what kind of stock its printed on and everything else like that. If we don't find anything out about the handling of the cards before Zach releases them, we'll just have to assume they're standard bikes with a customised back, ace of spades, box and jokers... if that's the case, its simply not worth buying them.

Every time I read the name of this deck I just keep thinking Bioshock and although It was a very good game and the decks is done is a "classic" casino style which would fit the game, I just can't bring myself to want to buy the deck.
In the end much as Ace Fulton's casino was ugly and Jerry's nuggets are ugly (this is obviosly my opinion and I know there are other reasons to own a Jerrys)  The Fontaine deck is ugly.
The NOC deck was simple yes, but I didn't see it as ugly I think the simple solid back may be more pleasing to me than a simple solid back broken up by a not to innovative and simple motif.

The nail in the coffin for me though was the use of the word "Supreme" on the box. I don't know why but it irks me

[rave]

Now "Available"

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/337480

[Paul.Middleton]

The email states they are available for purchase, and takes you to Indiegogo. 

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/337480


Am I the only one that feels slightly misled? I assumed this wasn't a crowdfunding project from the marketing and that the cards were printed, clearly I was wrong.

One deck for $12.

[Pacis]

That is definitely odd...
Let's see what will they say in the next email.

[sinsandman]

Screw this mess. I may have picked up a couple, one for use one for seal. However, with the hype leading up to its "purchase" release and that clearly not being the case, as well as the price tag of a deck far better than this one....I'm out. Not only out, but completely against this sack of bs.

[Don Boyer]

OK, so here's what we've got.

No involvement with Theory11 - check.
Boring, uninspired back design - check.
Boring, even less inspired jokers and AoS - check.
USPC standard faces, right down to the colors - check.

So far, a pack of Bike Standards has more appeal to me than this - ESPECIALLY at this price tag.

All these fanboys are getting hyped over a nice looking deck of cards but they have no idea if they have smooth or air cushioned finish, what kind of stock its printed on and everything else like that.

Well, here's the likely (in fact ONLY) possibilities in terms of handling.

Bike stock, smooth, Magic Finish
Bike stock, textured, Magic Finish
Bee stock, smooth, Magic Finish
Bee stock, textured, Magic Finish

Notice a common element among those choices?  It's "the great equalizer" in USPC custom deck-making - any deck with MF will perform like silk out of the box.  Every custom deck project gets MF by default, and I seriously doubt that Mueller will request standard finish.  There's little to differentiate custom decks any more in terms of performance, at least not decks from USPC.  So now, it is mostly about the design.  And that design is as exciting as watching dirty dishwater drain from the sink...

[Pacis]

Yes, I'm not backing it too.
Btw, 30 days before the end, and more than half of the amout needed is already raised.

[reckone1999]

i personally love the look of these cards. i l'm a HUGE fan of minimalism and hate so many recent releases that this deck is one of the few that i really like. i love the vibrant red and blue, and how the skinny lettering makes the back of the card look fat. i'm surprised more people don't like these. if you are a fan of the way jerry's or wynn's look this shouldn't be too much of a stretch from those decks. i will however admit that i'm not too fond of the ace of spades, but other than that, everything else is fine, and the back looks elegant to me at least i even like the box. but ... to each his own.

[Pacis]

You do seem to not have read the last posts.

[reckone1999]

in fact i have read them, i just disagree.

i don't find it boring, and by contrast i don't find heavy embellishment or busy backgrounds interesting.

what i do find interesting is how many people claim to like the noc deck, but find these to be boring by comparison.

but then again, i realize all of this is subjective anyway so . . . yea

[Joker and the Thief]

OK, so here's what we've got.

No involvement with Theory11 - check.
Boring, uninspired back design - check.
Boring, even less inspired jokers and AoS - check.
USPC standard faces, right down to the colors - check.

So far, a pack of Bike Standards has more appeal to me than this - ESPECIALLY at this price tag.

All these fanboys are getting hyped over a nice looking deck of cards but they have no idea if they have smooth or air cushioned finish, what kind of stock its printed on and everything else like that.

Well, here's the likely (in fact ONLY) possibilities in terms of handling.

Bike stock, smooth, Magic Finish
Bike stock, textured, Magic Finish
Bee stock, smooth, Magic Finish
Bee stock, textured, Magic Finish

Notice a common element among those choices?  It's "the great equalizer" in USPC custom deck-making - any deck with MF will perform like silk out of the box.  Every custom deck project gets MF by default, and I seriously doubt that Mueller will request standard finish.  There's little to differentiate custom decks any more in terms of performance, at least not decks from USPC.  So now, it is mostly about the design.  And that design is as exciting as watching dirty dishwater drain from the sink...

Zach said they were Bike Stock and I'm thinking its going to be a textured finish. I personally quite like the back design, the ace of spades is alright as well. The jokers seem to be a plain un-interesting design. He could've definitely added some value to the design by recolouring the courts. The box. Yes I know it's made for the vintage holdout but no it's quite ugly. That was a slip slop job and the potential for a really nice box could've been taken advantage of...

Didn't do it for me, but I'm glad to see its doing alright.

[KPopFever605]

Meh. The decks seem average to me. Especially for the high price tag. And, I just laughed hard when I saw "supreme back".

[Joker and the Thief]

Aaaaaaaaaaand funded! $10,059 as of this post.

[Benjam]

I actually agree with you I too am a fan of the minimalism, I really like the design of the backs, and I'm alright with the jokers and ace of spades.... but like we've all been saying, its simply not worth it haha
Also, the page says that they have "linen finish", but who knows what that is like... would it be the same as the finish on the aristocrat banknotes? I dunno haha

Anyways, I'm a big fan of Zach Mueller, I think he's got a lot of talent, and since he's my age, I have a lot of respect for the way he's already building a career for himself in magic by working for T11 and all the rest of it.
BUT, I agree with what most of you guys are saying in terms of usability vs price tag, SO I'm gonna have to give these a miss...
Just my two cents

i personally love the look of these cards. i l'm a HUGE fan of minimalism and hate so many recent releases that this deck is one of the few that i really like. i love the vibrant red and blue, and how the skinny lettering makes the back of the card look fat. i'm surprised more people don't like these. if you are a fan of the way jerry's or wynn's look this shouldn't be too much of a stretch from those decks. i will however admit that i'm not too fond of the ace of spades, but other than that, everything else is fine, and the back looks elegant to me at least i even like the box. but ... to each his own.

