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 and unique
Infinitas Playing Cards, and the latest version of the very popular
Cherry Casino Playing Cards (Tahoe Blue).
Infinitas Playing CardsI've always been fascinated by paradoxes and numbers. The idea of infinity has always intrigued me, because no matter how big a number you can think of, you can always add one more.
Infinitas Playing Cards takes its name from the Spanish word for infinite, and pays homage to this paradoxical concept of that which never ends.
Rian Lehman is the designer of the Infinitas deck, and although the creation of this deck didn't take an infinite amount of time, it did take him the better part of two years. It was his goal to pay tribute to the infinite possibilities that lie before us, as well as the idea of interconnectivity.
But the concept of infinite possibilities not only has significance for life in general, but especially comes to life when applied to card flourishing. As a growing art form, is it not true that there is unlimited potential at your finger tips, when you have a deck in hands? Not only can you expand the horizons of your own skills, but the young and rapidly maturing art form of cardistry is also awaiting new discoveries, when the minds and hands of budding cardists are unafraid to explore new territory, try new moves, and make new conquests. All things are limitless, but when this boundless and endless horizons are a regular feature of your creativity, who knows what new heights you might climb!
These ideas about infinity already find a home on the tuck box, which has multiple figure-eight symbols - the classical and elegant image of pure infinity - linked together. The deck's title employs a cursive font that helps suggest something of movement and artistry, while the rugged cream white card stock of the tuck box has a very earthy feel and look to it. With this deck, we might start with our feet on the ground, but once the cards come out of the box, we are ready to reach for the sky!
The possibilities start to open up at the same time as we open the tuck box, which has this intriguing slogan on the inside of the flap: "
Your choices are half a chance, so are everybody elses.” As for the cards, they defy traditional stereotypes, thereby serving as superb examples of the boundless potential that awaits when we are prepared to break with standard patterns, and venture into the unknown! Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, and among the infinite possibilities and outcomes there's just the chance that viewers will give this deck's unique style their personal seal of approval.
Everything about this deck is custom. Of course you've seen custom card backs before ... but not like these! These offer a very minimalist and yet symmetrical design based on interlocking infinity symbols. Not everyone will be thrilled by all the open space here, but these card backs do look gorgeous in cascades and waterfalls. And some fun possibilities can be harnessed for magicians wanting to capitalize on fans that can create a rare vanished or blank deck effect.
The infinity symbol is clearly the key that unlocks this deck, and you will find it everywhere, not least because it is the defining shape that is the main building block used to construct the custom pips.
But the elegance of infinity is everywhere present wherever you look. It is clearly shaping everything about this brave new world, especially the sophisticated Aces, which all feature giant pips. Note that despite the apparently phallic look of the Spade pip, it was actually designed to resemble the classic swords common in old time decks.
The court cards show that some memories of traditional characters still remains, but these offer a completely new interpretation in line with the deck's theme. Minimalism continues to be king, in a land without borders. The Spades and Clubs are decked out exclusively in a mono-coloured black, while the Hearts and Diamonds rely on a simple black and red colour scheme that proves bold yet effective.
There are some hidden revelations within, if you know where to look - after all, this is a land of infinite possibilities! And don't miss how our royal friends are dressed, with miniature suit pips emblazoned on their apparel. Their true loyalty is thus never in doubt, despite the pips used for the indices being far more ambiguous.
The number cards unquestionably exude a certain amount of charm, charisma, elegance, and sophistication. It's hard not to appreciate the artfulness and atmosphere that surrounds these playing cards on all sides.
But let's be honest, in view of the very non-conventional approach to the pips, this deck is probably more at home in philosophy than it is in being practical!
The printing comes to us courtesy of USPCC, which proves that even our Bicycle loving companions are willing to join us in a class of philosophy if it is quality that we're after. With the wheels of their proven reputation supporting us on our creative journey, travelling through these cards is always going to be comfortable and smooth.
Our two matching Jokers dispense with humanity completely, and celebrate what this deck is really about: a philosophical and exuberant exaltation of the infinite. But for those who really do want extra cards to play with, and who insist on making something magical out of all this philosophy, a double backer and blank facer are provided.
Even those who can't always understand the language of these unique playing cards at a glance, cannot fail to be impressed with the philosophical depth and artistic detail that have collided to create the very single possibility of bringing this deck into existence. The Infinitas deck truly breaks the mold, and departs from the traditional, inviting anyone with a pioneering and creative spirit to be its companion.
If you're looking for something truly original and unique, and want to be inspired to spread your wings and chase the sky, this is a deck for you. At home especially in the hands of a collector who enjoys novelty or philosophy, or the cardist who wants to break free anything that constrains, this minimalist deck is durable and smooth, and should last even longer than your dreams.
See the official trailer from Murphy's Magic here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M8YJ8b3sXkConclusionsUsable: 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:
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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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