Newly released decks from Art of PlayArt of Play is known for its fine collection of carefully curated decks of high quality playing cards, many of which are optimized for cardistry or for playing card games. Run by cardistry innovators and pioneers Dan and Dave Buck, it is not only a paradise for those who appreciate unique games, puzzles, and playing cards, but it is also the online label under which the Buck twins produce their own brand of playing cards.
I've covered quite a large number of Art of Play's attractive decks previously, but this time I'd like to cover a number of their recently released decks, many of which continue series of other popular decks.
*** CONTINUED SERIES ***Peau Doux (Silver Edition)The
Peau Doux (Silver Edition) builds on the success of its predecessor, the
Peau Doux deck, which was created as a tribute to the legendary Cardini, known for his skill in manipulation and magic.
Cardini himself used a similar looking deck (but in bridge-size) as part of his legendary nightclub act, "The Suave Deceiver". He loved the design for fanning and manipulations, and it was a staple of his performances, and he took some remarkable measures to preserve its rights and to ensure it wasn't replicated by other magicians.
Shown here is a picture of Cardini from 1968 with his classic deck.
The tuck case largely replicates the original, featuring black with silver rectangles, and the name of the deck in a beautiful letter-pressed font on the front.
The back design of the cards is a striking one-way design with vibrant colours, with a circular pattern in layers of black and silver against a red background, with a silver Pegasus in metallic ink.
The Ace of Spades is based closely on Cardini's original, but reprises the Pegasus already seen on the back design, along with Cardini's name.
The court cards have a standard design, but limited to the same colour palette of red, black, and silver found on the backs, with metallic silver ink generating a very classy look.
The faces of the other cards are relatively standard, although the indices and pips receive a lighter treatment than normal.
The two identical Jokers also show a silhouette of Cardini, and besides a blank card there's another extra card with some information about Cardini and the deck.
But the truly signature element of this deck are the card backs, with a design that creates beautiful patterns in fans, spreads, and with other manipulations - which is exactly the reason why Cardini loved these cards so much!
RecommendationThese new designs from
Art of Play continue Art of Play's stellar reputation in producing wonderful decks for card magic and card flourishing, as well as novelty designs, with the Optical Illusion deck being an especially fine example of the latter. By collaborating with world class artists and creative thinkers, Dan and Dave Buck continue to ensure that their growing catalogue includes fresh new designs that are the kind of thing that consumers today are looking for.
Not only do these decks feature the best in looks, but as always the creativity of the designs is matched by quality materials and tuck boxes. High quality embossed air-cushioned cards ensure durability as well as smooth handling and consistent performance. The above decks are prime examples of the high quality designs that Art of Play is contributing to the playing card industry.
Whether your interest is in card games, card magic, card flourishing, or even just card collecting, you're almost certain to find some treasures in Art of Play's growing collection, and the decks reviewed here are fine examples of what they offer. If you enjoy quality playing cards, puzzles, or games, then you definitely need to check out whether they can help improve the tools in your hands when you are at play. After all, these guys have turned play into an art!
What to learn more? Check out
Art of Play:
- Official website:
artofplay.com- Social media:
Facebook,
Twitter,
Instagram,
Pinterest Direct links for items featured in this review series:
New series:
The Harmony Collection (Sea, Land, Air, Space)
Continued series:
DKNG Black Wheels,
Peau Doux (Silver Edition),
NOC Colorgrades (Desert Orange + Tropic Green)
New stand-alone:
Illusion d'Optique
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