[BiggerDee]

USPCC has a tuck printing quality issue with the Fontaine decks...

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hCNzT0RZg0&feature=player_embedded

USPCC has a quality issue and instead of this creator running and hiding like so many KS folks who run into problems do, he's out front, and open about it, and is doing what he can to make things better. As a backer, I applaud his efforts. He doesn't fix the situation completely, but he does what he can to make things right, and keeps us updated. I have read the horror stories about KS decks never arriving, and about other campaigns with no updates and no product. Do what you can, but be open about it. People can be understanding if you just give them the opportunity to, and keep them in the loop. Hats off to Zach for not just an e-mail, but a video update!

[MrMollusk]

USPCC has a tuck printing quality issue with the Fontaine decks...

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hCNzT0RZg0&feature=player_embedded

USPCC has a quality issue and instead of this creator running and hiding like so many KS folks who run into problems do, he's out front, and open about it, and is doing what he can to make things better. As a backer, I applaud his efforts. He doesn't fix the situation completely, but he does what he can to make things right, and keeps us updated. I have read the horror stories about KS decks never arriving, and about other campaigns with no updates and no product. Do what you can, but be open about it. People can be understanding if you just give them the opportunity to, and keep them in the loop. Hats off to Zach for not just an e-mail, but a video update!

Every project I backed that had a mass printing error announced it immediately. Plus, I don't think a tiny, non-prominent smudge is going to do any harm.

Now the Bohemia deck. The USPCC REALLY screwed up their deck. Multiple times. But when they finally got it right, the end project was unbelievably good. It remains one of my favorite decks.

[Don Boyer]

USPCC has a tuck printing quality issue with the Fontaine decks...

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hCNzT0RZg0&feature=player_embedded

USPCC has a quality issue and instead of this creator running and hiding like so many KS folks who run into problems do, he's out front, and open about it, and is doing what he can to make things better. As a backer, I applaud his efforts. He doesn't fix the situation completely, but he does what he can to make things right, and keeps us updated. I have read the horror stories about KS decks never arriving, and about other campaigns with no updates and no product. Do what you can, but be open about it. People can be understanding if you just give them the opportunity to, and keep them in the loop. Hats off to Zach for not just an e-mail, but a video update!

Every project I backed that had a mass printing error announced it immediately. Plus, I don't think a tiny, non-prominent smudge is going to do any harm.

Now the Bohemia deck. The USPCC REALLY screwed up their deck. Multiple times. But when they finally got it right, the end project was unbelievably good. It remains one of my favorite decks.

They aren't the only recent deck that had to deal with USPC glitches.  Coterie Bee had plenty.

As errors go, this one's pretty minor.  Minor, but still unbelievable - I sometimes think Q1 must translate to English as "eh, it's good enough..."

[MrMollusk]

USPCC has a tuck printing quality issue with the Fontaine decks...

Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hCNzT0RZg0&feature=player_embedded

USPCC has a quality issue and instead of this creator running and hiding like so many KS folks who run into problems do, he's out front, and open about it, and is doing what he can to make things better. As a backer, I applaud his efforts. He doesn't fix the situation completely, but he does what he can to make things right, and keeps us updated. I have read the horror stories about KS decks never arriving, and about other campaigns with no updates and no product. Do what you can, but be open about it. People can be understanding if you just give them the opportunity to, and keep them in the loop. Hats off to Zach for not just an e-mail, but a video update!

Every project I backed that had a mass printing error announced it immediately. Plus, I don't think a tiny, non-prominent smudge is going to do any harm.

Now the Bohemia deck. The USPCC REALLY screwed up their deck. Multiple times. But when they finally got it right, the end project was unbelievably good. It remains one of my favorite decks.

They aren't the only recent deck that had to deal with USPC glitches.  Coterie Bee had plenty.

As errors go, this one's pretty minor.  Minor, but still unbelievable - I sometimes think Q1 must translate to English as "eh, it's good enough..."

HAHAHAHA!

Oh, jeeze. I wonder what decks were printed without Q1 quality control. Those would be some really hilarious misprints.

[BiggerDee]

I've seen a lot of deck designs on KS that would be IMPROVED with multiple misprints!! :-)

[Don Boyer]

As errors go, this one's pretty minor.  Minor, but still unbelievable - I sometimes think Q1 must translate to English as "eh, it's good enough..."

HAHAHAHA!

Oh, jeeze. I wonder what decks were printed without Q1 quality control. Those would be some really hilarious misprints.

You've seen them before - Bicycle Standard.  Strictly guessing, it's probably Q5.  No fancy features, no tricky printing, so less need to supervise with as many people as a Q1 job.

We think of "perfect" decks when we think of Q1 - technically speaking, all that Q1 means is that they max out the number of personnel doing quality checks along the way.  Tricky things like metallic inks, foil tucks, thin borders, full-color designs, etc. increase the need for the additional supervision.  But a bog-standard Bicycle Rider Back deck can be as "perfect" even if it's printed at Q5.  They don't guarantee perfection, they just guarantee that there will be more eyes on hand looking for mistakes - whether they catch the mistakes or not is a different story.

I've seen a lot of deck designs on KS that would be IMPROVED with multiple misprints!! :-)

...or no prints at all... 

[MrMollusk]

As errors go, this one's pretty minor.  Minor, but still unbelievable - I sometimes think Q1 must translate to English as "eh, it's good enough..."

HAHAHAHA!

