The Ultimate Guide to Playing Cards - Part 3

Chapter 14: Traditional Cut vs Modern Cut — Does It Really Matter?

If you've spent time reading reviews of premium playing cards, you've probably come across phrases like:

• Traditionally Cut
• Modern Cut
• Casino Cut
• Magic Cut

For many beginners, these terms sound incredibly technical. Some assume a traditionally cut deck is automatically superior. Others believe only professional magicians can notice the difference. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.

The way a playing card is cut can influence how it handles — but not in the way most people imagine. Let's explore what these terms actually mean.

How Are Playing Cards Cut?

After enormous sheets containing dozens of printed playing cards have been printed, coated, embossed, and cured, they still exist as one large sheet. The individual cards must now be separated using industrial cutting dies.

Imagine a giant cookie cutter pressing down through the paper. Each card is punched from the sheet with incredible precision. Although this sounds straightforward, one small detail makes a surprising difference.

Which side of the paper does the blade enter first?

That single decision determines whether the cards are traditionally cut or modern cut.

What Is Traditional Cut?

With a Traditional Cut, the cutting blade enters from the face (printed front) of the sheet and exits through the back. As the blade pushes through the paper fibres, it creates an almost invisible microscopic bevel around the edges. Although impossible to notice with the naked eye, this tiny bevel changes the way neighbouring cards interact during certain sleight-of-hand techniques.

What Is Modern Cut?

With a Modern Cut, the blade enters from the back of the sheet and exits through the face. The microscopic bevel is therefore created in the opposite direction. Everything else about the card remains virtually identical — the paper, the coating, the embossing, the finish. Only the orientation of the microscopic edge changes.

MagicEncarta Insight

Think about sharpening a pencil. Depending on which direction you sharpen it, the wood tapers differently. The pencil still writes exactly the same. Only the angle of the edge changes. Playing cards behave in a surprisingly similar way.

Why Does the Bevel Matter?

For everyday card games, it doesn't. You could play poker every weekend for ten years and never notice. For most beginners learning card magic, it barely matters.

However, for advanced sleight of hand, the direction of the microscopic bevel can influence how smoothly certain moves work. The biggest example is the Faro Shuffle.

Traditional Cut and Faro Shuffles

The Faro Shuffle is often called one of the most beautiful techniques in card magic. Instead of the cards weaving together randomly, they interlace one card at a time.

Because the bevel on traditionally cut cards faces a particular direction, many magicians find that an out-faro (weaving the halves from the face side) feels slightly easier. The edges naturally guide the cards together. The difference is subtle — but when performing dozens of perfect faros every day, subtle differences become noticeable.

Modern Cut and Faro Shuffles

Modern-cut cards create the opposite bevel. Many performers therefore find that an in-faro feels more natural. Again, this isn't a dramatic difference — it's measured in fractions of a millimetre. Experienced hands may notice it. Beginners usually won't.

Can You Feel the Difference?

Most people cannot. Even many experienced magicians would struggle to identify a deck's cut in a blind test without attempting faro shuffles. During overhand shuffles, Hindu shuffles, ribbon spreads, fans, double lifts, false cuts, and controls — the difference is essentially negligible. It's only during highly technical edge-dependent sleights that the cut begins to matter.

Why Did Manufacturers Change?

Historically, many playing cards were produced using Traditional Cut. As manufacturing technology evolved, companies modernised their production lines for greater efficiency and consistency. This resulted in Modern Cut becoming increasingly common. Some manufacturers now deliberately produce traditionally cut decks for magicians because of continued demand from the magic community.

Is Traditional Cut Better?

This is probably the biggest myth surrounding playing card manufacturing. The answer is simple: No.

Traditional Cut isn't objectively better. Modern Cut isn't objectively worse. They're simply different. Some magicians prefer one. Some prefer the other. Most people couldn't identify which they were using without careful testing.

Which Magicians Care Most?

Traditional Cut becomes most relevant for performers who regularly perform:

• Faro shuffles
• Gambling demonstrations
• Advanced table work
• Certain packet techniques
• Specialist sleight-of-hand routines

If your favourite moves are double lifts, controls, forces, and false shuffles, the cut of the deck will have very little influence on your performance.

Which Manufacturers Offer Traditionally Cut Decks?

Several premium manufacturers occasionally release traditionally cut decks, particularly for the magic market. Custom deck creators sometimes request a specific cut during production. Because production methods can change between print runs, it's always worth checking the product description if this feature matters to you.

Common Myths

Myth: Traditional Cut Makes Every Move Better.
Reality: Only a handful of advanced sleights are noticeably affected.

Myth: Beginners Need Traditionally Cut Cards.
Reality: Not at all. Most beginners will develop excellent technique using either cut.

Myth: Modern Cut Is Lower Quality.
Reality: The direction of the cut has nothing to do with manufacturing quality. Premium decks exist in both styles.

