More Playing Cards from Murphy's MagicMurphy's Magic is a wholesale magic dealer that was formed by Mark Murphy in 1998. They have an enormous range of magic products which they sell in bulk quantities to magic dealers around the world, and they have a huge network of contacts in the retail industry. Their website is a terrific resource with tons of information about their products, which include all things magical: magic kits, magic tricks, card tricks, DVDs, books, gags & jokes, puzzles, juggling, playing cards, accessories, and more.
But given my love for playing card games, performing card magic, and collecting card decks, what really interests me is the fact that Murphy's Magic also produces their own playing cards. They have developed and produced multiple decks of playing cards over the years. In this article, I'll be covering four of their newest releases, all of which are available from Murphy's Magic dealers and retailers that sell magic supplies or custom playing cards. Besides the colourful and artistic
Mondrian Broadway Playing Cards and
Untitled Playing Cards, there's the thoughtful
Infinitas Playing Cards, and the latest version of the very popular
Cherry Casino Playing Cards (Tahoe Blue).
Cherry Casino Playing Cards (Tahoe Blue)Without a doubt, the new version of the
Cherry Casino Playing Cards (Tahoe Blue) is one of my favourite decks in recent times. It's just so versatile and practical, ideal for card magic and playing card games, while also adding an immediate touch of style and class courtesy of the bold metallic ink that is used for the signature "tahoe blue" colour on the tuck case, and all the maroon colours that substitute for the traditional garish red.
Created under the Pure Imagination label, designer Sam Devins has teamed up with Derek McKee to produce something truly special.
The concept of a Cherry Casino deck is at this point hardly new, and most playing card connoisseurs will already be familiar with several versions of decks with this name that have preceded the Tahoe Blue edition. The original aqua coloured Cherry deck was published in 2015, and several versions followed in successive years, including one in black. As evidenced by the Cherry Casino name, the idea behind the decks in this series is to draw on the image of an old time casino, hence the classic cherry artwork that is familiar from slot machines, an iconic symbol of gambling.
But now with this latest deck, the casino has moved to Lake Tahoe, one of the clearest and deepest lakes in the United States. That's what accounts for the classic cherry being set against the background of an inviting pearlescent blue, presented in a metallic ink, and creating a colour that you can easily immerse yourself in - just like the famous lake.
The tuck box is a very simple design, with the words Cherry Casino emblazoned on the sides. But it's precisely the simplicity that emphasizes the metallic inks used for the blue and maroon colours, and ensures that the design is memorable and eye-catching. An enticing metallic look makes an instant statement of class that sets this deck apart from the competition, and it has a magnetic quality about it that made me an instant fan.
The card backs feature the same design, although naturally with the expected white borders. Especially satisfying is the fact that the publishers haven't skimped on quality, because the metallic look is present on each and every card. It's not too strong, and yet when it catches the light, it's obvious enough to make it stand out very pleasantly and alluringly.
As for the card faces, these have the traditional look that casino use demands, making them immediately at home with other card games or card magic. But there are subtle changes, mainly in the colour palette, with the usual garish red replaced with a more muted maroon - again with a pleasant metallic look.
The other colours are as normal, although the blue is more muted, to fit better with the lake inspired colour of the card backs.
For the rest the customization is as expected for a very practical deck, with an oversized pip on the signature Ace of Spades reminding us of the Cherry Casino brand.
And of course we have two custom Jokers, featuring two luscious metallic cherries, compliments of East Las Vegas Nevada, with the word "Jackpot" functioning as an appropriately thematic substitute for the word "Joker".
In addition there are two gaffs, a double backer and a blank card.
The cards themselves have been printed by USPCC, although a thin crushed stock has been used for pleasant handling. But as you'd expect from a USPCC produced deck, the quality is second to none, and cards are a delight to dribble, fan, spread, and shuffle.
For the cardist and the magician, the Tahoe Blue version of the Cherry Casino deck will a very flexible, practical, and welcome addition to the collection. This is a stylish and high quality deck that will readily be at home almost anywhere.
See the official trailer from Murphy's Magic here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-au6zgtzx4
ConclusionsUsable: Many custom playing cards that are published are especially geared towards collectors, and end up remaining in shrink-wrap or collecting dust. That's not what you'll find happening with these decks from Murphy's Magic, because it's obvious that these are decks of playing cards that are designed to be used. Whether in the hands of a cardist, magician, or card gamer, these decks are definitely created with the idea of people using them and playing with them. Not only do they look beautiful, but they are also very functional. Even though they all have some degree of customization, it is not to the point that the cards are rendered unplayable or unrecognizable to the average person.
Magician-friendly: Some of these decks are especially ideal for use by magicians. That's evident by the fact that additional cards for use as gaffs have been included with the several decks, such as the Cherry Casino Playing Cards. The pips on this deck in particular have a hint of customization with metallic ink for the maroon colours, which adds enough to make the deck look sophisticated, yet without making the entire deck totally customized and unfamiliar.
Cardistry-friendly: Some of these decks are especially ideal for use by card flourishers. The bright colours and inspiring designs of the Mondrian Broadway deck and Untitled deck will immediately grab the attention of cardists, who will see its potential for all kinds of flourishes, with the possibility these offer to create hynoptic moves. The styles of these decks that lends themselves particularly well for cardistry. While traditional pips and colours could distract from the movement of the card faces, these decks have card faces that promote and accentuate flourishes due to their creative design.
Wide range: One thing I also appreciate about decks created by Murphys Magic is the wide range of diverse styles they offer. Some of their playing cards offer a high degree of customization while remaining fully playable and usable for card magic, while others are geared completely to cardistry, and yet others again are more traditional and conservative in style. If there's a style you're looking for or that suits your needs, they're almost certain to have something that will work for you, given the wide selection of decks they've created and that they offer.
Card quality: All the decks I've seen from Murphy's Magic have all been of good quality. The playing cards of all the decks featured in this review are printed by United States Playing Card Company (USPCC), who have earned a solid reputation as an industry leader through producing cards under their Bicycle brand. Their cards are consistently of solid quality, and feature excellent handling, due to their air cushion style embossing and magic finish/coating. As a result they handle smoothly, shuffle well, and work well for spreads and fans.
Affordable: With a recommended retail price of around US$10-15, these decks are not only practical, but they're also in a reasonable price range that makes them a more attractive for people looking for a customized deck that handles well.
RecommendationSo are any of these decks of playing cards for you? If you're looking for practical playing cards that you can actually use for playing card games, performing card magic, or for card flourishing, you'll almost certainly find something that fits the bill. With good looks and good handling, these decks continue the solid contribution that Murphy's Magic has made to the custom playing card market, and I am happy to recommend them.
The decks reviewed above are all available at your favourite Murphy’s Magic retailer. Want to learn more? Murphy's Magic:
www.murphysmagic.comHere are direct links for all the decks featured in this review series:
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Cherry Casino (Tahoe Blue): http://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=60952-
Mondrian Broadway http://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=60904-
Infinitas: http://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=61421-
Untitled: https://www.murphysmagic.com/product.aspx?id=62213
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