Oh, jeeze. I wonder what decks were printed without Q1 quality control. Those would be some really hilarious misprints.

You've seen them before - Bicycle Standard.  Strictly guessing, it's probably Q5.  No fancy features, no tricky printing, so less need to supervise with as many people as a Q1 job.

Really. I must've bought bricks of the things, and I've never encountered a misprint. Not once.
But 2/15 of my Kickstarter decks, all with Q1 control, had significant goofs. Silly USPCC.

[Don Boyer]

As errors go, this one's pretty minor.  Minor, but still unbelievable - I sometimes think Q1 must translate to English as "eh, it's good enough..."

HAHAHAHA!

Oh, jeeze. I wonder what decks were printed without Q1 quality control. Those would be some really hilarious misprints.

You've seen them before - Bicycle Standard.  Strictly guessing, it's probably Q5.  No fancy features, no tricky printing, so less need to supervise with as many people as a Q1 job.

Really. I must've bought bricks of the things, and I've never encountered a misprint. Not once.
But 2/15 of my Kickstarter decks, all with Q1 control, had significant goofs. Silly USPCC.

I've encountered about two misprints of standard USPC decks - I have a deck of Tally Ho with backs that are of an inconsistent red color on the backs, and I returned a pack of Bike Standards that had a gash torn into the front of over a dozen cards, as if something sprang loose as the deck was being cut and collated.  Considering how many packs of both I've opened over the years, that's a pretty good track record.  But again, as I said - they're less complicated to make.  TH tuck boxes are monochrome, as well as their backs.  It's tougher to screw it up because there's less that could possibly go wrong.

[MrMollusk]

As errors go, this one's pretty minor.  Minor, but still unbelievable - I sometimes think Q1 must translate to English as "eh, it's good enough..."

HAHAHAHA!

Oh, jeeze. I wonder what decks were printed without Q1 quality control. Those would be some really hilarious misprints.

You've seen them before - Bicycle Standard.  Strictly guessing, it's probably Q5.  No fancy features, no tricky printing, so less need to supervise with as many people as a Q1 job.

Really. I must've bought bricks of the things, and I've never encountered a misprint. Not once.
But 2/15 of my Kickstarter decks, all with Q1 control, had significant goofs. Silly USPCC.

I've encountered about two misprints of standard USPC decks - I have a deck of Tally Ho with backs that are of an inconsistent red color on the backs, and I returned a pack of Bike Standards that had a gash torn into the front of over a dozen cards, as if something sprang loose as the deck was being cut and collated.  Considering how many packs of both I've opened over the years, that's a pretty good track record.  But again, as I said - they're less complicated to make.  TH tuck boxes are monochrome, as well as their backs.  It's tougher to screw it up because there's less that could possibly go wrong.

Good point. Granted, It's pretty damn hard to print an entire run of decks with deck boxes with askew designs. (Bohemia)

[Paul Carpenter]

They had to reprint my Tendril tucks 4 times. Luckily they were on top of it and I didn't get all 5,000 screwed up and shipped to me. Still, at Q1 I had probably a gross with small imperfections in the end.

With Aurum, they really did a great job. Still, I came across of number of decks I couldn't claim to be top notch and those ended up as my factory seconds.  The only way to fully guarantee the "perfection" of the finicky laser cut deck was to have them do all those completely by hand from start to finish, and they had to toss out more than a few.

It is annoying when that stuff happens, but how you approach USPCC as a designer makes a difference I think. If you are super involved, polite, have some common sense and understanding it seems like they work a little harder for you. Maybe I'm just lucky but my experience with their custom team has been stellar, and I have tossed some insane stuff at them which few, if any, other people do.

[Joker and the Thief]

Found on Zach's Instagram.

http://instagram.com/p/eLjUu_Cb0P/
http://instagram.com/p/eV8Kb4ib5k/

MOD EDIT: the KS page
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1185270770/blue-fontaine-playing-cards

[xela]

I don't like him. I don't remember why, though. :S

[Don Boyer]

I don't like him. I don't remember why, though. :S

Maybe because of some of the stuff he said in his T11 vlogs.  Like ripping into an artist on their own magic/cardistry marketplace.

Wow - blue?  I'm shocked.  Who would have thought his next deck would be exactly the same as the first but with a new color?  Must've taken all those weeks to get those creative juices flowin'.  I tell ya, never saw that comin', not in a million years...  Who knows?  We might have our next Smoke-and-Mirrors series versions 4 through 7 here...

I'd comment more, but I can't actually see the photos since Instagram is crapping out on the work PC.  I mean really - do we actually NEED Instagram?  Aren't there other things that do the exact same thing that we were already using before Instagram showed up?  It's not like Instagram does those things better, right?  Or am I just being a crotchety old fart? 

[Phegget]

Youre just old Don =p. I dont like the kid either, he is quite annoying but i have to be honest and admit that he does have nice cardistry skills. Though as much as i hate him i will still pick up the deck as i missed the red fontaine. Blue is my favourite colour and the back is actually attractive dispite the obvious lack of effort.

[Card Player]

I'd comment more, but I can't actually see the photos since Instagram is crapping out on the work PC.

Do you really need a photo? This is the Fontaine deck we are talking about. Lol j/k

[Michael]

I just don't know why he couldn't release these the same time as the reds... Oh wait if I were to guess, money. I guess there's a possibility that the blues didn't exist when the reds came out. But eh, don't like a new color release for the sake of another release.

I guess I could be wrong seeing as I don't know if the design has been changed at all or not. I kinda doubt it but it's possible.

[Don Boyer]

I just don't know why he couldn't release these the same time as the reds... Oh wait if I were to guess, money. I guess there's a possibility that the blues didn't exist when the reds came out. But eh, don't like a new color release for the sake of another release.

I guess I could be wrong seeing as I don't know if the design has been changed at all or not. I kinda doubt it but it's possible.