Myth: You Can Instantly Feel the Difference.
Reality: Without deliberately testing specific techniques, most people cannot.

Did You Know?

Some professional magicians actually rotate a deck 180 degrees before practising Faro shuffles, effectively changing how the bevel interacts with the shuffle. This demonstrates just how subtle — and adaptable — the difference really is.

Traditional Cut vs Modern Cut — At a Glance

Should You Care?

If you're just starting your journey into card magic — probably not. If you're performing professional gambling demonstrations involving perfect Faro shuffles — yes.

For everyone else, factors such as paper stock, coating, embossing, finish, and manufacturing quality will influence your handling experience far more than the direction of the cut.

Final Thoughts on Card Cut

Traditional Cut and Modern Cut are fascinating examples of how tiny engineering details can spark enormous discussion within the playing card community. The difference is real. But it's also often exaggerated.

Understanding the cut of a deck won't suddenly make your Faro shuffle perfect, just as owning a Formula 1 car won't instantly make someone a world champion driver. Skill still comes first. The cut simply fine-tunes the experience.

Chapter 15: USPCC vs Cartamundi vs WJPC vs Kingstar vs LPCC vs EPCC – Which Playing Card Manufacturer Is Best?

When buying premium playing cards, most people focus on the artwork. Collectors admire the tuck box. Magicians look for the finish. Cardists often ask about the stock. Yet one of the most important details is frequently overlooked: Who actually manufactured the deck?

Two decks with similar artwork can feel completely different simply because they were printed by different manufacturers. Each company has its own machinery, paper suppliers, coating formulas, embossing techniques, quality control standards, and manufacturing philosophy. Understanding the manufacturer gives you a far better idea of how a deck will perform than the artwork alone.

United States Playing Card Company (USPCC)

Founded in 1867, the United States Playing Card Company is one of the oldest and most influential playing card manufacturers in the world. If you've ever handled a Bicycle®, Bee®, Tally-Ho®, or Aviator® deck, you've already experienced USPCC. For many performers, USPCC is considered the benchmark against which every other manufacturer is judged.

Famous brands printed by USPCC include Bicycle, Bee, Tally-Ho, Aviator, and Hoyle (selected editions). Thousands of custom Kickstarter decks have also been printed by USPCC over the years.

What Does USPCC Feel Like?

Most magicians describe USPCC cards as crisp, snappy, balanced, predictable, and familiar. The company's Air Cushion Finish has become one of the most recognisable handling characteristics in the industry. Even performers who experiment with other manufacturers often return to USPCC because it feels like home.

Strengths of USPCC

• Excellent handling
• Reliable embossing
• Comfortable stock
• Superb faro shuffles
• Strong reputation among magicians
• Worldwide availability
• Affordable pricing

Perhaps most importantly, Bicycle cards look ordinary. Spectators rarely suspect trick decks when they see a Bicycle Rider Back. That familiarity is invaluable during performances.

Limitations

Over the years, some collectors have reported occasional variation between print runs. Most differences are extremely small and go unnoticed by casual users, but experienced performers sometimes detect slight changes in stiffness, coating, or colour. These variations are a natural consequence of producing millions of decks every year.

Best For

Beginners, professional magicians, gambling demonstrations, everyday practice, poker nights, and general-purpose use.

MagicEncarta Verdict

If someone asked for one deck that could comfortably handle almost every situation, a quality USPCC-produced Bicycle deck would remain one of the easiest recommendations. Its greatest strength isn't perfection — it's consistency.

Cartamundi

Founded in Belgium in 1765, Cartamundi is one of the oldest card manufacturers in the world and has become one of USPCC's biggest competitors. Rather than copying USPCC, Cartamundi developed its own identity. Its cards often feel noticeably softer, smoother, and more flexible straight out of the box.

What Does Cartamundi Feel Like?

Many performers describe Cartamundi decks as soft, flexible, buttery, fast, and broken-in. For performers who dislike stiff decks, Cartamundi is often love at first shuffle.

Strengths

• Excellent print quality
• Smooth handling
• Premium coatings
• Fantastic fans
• Comfortable flexibility
• Strong consistency
• Superb custom deck production

Limitations

Because Cartamundi cards feel different from Bicycle decks, performers accustomed to USPCC sometimes require a short adjustment period. Neither feel is objectively better — they're simply different.

Best For

Professional magic, cardistry, luxury custom decks, collecting, and long practice sessions.

MagicEncarta Verdict

If USPCC feels like a perfectly broken-in leather baseball glove, Cartamundi feels like a premium sports glove designed using modern materials. Different. Refined. Exceptionally comfortable.

USPCC vs Cartamundi — Quick Comparison

Which One Is Better?

The answer might surprise you: Neither. Choosing between USPCC and Cartamundi is a bit like choosing between Canon and Nikon, or Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Both manufacturers produce world-class products. Both are trusted by professionals. The real question isn't which manufacturer is the best — it's which one feels best in your hands.

