I second that disappointment about the D&D deck. I've got it arriving soon, but have heard news of repeated courts. I think they could have done so many cool things with the deck and had the chance to go all out. I think my disappointment with the D&D deck is that exactly what Fred said. It felt like they were selling it as a full custom courts, but they really weren't.

I think it varies. As a collector, I love a full-custom deck done well. Maybe unique and make it special. But I think it's that that the new designers are honest about it. I don't mind semi-custom decks. They can be really nice too and there are quite a few that I want to add to my collection, but I want something more to it whether it be the idea behind the deck is cool/interesting (ie. Legends deck, all black decks, any CARC decks, etc.). I think, for semi-custom decks, I want to know before hand that's what it is. I think all it is is transparency. What I'd like big companies to do would do their own signature decks, which I guess Ellusionist has done already with modify re-drawn courts and pips.

+ 1 for JacksonRobinson

Decks arrived in amazing condition and excellent trader.

You will find some variants between retailers, but in the end, most if not all of them do end up on the aftermarket, either through eBay or resellers.

The really tough decks to find are the overseas exclusives.  There are quite a few decks made by Asian designers that are meant for exclusive distribution in their home country.  Most are either Japanese or Chinese, Hong Kong being one focal point.  Taiwan, too.  Some of these exclusives are made in Taiwan, like the Misdirection's Mystery (MSM) decks, or in mainland China, while others come from USPC.  There's way too many examples to list individually.

There were two sets of vintage decks that were BJ's Wholesale Club exclusives - the second set was eventually offered through Dan and Dave.

There was also a Wal-Mart exclusive design for Rider Backs - same cards, different boxes, sold in red/blue sets.  The back of the box was the same as the front of a "Standard" box, while the front had the Bicycle logo printed on it in landscape orientation.  I never spotted any aftermarket retailers for that one, but I did see a few on eBay.  I was smart, got mine from Wal-Mart before they sold out and switched to the standard two-deck set.

They also used to be a good source for American-made Streamline decks, only $1 each, but lately I can't find them there.  Streamlines from USPC's own plant are as good as Aviators or Bikes - smooth finish.  There were also made in Spain for a while, presumably out of the Fournier plant in Vitoria (it's a USPC-owned company).  But the Chinese-made ones were really bad - USPC canceled the contract with that company because the quality was so poor.  The same company was making other USPC brands as well: Mavericks, Aviators, and I think Hoyle.  USPC has a standing order with retail chains to return those Chinese-made decks, the quality was so bad.

Any interesting Asian market exclusive decks you might want to mention, Don?

I can attest to the really awful Chinese-made Streamline cards. I picked up a back in Canada in a bargain discount store, which I guess didn't return them, and originally did a double take when I noticed it was USPCC and then "printed in China". They feel almost like postcards and I honestly can't imagine how long they'd last.

A quick question for anyone that might know the answer. Technically there's only two real finishes by USPCC, air cushion and magic finish, but CARC developed the special finish on the Erdnase 216 playing cards. Is that finish exclusively CARC or will others be allowed to use that finish for their own decks in the future?

Sometimes some stores get exclusive versions of a specific deck. For recent example, the Bicycle Pluma deck. The standard one is the blue deck while Wal-Mart has its own orange version. Other times, the only different is the tuck box so that inside the box, the cards would be standard (cheap) Streamline playing cards. So I guess playing cards are just like action figures in their variants, exclusives, etc.

I use to drink a cup a day but then I got lazy to heat up the water.

Card Experiment has put so much effort into designing a custom back, pips, joker and 4 custom large Aces. I wish they'd do something more than slightly modified court cards.

That sold out super fast. I wonder how many decks were actually printed and how many were held for the future (ie. Variety boxes, etc).

edit: Even though it'd give them more negative space, I think the courts could have worked well without the border. And I guess they're back in stock again.

Actually that might be a fun thing to do next time someone is buying a new car. Now I do wonder how much the dealership will charge extra for the "privilege".

I think any company is willing to try to sell something for as high as they think someone is willing to pay for it. But it's a pretty good deal on Theory11's part. I wish they had included the Animal Kingdom sheet in the deal though.

Don, how long ago was it when uncut sheets first went for 200$? And I'm curious as to what sheets started off the uncut sheet craze.

Don, it begs the question, how much space that 1700 decks of cards take up?

Welcome Mydnyghte! Good luck with the cardistry. I honestly thing it's just practise, practise and some more practise. Anything yet you've learned that you're proud of?

Thanks for the welcome, Curt.

I see two clear plastic decks in the top right.

I approve. There is no hiding a lack of poker face behind those.

Would you care to recommend any other clear plastic deck? I know there's a Hoyle one that I've been meaning to get.