Since he's still calling it "Fontaine", I'm inclined to think there are no changes - otherwise, he'd have mentioned them by now.  There may be one change, though - USPC won't screw up the boxes this time!

[Michael]

I just don't know why he couldn't release these the same time as the reds... Oh wait if I were to guess, money. I guess there's a possibility that the blues didn't exist when the reds came out. But eh, don't like a new color release for the sake of another release.

I guess I could be wrong seeing as I don't know if the design has been changed at all or not. I kinda doubt it but it's possible.

Since he's still calling it "Fontaine", I'm inclined to think there are no changes - otherwise, he'd have mentioned them by now.  There may be one change, though - USPC won't screw up the boxes this time!

Makes sense I guess. If they were revised there could possibly be a suffix like "V 2" added but not necessarily. And I see what you did there haha

[vmagic]

Zach has just posted a teaser on his channel, a very short one. The ending states that it will be coming to Kickstarter on Dec 20.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbIm5kVLZQI

[John Spade]

Finally

[Don Boyer]

I can pass on these.  I didn't feel compelled to back the first ones on IndieGoGo and I don't feel compelled to back these.  Zach created kind of a boring deck.  Two lowercase "f"s doesn't make a back design in my mind, especially with standard faces.  And don't say "oh, but they perform soooooo well," because practically all custom USPC decks perform well these days thanks to Magic Finish.

[John Spade]

I can pass on these.  I didn't feel compelled to back the first ones on IndieGoGo and I don't feel compelled to back these.  Zach created kind of a boring deck.  Two lowercase "f"s doesn't make a back design in my mind, especially with standard faces.  And don't say "oh, but they perform soooooo well," because practically all custom USPC decks perform well these days thanks to Magic Finish.

I have to disagree, Don, I think the back design is the perfect balance of minimalism and sophistication (although it is kind of weird how Zach literally just used letters from a preexisting font to create the design. I also think that the bright red version is much more aesthetically pleasing than the blue). Just my opinions.

Also, if these follow the trend of the original Fontaine deck, they'll be selling on eBay for waaaay more than you could buy them for on KS. Gotta stock up...

[Paul Carpenter]

Boy...blue. Adventurous.

[MagikFingerz]

Boy...blue. Adventurous.

I completely agree with Don. There's a fine line between minimalistic and boring, and the fontaines aren't even close to it.

[atsquare]

I'm not a big fan of this deck but I came across Zach's new teaser for the Blue Fontaines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI0dtpYrFZs&feature=c4-overview&list=UUujBiYlw9avXsut3s671X6g

Maybe a purple deck is coming in the near future?

[ivan]

I'm not a big fan of this deck but I came across Zach's new teaser for the Blue Fontaines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI0dtpYrFZs&feature=c4-overview&list=UUujBiYlw9avXsut3s671X6g

Maybe a purple deck is coming in the near future?

lol... not before the white limited edition deck.

seriously, I wonder how well it'll do on KS? He did pretty well with the red edition on indiegogo.

[Card Player]

I can pass on these.  I didn't feel compelled to back the first ones on IndieGoGo and I don't feel compelled to back these.  Zach created kind of a boring deck.  Two lowercase "f"s doesn't make a back design in my mind, especially with standard faces.  And don't say "oh, but they perform soooooo well," because practically all custom USPC decks perform well these days thanks to Magic Finish.

I did not buy into these either. The back story for the branding works well. I'm really surprised at a few people in particular that have helped endorse and plug the deck. Zack has a good support system of friends and young followers in the industry. Nice guy but I'm not paying him for his smile.

[Don Boyer]

I'm not a big fan of this deck but I came across Zach's new teaser for the Blue Fontaines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI0dtpYrFZs&feature=c4-overview&list=UUujBiYlw9avXsut3s671X6g

Maybe a purple deck is coming in the near future?

THAT was a teaser?  It was more like a commercial caught in coitus interruptus...  More of a "commersh" than a commercial...  These teasers - they're such BS to start with, most of them.  And I think that purplish color IS the blue deck, meaning it's not a true blue or someone screwed with the color settings on the camera.  Remember how "red" the Fulton's Chinatown deck looked in the ads at D&D?  And how disappointed so many people were when they were more of a funky orange than an actual red?

[MrMollusk]

Releasing on KS December 20th.

The day the Mana cards are funded, and a day before the Pagan deck is funded. Both fabulously detailed, well-thought out, and just all around amazing decks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNGnHBbc404

[Fanofyankees13]

I can pass on these.  I didn't feel compelled to back the first ones on IndieGoGo and I don't feel compelled to back these.  Zach created kind of a boring deck.  Two lowercase "f"s doesn't make a back design in my mind, especially with standard faces.  And don't say "oh, but they perform soooooo well," because practically all custom USPC decks perform well these days thanks to Magic Finish.

This. My sentiments exactly.

[BiggerDee]

Has anyone seen a time on these? Just curious. I normally get every notification that he sends out, but I haven't heard a word about these other than here.

[badpete69]

I will list it in here as soon as it goes live

[John Spade]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1185270770/blue-fontaine-playing-cards

HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE IT

[John Spade]

I will list it in here as soon as it goes live

Oh haha sorry, didn't mean to steal your thunder there :p

[HandSkillz]

Sad there were no early bird options, I guess since nothing is limited i'll just wait and see on this one.

[badpete69]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1185270770/blue-fontaine-playing-cards

[MagikFingerz]

Here's a tip: Instead of paying $12 for fontaines, you could just buy a blue NOC ($5) and a white sharpie (~$3).

You're welcome!

[sprouts1115]

His video is a bit long, but his uncut sheet is an insanely low priced at $19.  With price of the uncut sheet, shipping, price of the tube, Kickstarter and Amazon fees, he is probably making $5 bucks if that.   

[badpete69]

I will list it in here as soon as it goes live

Oh haha sorry, didn't mean to steal your thunder there :p

No thunder to steal my friend....Since I am often on KS, I list them as they come out..  Iknow people like to know fast

[BiggerDee]

36% funded as of 3:20CST. Inexpensive uncut, yes, but not a terribly exciting one.

