Theory11: Some Decks of Playing Cards

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Theory11: Some Decks of Playing Cards

03 Feb

Many of Theory11’s playing cards (all printed by USPCC) have standard court and number cards with only custom The Aces of Spades, Jokers, back designs of playing cards and tuck cases. This article is about some of them.

• Bicycle Heritage Series (limited edition – 5000).

“Classic and timeless design. A unique part of Bicycle’s history.

The Heritage Design Series includes four historic back designs: Acorn, Lotus, Nautic, and Automobile No. 2. This set of four is featured in a vintage banknote-style bag made from 100% natural and biodegradable jute twine.

LOTUS BACK – Originally produced in 1891, this design has intricate architecture and floral elements that interweave across the back design. Printed in Blue.

NAUTIC BACK – Originally produced in 1919, Nautics are one of our all time favorite playing card designs. Intricate, elegant, and extremely detailed. Printed in Green.

ACORN BACK – Originally produced in 1891, Acorn Backs were one of the very first playing cards produced by The United States Playing Card Company. Printed in Brown.

AUTOMOBILE No.2 BACK – Originally produced in 1913, this automotive design is a respectful nod to Henry Ford and the world’s first cars. Printed in Red.”

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• Charity: Water Playing Cards (unlimited edition).

“Charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Over the past five years, charity: water has raised $50 million and funded 4,282 water projects.

Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. 30,000 people die every week from unsafe water, and 90% of those deaths are under the age of five. With your support, we can make a difference.

100% of the proceeds from each deck purchased at theory11 will go directly to charity: water. Join us. Support charity: water.

These funds will be used to further develop and grow their organization, providing essential support for their operations worldwide. charity: water has already provided water to over 2,000,000 people in 19 countries. On average, each well built costs $5,000 and serves a community of up to 250 people.

Produced by theory11 and manufactured by The United States Playing Card Company, these are playing cards for a cause. You’re not just purchasing a deck, you’re providing a solution to those in need. You’re leading the way to help end the water crisis.”

Note! There aren’t jokers and gaff cards in this deck.

^ Many thanks to SaCProductions101 for the last two photos.

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• Players Deck by Daniel Madison (white edition is limited).

“A direct collaboration with underground artist Daniel Madison.

Between the lines of the Players design, a mystery resides. The cards hide a secret so profound – it could influence every performance you make as a magician, or at the card table.

To a casual observer, nothing is out of the ordinary. Deep within the design is a marking system that reveals the identity of each and every playing card.

The deck is shielded by a premium white linen box, giving it a subtle texture. The back design utilizes such a small amount of ink that it makes Players incredibly smooth and durable. We kept things simple and true to Daniel Madison’s identity and original vision.”

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• Bee Stingers (limited editions).

“The US Playing Card Company introduced the world to Bee Stingers through exclusive distribution to casinos internationally.

Stinger borders were originally developed as a countermeasure against card cheating. The fade to white border looks ultra-smooth, elegant, and simple. Previously only available after use in casinos worldwide, these are brand new – sealed in cellophane.

The creative team at theory11 recognized the potential for Bee Stingers and decided to pursue the printing of the classic design – minus any casino logo(s) – in their original format, and offer them to the public for the first time.“

Bee Stingers Black [1st Ed.] (limited and sold out).

Bee Stingers Red [2d Ed.] (limited edition).

“We listened to your feedback on the first edition Stingers – and we used it to improve the stock(Aristocrat stock now), feel, and finish. Available in red and printed on the finest to ensure durability, fanning capability, and snap.”

^ Many thanks to Playing Cards Wiki for the big two photos.

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• Bicycle Guardians (unlimited edition).

“Produced by theory11 and manufactured by the US Playing Card Company, the Guardian deck takes elements of ancient scriptural art and combines them with a modern, industrial design.

This is shown in the heavenly chariot scene printed on the front of the box, and the powerful image of a Guardian angel printed on the backs of the cards.

The Guardians piercing eyes stare down into the eyes of the fallen. His spear points as if to say, “Don’t even think about getting up.” From the intricate detail of the protective angels to the sleek color selection, this deck will draw additional awe to any effect, routine, and flourish. Every inch has been painstakingly worked on in both design and production to ensure the deck is truly flawless.

Printed on Bicycle’s signature Air Cushion Finish.”

There are three editions of this playing cards (two editions from Theory11 and one from USPCC). But only tuck cases have some distinctive characteristics (the third one has embossing on it):

USPCC’s Edition

Theory11’s 1st Edition

Theory11’s 2nd Edition

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• Propaganda Playing Cards (limited edition).

The playing cards designed by WA007, produced by Theory11 and printed by USPCC.

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• Centurions Playing Cards (limited editions).

“In April of 2008, theory11 set out to create the next standard in playing card design. Our focus was dual: design and quality.

On the design front, theory11 teamed up with WA007 – one of the most respected, avant-garde design studios in the nation – and worked side by side tirelessly for weeks. Hundreds of hours were spent tweaking and polishing the design from the ground up.

On the production end, theory11 worked hand-in-hand with the US Playing Card Company’s research and development team to ensure unsurpassed quality and handling.“

Ordinary Edition

“Over 17 rough draft concepts and prototypes were produced. The final result is a mix of modern core structure, contemporary style, and a touch of theory11 signature grunge.

Every element of the deck was designed from the ground up— the back design, the Ace of Spades, the Joker, and the box design are all new. Even the royal card design was slightly altered in coloration to better fit the vibe of the new deck.”

White Edition (limited edition).

“Stemming from the original design and concept of our critically acclaimed Bicycle Centurions playing cards, the white Centurions first appeared in Chris Kenner’s 1-on-1 effect Blueprint

As it stands, there are less than 1,100 white Centurions in existence. The deck is the same as the original, only with an inverted more elegant appeal. The case presents a striking metaphor… a blank canvas with nothing more than a window to peer inside.”