The playing card industry has a surprisingly rich ecosystem of brands — from century-old manufacturers to modern boutique designers who have transformed cards into collector art. Whether you're buying your first premium deck or building a serious collection, knowing these brands is essential.
1. Bicycle (USPCC) — The World Standard
Founded: 1885 | Known for: Reliability, consistency, global trust.
Bicycle is the baseline against which all other playing cards are measured. The Rider Back design is instantly recognizable worldwide and used by magicians, card players, and collectors alike. If you've ever held a deck of cards, it was probably a Bicycle.
Best deck to try: Bicycle Rider Back (Standard)
2. Theory11 — Luxury Design & Collector Culture
Founded: 2007 | Known for: Luxury design, celebrity collaborations, collector culture.
Theory11 elevated playing cards from tools to art objects. With collaborations spanning Harry Potter, Star Wars, and James Bond, they are the most collectible modern card brand in the world. First-edition Theory11 decks regularly appreciate in value on the secondary market.
Best deck to try: Theory11 Monarchs
3. Ellusionist, Cartamundi & Fontaine
Ellusionist (Founded: 2001): The first brand to successfully market premium custom cards specifically to the magic community. Their Black Tiger deck launched the modern era of collector playing cards. Decks tend toward dramatic, dark visual themes — a favourite among magicians.
Cartamundi (Founded: 1765): The world's largest card manufacturer, producing over 1.5 billion decks annually. Their 100% plastic casino decks represent the gold standard for durability and are used in casinos across Europe and Asia.
Best deck: Cartamundi 100% Plastic Poker Cards
Fontaine Cards (Founded: 2016): Built entirely through cardistry videos on social media, Fontaine is synonymous with modern cardistry culture. Their minimalist aesthetic and buttery handling make them a staple for flourishers worldwide.
Best deck: Fontaine Playing Cards (standard edition)
4. Art of Play, EPCC, Copag & KEM
Art of Play (Founded: 2014): Positions itself at the intersection of playing cards and contemporary art. Collaborates with visual artists to produce gallery-quality decks that are as much display pieces as they are functional cards.
Expert Playing Card Company (EPCC) (Founded: 2012): The printer of choice for many independent deck designers who want premium quality outside the USPCC ecosystem. If a boutique deck feels exceptional, EPCC likely printed it.
Copag (Founded: 1908): The casino world's go-to plastic card. Used in major poker tournaments and casinos worldwide, including in India through specialty retailers.
KEM (Founded: 1930s): Considered the finest 100% plastic playing cards ever produced. Used in the World Series of Poker and preferred by serious card players who demand the best.
Which Playing Card Brand Is Right for You?
- For magic: Bicycle, Ellusionist, Theory11
- For cardistry: Fontaine, Art of Play, EPCC boutique decks
- For collecting: Theory11, Fontaine first editions, Art of Play limited runs
- For casino/poker: KEM, Copag, Cartamundi plastic decks
Magic Encarta curates a selection from the world's best card brands, specifically for the Indian market — so you can access global collector decks without international shipping headaches.