[MrMollusk]

The uncut sheet is 7 bucks more than the deck. I don't even.

That being said, I'd probably pay a maximum of 7 bucks for this. 12? Heeeeeeell naw.

[Don Boyer]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1185270770/blue-fontaine-playing-cards

HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE IT

As easily as I couldn't love the first one?

Here's a tip: Instead of paying $12 for fontaines, you could just buy a blue NOC ($5) and a white sharpie (~$3).

You're welcome!

Dude.  Ya killin' me! 

But then you wouldn't get the "utility device built into box".  I hope he's not referring to the flap...

His video is a bit long, but his uncut sheet is an insanely low priced at $19.  With price of the uncut sheet, shipping, price of the tube, Kickstarter and Amazon fees, he is probably making $5 bucks if that.   

Well, since it cost him $5 to have it pulled off the line and it's maybe $2.50 for the "deck" it was supposed to be, I guess he's actually under water on them.  I was under the impression that shipping tubes ain't cheap.  He makes up for it with the $12 deck - who buys the uncut without getting at least one or two decks?

[10ofclubs]

Don, I would bet big bucks that the utility built into the box is the ability to "convert" the box into his Vintage Holdout. See the line under "playing cards" on the front of the box? Cut along that line and you can slide stuff in there. He released it on the Wire I believe. Maybe a year ago.

What I'm wondering is why he didn't move the box that "playing cards" is in down just a tad further. The upside down f looks like a shepard's hook.

[Curt]

Already 64% funded. I like the simplicity of the deck, but not enough to drop 20 bucks for one of them. I don't really understand the appeal of clothing with a name of a deck on it.... seems weird to me. I enjoyed the video, they made it a bit more of a show than just asking for backers.

[Paul Carpenter]

$12 for a deck. I clearly need teenage fanboys.

[10ofclubs]

$12 for a deck. I clearly need teenage fanboys.

Learn how to flourish and make dubstep cardistry videos. It will come in time, young one.

[HandSkillz]

$12 for a deck. I clearly need teenage fanboys.

I could help you go viral if you really wanted to, but it's a dark dark world to have teenage fanboys nipping at your heels.

[Don Boyer]

Already 64% funded. I like the simplicity of the deck, but not enough to drop 20 bucks for one of them. I don't really understand the appeal of clothing with a name of a deck on it.... seems weird to me. I enjoyed the video, they made it a bit more of a show than just asking for backers.

If it was the mainstream USPC decks, sure, but for some obscure limited edition that most of the world won't even know exists?  They wouldn't even know what it was the name of.  They might think it was a restaurant or resort, perhaps a nightclub.

It takes a fanboy to buy something like that.  Zach Mueller has fanboys.

[Anthony]

100% Funded, that was pretty fast. Not my thing, but more power to him.

[Mike Ratledge]

I'm not a big fan of this deck but I came across Zach's new teaser for the Blue Fontaines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI0dtpYrFZs&feature=c4-overview&list=UUujBiYlw9avXsut3s671X6g

Maybe a purple deck is coming in the near future?

Nah, Gold and then Silver metallic decks should follow next right?

[crazyfandecks]

Here's a tip: Instead of paying $12 for fontaines, you could just buy a blue NOC ($5) and a white sharpie (~$3).

You're welcome!

thank you for suggested, we Vietnamese have had tried, worked 

[phantom1412]

Here's a tip: Instead of paying $12 for fontaines, you could just buy a blue NOC ($5) and a white sharpie (~$3).

You're welcome!

thank you for suggested, we Vietnamese have had tried, worked 

Hahahahahahahahahaha

[MagikFingerz]

Here's a tip: Instead of paying $12 for fontaines, you could just buy a blue NOC ($5) and a white sharpie (~$3).

You're welcome!

thank you for suggested, we Vietnamese have had tried, worked 

That... is awesome 

[Card Player]

Here's a tip: Instead of paying $12 for fontaines, you could just buy a blue NOC ($5) and a white sharpie (~$3).

You're welcome!

thank you for suggested, we Vietnamese have had tried, worked 

That... is awesome 

I knew this reminded me of something I had seen before.

Mark Zuckerberg wants his playing cards back.

[JacksonRobinson]

What do the court cards look like, I asked on the comments section but I haven't seen the creator show up once yet. I'm trying to understand...

[JacksonRobinson]

Here's a tip: Instead of paying $12 for fontaines, you could just buy a blue NOC ($5) and a white sharpie (~$3).

You're welcome!

thank you for suggested, we Vietnamese have had tried, worked 

Who ever this is send me a PM you when a prize from me for being awesome!!!

[Don Boyer]

What do the court cards look like, I asked on the comments section but I haven't seen the creator show up once yet. I'm trying to understand...

Pretty sure they're USPC standard.

[Paul Carpenter]

What do the court cards look like, I asked on the comments section but I haven't seen the creator show up once yet. I'm trying to understand...

The whole deck is very standard Jackson. I think the only customized card is the Ace of Spades.

[sprouts1115]

We with his success and the growing tread of different colors for the same deck you should expect the the next one to be in black by July or August.  It is innegable. You like that MagicFingerz.  This is Agent Smith speaking.  The question is where do I find these Fan Boyz?  It's the new generation I'm looking for.  Is there a website?

[Don Boyer]

What do the court cards look like, I asked on the comments section but I haven't seen the creator show up once yet. I'm trying to understand...

The whole deck is very standard Jackson. I think the only customized card is the Ace of Spades.

...and the Jokers.  Somehow he managed to make them far more bland than USPC standard!

We with his success and the growing tread of different colors for the same deck you should expect the the next one to be in black by July or August.  It is innegable. You like that MagicFingerz.  This is Agent Smith speaking.  The question is where do I find these Fan Boyz?  It's the new generation I'm look for.  Is there a website?

