The Mystery of Merlin Playing Cards

The Mystery of Merlin playing cards by Card-Addiction imagines a forgotten volume from the prophet's hidden study, presenting an artifact filled with celestial maps, ancient knots, and fragments of predictions lost to time.

Now on Kickstarter, every element of this deck serves as a cipher, from the deep blue tuck case adorned with intricate gold foil to the meticulously hand-drawn court cards depicting a kingdom drifting toward its inevitable fate. Merlin himself stands apart as the Joker, the only figure capable of peering beyond the constraints of law and time.

Design depth is the hallmark of this project, featuring a celestial seal on the two-way card back that balances traditional mysticism with modern production precision. The Ace of Spades, represented by a vigilant owl, acts as the silent guardian of the forbidden knowledge contained within these cards.

The project offers multiple variations, including a Gold Edition and a striking Holographic Edition where symbols shift with the light, mimicking the fluid nature of prophecy. For the true collector, the "Book of Merlin" grimoire box provides an exquisite home for the entire series, complete with rose gold gilding and a tactile, hard-cover finish.

This collection successfully strikes a balance between classical folklore and contemporary luxury aesthetics, ensuring the deck is as much a display piece as it is a functional tool for cardistry. The inclusion of cold foiling on both the front and back of the cards elevates the visual experience, ensuring every shuffle feels like a brush with the arcane.

Printed by WJPC and currently available on Kickstarter with pledge tier starting at $18. 

Good Pals 5 Year Anniversary Playing Cards on Kickstarter

The Card Inn has released their on Kickstarter, their anniversary collection that expands their iconic Good Pals Logo Series. The release introduces two editions- the ornate Legacy Edition and the personal Tribute Edition... each serving as a distinct pillar of this celebratory milestone.

The Legacy Edition represents a shift toward heightened detail, featuring an intricate, newly commissioned Ace of Spades and lush court card color palettes. 

For the collectors, the Gilded Legacy variant comes with vibrant, red-sparkling edges and a refined alternate tuck case.

Meanwhile, the Tribute Edition, a profoundly personal deck that honors the Good Pals community by featuring real-life friends across the court cards. 

Every aspect of this deck was thoughtfully planned, ensuring the artwork functions as a meaningful homage to the brand's five-year history.

The Tribute Edition will be printed by Kingstar whilst the Legacy Editions by WJPC. The collection is available now on Kickstarter with rewards starting at $13.

Deck View: Royales Players Scarlet Rouge (Limited Edition) Playing Cards

Luxurious. Exclusive. Sophisticated.

The Royales Players Limited Edition designed by Lee McKenzie is an exclusive Kickstarter release designed for serious card players, dealers, and collectors. The Scarlet Rouge edition features a full-bleed casino-style card back in a rich scarlet red, accented with shimmering metallic gold ink. 

Inside, the cards feature redesigned casino-inspired faces and custom court illustrations, with enlarged indexes and pip details for improved readability during gameplay. Bespoke typography adds a distinctive touch, while metallic gold detailing throughout the faces, pips, and courts reinforces the deck's premium appearance.

The luxurious presentation continues with a matte scarlet-red tuck box decorated with gold and white foil stamping, complemented by intricate foil embossing and a blind-embossed design. A custom three-sided wraparound seal in black, white, and metallic gold completes the packaging, giving this limited edition an unmistakably exclusive finish.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company, the deck uses premium crushed Bee-style card stock, an embossed Air-Cushion finish, and traditional cut.

Final Day on Kickstarter, Old Paris Playing Cards

Stepping back into the 15th century, the Old Paris deck by Ian Cumpstey offers a rare glimpse into the formative years of French playing card design. This project serves as a sophisticated reconstruction of the legendary Guymier sheet, successfully bridging a historical gap by completing the missing court card set through rigorous research and period-accurate illustration.

Ian has redrawn the court cards with a commitment to authenticity, utilizing gouache painting techniques to emulate traditional stencil coloring. By studying fragmentary evidence from the British Museum and the V&A, the deck features the classic named court cards...  such as the hero Hogier and the formidable Argine. Restored to their intended glory.

The aesthetic choice extends to the pip cards, which adopt a minimalist, one-way design that honors the simplicity of early woodcut aesthetics. Complementing the historical allure, the tuck box mimics the charm of vintage card wrappers, housing a deck that feels less like a modern accessory and more like a discovered antique.

Every aspect of this project was thoughtfully planned, ensuring that the linework and color palette harmonize with the legacy of the Paris pattern. This release strikes a natural balance between academic archival work and the tangible satisfaction of a playable, luxury-grade deck.

For those captivated by the lore of named court cards, this campaign also features an accompanying 100-page book detailing the history of these regal figures. It is an essential companion for collectors who value the intersection of cardistry and historical research.

Printed by Ivory Graphics in England, this book/deck set is currently available on Kickstarter for $25.