Chapter 16: WJPC vs Kingstar vs LPCC vs EPCC – The Rising Stars of Premium Playing Cards

If USPCC and Cartamundi dominate the mainstream playing card world, a second group of manufacturers has quietly built an outstanding reputation among collectors, custom deck creators, and professional magicians. These companies specialise in luxury playing cards, limited editions, premium finishes, exceptional print quality, innovative tuck box designs, and collector-focused releases.

WJ Playing Card Company (WJPC)

Over the past few years, WJ Playing Card Company (WJPC) has become one of the fastest-growing names in premium playing cards. Although relatively new compared to companies with centuries of history, WJPC has quickly gained respect for combining excellent handling with outstanding print quality. Many Kickstarter creators and independent designers now consider WJPC a serious alternative to the industry's larger manufacturers.

Most performers describe WJPC decks as smooth, crisp, consistent, well-balanced, and responsive. Artwork often appears sharp, vibrant, rich in colour, and highly detailed — making WJPC particularly attractive for heavily illustrated collector decks.

Strengths

• Excellent registration
• Sharp printing
• Consistent quality
• Comfortable handling
• Premium finishes
• Strong value for money

MagicEncarta Verdict

WJPC has rapidly earned its place among the industry's premium manufacturers. While it doesn't yet have the century-long legacy of USPCC or Cartamundi, its commitment to quality has made it one of the most exciting companies to watch.

Kingstar Playing Cards

If WJPC focuses on consistency, Kingstar has built its reputation on creativity and luxury. Many collectors recognise Kingstar instantly because of its breathtaking artwork and some of the most elaborate tuck boxes available today — featuring multi-layer foil, embossed tuck cases, metallic inks, and intricate illustrations.

Handling is generally described as soft, smooth, comfortable, flexible, and well-controlled. Kingstar has steadily improved its manufacturing quality, and recent releases have earned praise for both appearance and performance.

Strengths

• Incredible artwork
• Luxury packaging
• Excellent foil work
• Premium collector appeal
• High-quality printing
• Improving handling characteristics

MagicEncarta Verdict

Kingstar proves that a playing card deck can be both a performance tool and a work of art. If presentation matters as much as handling, few manufacturers rival Kingstar.

Legends Playing Card Company (LPCC)

LPCC was founded with one clear goal: produce premium playing cards specifically for serious performers and collectors. Rather than trying to imitate existing manufacturers, LPCC developed its own manufacturing philosophy focused on precision and consistency. Many professional magicians praise LPCC for producing decks with exceptional durability and reliable handling.

Common descriptions include crisp, firm, precise, durable, and highly responsive. LPCC is known for outstanding edge quality, excellent registration, premium stock, and long-lasting handling.

MagicEncarta Verdict

LPCC has quietly become one of the most respected names among serious card handlers. Its emphasis on precision rather than mass-market recognition has earned it a devoted following.

Expert Playing Card Company (EPCC)

Expert Playing Card Company shares close historical connections with LPCC, and the two are often discussed together. EPCC focuses heavily on producing high-end custom playing cards while maintaining exceptional manufacturing standards — consistently combining beautiful artwork, premium materials, reliable handling, and luxury presentation.

Most players describe EPCC decks as smooth, controlled, crisp, balanced, and durable.

MagicEncarta Verdict

EPCC has established itself as one of the industry's premium boutique manufacturers. For creators seeking outstanding production quality without relying on larger manufacturers, EPCC remains an excellent choice.

Comparing the Four Manufacturers

Which Manufacturer Should You Choose?

• Choose USPCC if you want the classic Bicycle feel trusted by generations of magicians.
• Choose Cartamundi if you prefer a softer, modern handling experience.
• Choose WJPC if you're looking for excellent print quality, consistent handling, and outstanding value.
• Choose Kingstar if breathtaking artwork, premium foiling, and luxury presentation are your priorities.
• Choose LPCC if precision, durability, and professional-level handling matter most.
• Choose EPCC if you want a beautifully produced custom deck that balances collector appeal with exceptional performance.

The good news is that there are no bad choices among these premium manufacturers. Each has earned its reputation through years of innovation and a commitment to quality.

Did You Know?

Many of today's most successful Kickstarter playing card campaigns don't start by choosing the artwork — they start by choosing the manufacturer. The same deck design can feel dramatically different depending on who prints it. That's why experienced creators often spend months comparing paper stocks, coatings, embossing patterns, and prototype decks before approving a production run.

Final Thoughts

The modern playing card industry has never offered more choice. Whether you're a beginner buying your first Bicycle deck, a magician searching for the perfect Faro shuffle, a cardist chasing flawless packet cuts, or a collector hunting for the next masterpiece, there's a manufacturer perfectly suited to your needs.

Don't judge a deck solely by its artwork. The company that manufactures it often has an even greater influence on how it feels, performs, and ages over time.