Russell, you might want to start with grammarbook.com...    The word "innegable" isn't even English, it's Spanish!  You're hard enough to understand without requiring an interpreter.

[speedyy400]

We with his success and the growing tread of different colors for the same deck you should expect the the next one to be in black by July or August.  It is innegable. You like that MagicFingerz.  This is Agent Smith speaking.  The question is where do I find these Fan Boyz?  It's the new generation I'm look for.  Is there a website?

Russell, you might want to start with grammarbook.com...    The word "innegable" isn't even English, it's Spanish!  You're hard enough to understand without requiring an interpreter.

For those that don't know what it means like myself, it means undeniable, indisputable, and irrefutable. Save you all having to google it :p

[10ofclubs]

Honestly, if I was in his position I would be doing the exact same thing. He's experimenting with the market and probably making some good money. And he's also only a teenager. If he isn't a good designer and knows it, he won't try and sell the cards based on their design, but he'll sell the image. That's why the trailer was a bunch of cool flourishers (who everyone in the community looks up to) having a good time.

[Don Boyer]

Honestly, if I was in his position I would be doing the exact same thing. He's experimenting with the market and probably making some good money. And he's also only a teenager. If he isn't a good designer and knows it, he won't try and sell the cards based on their design, but he'll sell the image. That's why the trailer was a bunch of cool flourishers (who everyone in the community looks up to) having a good time.

You hit the nail right on the head - I couldn't have said it better.

[Magic_Orthodoxy]

well I backed this deck  and they are finally shipping. If you've ever been curious how big a project it is.. you'll never guess but Zach turned it into a musical montage....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1jsvoVp14k

[Magic_Orthodoxy]

Zach put out an update today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EBd1uR34mk

Turns out Zach printed 1/5000 on the bottom of the tuck - but he printed 15 thousand

wamp wamp waaaa......

[Don Boyer]

Zach put out an update today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EBd1uR34mk

Turns out Zach printed 1/5000 on the bottom of the tuck - but he printed 15 thousand

wamp wamp waaaa......

LOL - if it wasn't for bad luck, it's looking like he'd have no luck at all when it comes to getting decks right the first time...

[Magic_Orthodoxy]

I am guessing that the quality difference he is noticing in the cards (since these are standard bikes) is his previous deck was a sheet fed press run and since he had over 15K this time - his deck was printed on the web press.

[Don Boyer]

I am guessing that the quality difference he is noticing in the cards (since these are standard bikes) is his previous deck was a sheet fed press run and since he had over 15K this time - his deck was printed on the web press.

Not necessarily.  There's no actual quality difference between the two presses.  At the old plant, people insisted that the web press was better.  It was true, but only because the sheet fed press was not in great shape at the time - the way it was described to me, it sounded like it was being held together by chewing gum, dried ink blobs and prayer.  The new plant has new equipment, the quality is the same.  And that's really just the printing quality - it has nothing to do with the paper quality, 'cause the paper's made before it hits the press.  Only remaining factor would be the coating and finish, but they're probably the same as on the previous run - embossed and Magic Finish.

USPC sources their paper from paper mills.  This means that there can be variances in the quality of the paper itself that are beyond their control.  The paper quality, as was pointed out on the Ellusionist blog a couple of years ago, is expected to decline heading into the future because of increased use of recycled paper, which has shorter fibers than paper made from 100% virgin wood pulp.

Then there's that whole "range of thickness" thing going on as well...

[Aptombstone]

Mine arrived today!!!

The tuck box and card backs are a vivid inky blue and pure eye candy to display.
The cards are indeed a little uncharacteristically stiff upon opening, but I love that, which is why I'm limiting myself to fanning and simple cuts when handling them.

Crazy ebay prices now, but once these cards make their way to more backers and things settle, I'd say they are a worthy addition to your collection, even though they are just a color swap.

[Magic_Orthodoxy]

yea I am guessing once people start getting their bricks... the price will come waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay down.

Way down

 

[Jeremy Hanrahan]

Seems like a design similar to the Jerry's Nuggets IMHO. And now I see a deck on Kickstarter that looks very similar to the Fontaine's just different initials lol.

[Rob Wright]

Black Fontaine Playing Cards

Fontaines are a deck of cards I designed one night in photoshop for fun. I made one prototype deck, started using it in my videos, and people couldn't stop asking to buy them!

Fontaine Cards has now produced and shipped over 17,000 decks of Fontaines, both blue and red.

[HolyJJ]

Around 4 minutes of cardistry on the kickstarter video... but at the end of the day, I doubt that even 40 minutes of cardistry can make the back design look any less boring and unspectacular than the previous 2 versions.

Easiest pass of 2014 for me brother!

[Fess]

I didn't drink the kool-aid either. I have absolutely zero interest in these.

[Don Boyer]

Despite the word's short length, I can't say PASS fast enough for this deck.  I wasn't even a fan of the first one, never mind the second and now this one.

I've merged all the Fontaine deck topics here.  You can see the deck history unfold...

[PurpleIce]

Seriously, he is just trying to squeeze as much money out of the "fontaine" brand. Him, trying to showcase his past "success" with his previous fontaine decks and showing how well they sell and how much he earned is probably proof of trying to tied what he knows is probably a 1 minute colour change job and trying to ride on the hype.

Unfortunately, many are buying it. I highly doubt these will be worth much in the resellers market, but i have been proven wrong many times before.

[BiggerDee]

"Ever since that first Fontaine deck was released, I've been asked CONSTANTLY by hundreds of people around the globe begging for a black edition of Fontaines."


I say that we all start bombarding him with e-mail requests for a PEACH-colored deck (But you'd be so cool since NO ONE else has EVER done it before!!!!!) and see if mayhem would ensue...

[Don Boyer]

Seriously, he is just trying to squeeze as much money out of the "fontaine" brand. Him, trying to showcase his past "success" with his previous fontaine decks and showing how well they sell and how much he earned is probably proof of trying to tied what he knows is probably a 1 minute colour change job and trying to ride on the hype.

Unfortunately, many are buying it. I highly doubt these will be worth much in the resellers market, but i have been proven wrong many times before.

He rode T11's coat tails long enough to have garnered a passel of fanboys all his own, it seems.  If it makes them happy, great for them.

"Ever since that first Fontaine deck was released, I've been asked CONSTANTLY by hundreds of people around the globe begging for a black edition of Fontaines."


I say that we all start bombarding him with e-mail requests for a PEACH-colored deck (But you'd be so cool since NO ONE else has EVER done it before!!!!!) and see if mayhem would ensue...

What if we begged him for "the Emperor's new Fontaine deck?"  Zach can wave his empty hands around in the air and his fans will call it the greatest cardistry deck on Earth since the invention of paper! 

Hundreds of people, worldwide?  In a world of over six billion people, that's a drop in the drop in the bucket!  Six hundred people would be only one out of ten million, or 0.000001% of the total population - but to him, that's a mandate from the people!

Seriously, I merely jest.  There's little point as I see it in making the same deck in a new back color.  But I'm not the only one who sees it.  Some people out there think these are great enough to buy, obviously - so live and let live.  My only wish is that it didn't inspire even more uninspired, boring designs from everyone with a deck idea and a desire for cash.

[Fess]

These are funded. I agree, if it makes them happy fantastic. It seems like these do make many people happy.

[BiggerDee]

I've heard that the long and arduous design process is already in place for his next deck...


<Heads, green. Tails, yellow.>

[PurpleIce]

I've heard that the long and arduous design process is already in place for his next deck...


<Heads, green. Tails, yellow.>

My money is on purple 

[Card Player]

My money's on a Fontaine Pattern Back like Kings or Dealers.

f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f

Cut, Paste & Done.

[Rob Wright]

My money's on a Fontaine Pattern Back like Kings or Dealers.

f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f

Cut, Paste & Done.

I think you're onto something there, but I think we will see Green Fontaine's first.

[Don Boyer]

My money's on a Fontaine Pattern Back like Kings or Dealers.

f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f
f f f f f f f f

Cut, Paste & Done.

I think you're onto something there, but I think we will see Green Fontaine's first.

Oh, how very Blue Crown of him!  Or is it more like being very Arrco, since those reprints came first, I think...

There's just so much I could say, but it's like shooting very large ducks in a very small barrel...

Here's to Zach - let's all give him a big "f"!


               ffffffffff
             fff
            fff
            fff
fffffffffffffffffffffffff
            fff
            fff
            fff
            fff
            fff
            fff
            fff
            fff


Here's one really big "f" for you, Zach!  Enjoy your success!! 

I would say let's get back on topic, but seriously, how much can you say about a plain-jane design like this one and how much of that has already been said?  This would be an awesome deck to me - if I found it on the shelf at Walmart next to the Bicycles and selling for about fifty cents less per pack...

Rule of thumb for budding designers reading this: if your design is not as interesting as a pack of Bicycles or Bees from the corner store, Walmart or 7-11, RETHINK your design.  This falls under the category of JAFDFJAFD - bonus points to anyone who can figure that out!  The "process" consisted of finding a font with a nice-looking "f" in it.  That's it - that's the whole process!  Were you expecting a novel or something?

I'm trying to picture me using this deck.   "Hey, magic man, what's the 'f' stand for?"  Fontaine!  "Fontaine what?  Is it like a hotel or a casino or something?"  No, man - just Fontaine!  "You mean it's not even like a guy's name or something?"  No, it's not!  "Well, that's pretty effin' dumb, ain't it?"

Drat...looks like I ran out of shells after all...hey, everybody: duck dinner, grade A jumbo!  And we need some duct tape for the barrel!

[Rose]

I don't get it, I would like to able to say he earned this but after reading this comment "I designed one night in photoshop for fun." I can't say that is true. I am guessing the Orange and Red decks are selling for that much because of rarity. The Blue decks cannot be called rare. It does seem like this COPY PASTE RINSE REPEAT works for him though.

[Card Player]

Oh, how very Blue Crown of him!  Or is it more like being very Arrco, since those reprints came first, I think...

Do my eyes deceive me? How very Un-Don Boyer of you. I like it! lol

In all seriousness... I generally don't have a problem with a color change. As simple as it is, the story behind how it came to be "The Fontaine Deck" is interesting enough to build momentum as a brand. I keep having to remind myself he's only 19 years old. I was in my sophomore year of college at his age and still did not know what I wanted to do with my life. He has direction and "relevant" work experience (t11) already. I never bought a Fontaine Deck but I've seen worse. Yes, worse will be created because of decks like this.

[BiggerDee]

The simple design and color change, we've all seen a thousand times before. What gives this discussion and head-scratching so much lift is the ravenous followers who buy each new recolor faster than the last one. NOCs are simple and have a ton of colors, but they don't "Burn up the charts" like Fontaine's do.

Full disclosure: I own a quantity of the reds, and a far smaller quantity of the blues. I buy a lot of different decks that come out and something about the reds just seemed simple and fun, and I had never backed an Indiegogo at the time, so I thought "Why Not?". I bought a couple of the blues just to have a few sets since the red ones shot off to the moon after the campaign. I think that I bought literally 3 blues. I won't be involved with the new color.

It's interesting to watch a product buck all of what would seem right and sane and sell like it does. It's fun to treat it as a sociology experiment and follow the herd to see why they are doing what they are doing, when FAR more deserving designs falter. A marketing study, if you will.

Don, it's hard to get back on topic with the Fontaines because once you've talked about the design for 5 seconds, there's isn't anything left to say! :-)

[Don Boyer]

I don't get it, I would like to able to say he earned this but after reading this comment "I designed one night in photoshop for fun." I can't say that is true. I am guessing the Orange and Red decks are selling for that much because of rarity. The Blue decks cannot be called rare. It does seem like this COPY PASTE RINSE REPEAT works for him though.

Orange?  That's a new one on me!  Does his creativity know no bounds? 

Oh, how very Blue Crown of him!  Or is it more like being very Arrco, since those reprints came first, I think...

Do my eyes deceive me? How very Un-Don Boyer of you. I like it! lol

In all seriousness... I generally don't have a problem with a color change. As simple as it is, the story behind how it came to be "The Fontaine Deck" is interesting enough to build momentum as a brand. I keep having to remind myself he's only 19 years old. I was in my sophomore year of college at his age and still did not know what I wanted to do with my life. He has direction and "relevant" work experience (t11) already. I never bought a Fontaine Deck but I've seen worse. Yes, worse will be created because of decks like this.

"Un-Don Boyer of me?"  You haven't caught me on the wrong day! 

I, too, have no problem with color changes in general.  But this is a "design" only in the laziest sense of the word...  Made it in one night - his parents must be very proud.  But hey, he's making money at it, so how awful can it be, especially if it inspires so many other lazy, tired designs from teenagers wanting a drink at the money trough?

The simple design and color change, we've all seen a thousand times before. What gives this discussion and head-scratching so much lift is the ravenous followers who buy each new recolor faster than the last one. NOCs are simple and have a ton of colors, but they don't "Burn up the charts" like Fontaine's do.

Full disclosure: I own a quantity of the reds, and a far smaller quantity of the blues. I buy a lot of different decks that come out and something about the reds just seemed simple and fun, and I had never backed an Indiegogo at the time, so I thought "Why Not?". I bought a couple of the blues just to have a few sets since the red ones shot off to the moon after the campaign. I think that I bought literally 3 blues. I won't be involved with the new color.

It's interesting to watch a product buck all of what would seem right and sane and sell like it does. It's fun to treat it as a sociology experiment and follow the herd to see why they are doing what they are doing, when FAR more deserving designs falter. A marketing study, if you will.

Don, it's hard to get back on topic with the Fontaines because once you've talked about the design for 5 seconds, there's isn't anything left to say! :-)

At least with the NOCs, there's been changes in every single version, changes more substantial than moving a few color settings around.  Version 2 had simplified courts and a marking system, Version 3 had a new tuck box and a new printer.  All this has is a few shifts of the color sliders - and this being black, it was the easiest of all colors to find next to white!

You have to hand it to him that he's found a way to both make cash for a few finger strokes AND suck the originality out of the custom deck market.

[Rose]

I don't get it, I would like to able to say he earned this but after reading this comment "I designed one night in photoshop for fun." I can't say that is true. I am guessing the Orange and Red decks are selling for that much because of rarity. The Blue decks cannot be called rare. It does seem like this COPY PASTE RINSE REPEAT works for him though.

Orange?  That's a new one on me!  Does his creativity know no bounds? 

Oh wait, that is just the red ones on his ebay image, sorry.

[Don Boyer]

I don't get it, I would like to able to say he earned this but after reading this comment "I designed one night in photoshop for fun." I can't say that is true. I am guessing the Orange and Red decks are selling for that much because of rarity. The Blue decks cannot be called rare. It does seem like this COPY PASTE RINSE REPEAT works for him though.

Orange?  That's a new one on me!  Does his creativity know no bounds? 

Oh wait, that is just the red ones on his ebay image, sorry.

No sweat - I figured that was the case, anyway!  Just pulling' your chain for a bit!

[Justin O.]

I'm trying to picture me using this deck.   "Hey, magic man, what's the 'f' stand for?"  Fontaine!  "Fontaine what?  Is it like a hotel or a casino or something?"  No, man - just Fontaine!  "You mean it's not even like a guy's name or something?"  No, it's not!  "Well, that's pretty effin' dumb, ain't it?"

Fontaine is the name of one of his early magic tricks or cardist routines, something like that, I appreciate where the name comes from. I am jealous he is making so much money off of color reprints of the same deck, but I do think it is an attractive, if simple, design, independant of whether it took time, skill or effort to create.

[hecrob]

Well first... Happy New Year to everybody... 


Now i don't like the Fontaine cards... reasons were explained by everybody here... Its just not a good design...

But all the kids want the cards... its crazy... i started a preorder on this new black fontaines and im sold out of 36 decks that i originally ordered.

Its so  popular...  That it forced me, a small card store in méxico, to get a lot of those cards.

The only other cards that were equally wanted were the KINGS (the very first run they made) and the Red gatorbacks (the unattainable deck of cards that its selling for 5 times its original price).

So the kid (which is so easy to hate because of his ego) was successful on creating a deck of cards and selling it to everybody.

 

[Don Boyer]

Well first... Happy New Year to everybody... 


Now i don't like the Fontaine cards... reasons were explained by everybody here... Its just not a good design...

But all the kids want the cards... its crazy... i started a preorder on this new black fontaines and im sold out of 36 decks that i originally ordered.

Its so  popular...  That it forced me, a small card store in méxico, to get a lot of those cards.

The only other cards that were equally wanted were the KINGS (the very first run they made) and the Red gatorbacks (the unattainable deck of cards that its selling for 5 times its original price).

So the kid (which is so easy to hate because of his ego) was successful on creating a deck of cards and selling it to everybody.

It's really simple.  You're in a business.  You don't have to love the deck, you don't even have to use the deck - you just have to find customers willing to BUY the deck at a profit for you.  It appears you've found that and then some.

[Rob Wright]

DANIELmadison

7 hrs ·
.

Who can put me in touch with Mr Fontaine?

Probably wants to ask him what color the next DM deck should be. 

[Don Boyer]

DANIELmadison

7 hrs ·
.

Who can put me in touch with Mr Fontaine?

Probably wants to ask him what color the next DM deck should be. 

I hope he didn't honestly think there was a "Mr. Fontaine" anywhere.  It's like me asking him how Mr. Kings, Mrs. Gamblers, Mr. Players and Ms. Hustlers are doing...