Hi Rob

Big thanks to you for the invite to play.

My card is 4 of clubs.

Mr Rik

Hi Folks

This deck was my idea.  I didn't post on here as I did not imagine many of you would be particularly interested in a 'souvenir' deck, from a city some of you will not have been to. 

But then this got me thinking about why we as people interested in cards kinda view souvenir decks as less worthy? 

Obviously if you have not been to Edinburgh, why would you want a souvenir deck from there?  Although I bet a few of will have decks from places we have not been, presents from travelling friends, probably bought at an airport!

But what else devalues them though?  For me there is something about the area of the playing card face that is not inked.

I like to see the pips, there is something comforting about them, the arrangement, the instant recognition of suit and value, but I also, in a similar way enjoy the space between the pips, with this space decreasing as the numbers climb, until we reach the court cards who are are typically boxed in, with this 'space' reduced a border.  I prefer white cards to black cards, as for me I enjoy the space of the white cards, whereas the black cards are almost an antithesis of this 'space' for me.

Souvenir decks such as The Edinburgh Playing Cards, rob of us this experience, as in all the cards, the space is almost identical, every card has framing like the standard court cards.  They therefore lack the drama of pip display and the pips encroachment into the 'space' on the card.  Spatially, in souvenir decks, all cards have the same value. 

However, I wonder, have any of you got souvenir decks in your collections that you really like, and if so what is it about them that you like. Any tips for the Edinburgh Cards appreciated?

Just in terms of the design of these cards I really like the backs on them. Please comment on them if interested to.

In response to Don, we don't try to hide the fact that this charity deck, in the text or the video, and the deck has presumably been through 'oversight' at KS, a prerequisite before launching, so I would hope they don't pull it.  I think although we are a charity the project fulfils the creative requirement of KS, through backers getting a 'fresh' product for their investment.  It is still an enterprise, although more of what we call in the UK, a social enterprise.  However, this is our first KS project and as such I am still quite green about the processes of it though, and could be wrong.

Thanks for reading,

Rik

Being new to collecting and being a sucker for the 'mystery' element I took a gamble on 3 decks which arrived today. 

I got two Republic 2 decks and an Arrco.

The Republic 2 is a nice deck - but it is not a deleted deck and is for sale on Ellusionist for $6.95 or thereabouts - and I guess D and D were probably given a brick or two as a gift by Ellusionist anyway so probably cost them nothing.

I kinda of knew Id get an Arrco as I got 2 the last time I bought mystery decks!!!

I was real hopeful I'd get something new for my collection - but I should have remembered that I too have little luck and no skill when it comes to any form of gambling, such as lotteries, raffles, betting shops, etc. 

Factoring international postage rates I feel a little robbed. On the plus side D and D kindly valued the contents of the package at $6 (not the $30 I spent) which meant that I did not have to pay any import duty on them (and with an £8 standing charge by the post office + the import duty at 20%  - this can be expensive) - otherwise I'd feel not only robbed but a little beaten up too!!!

I should have given my partner the money and told her to buy me some decks instead - I'd have maintained the 'mystery' element but wouldn't have felt robbed at the result!!!

Hi Folks

Being new to cardistry and all things related I have bought a range of decks recently to experiment with.

I have noticed in this time that some decks leave me with a horrible taste in my mouth - and no.....  I am not eating the cards or indeed licking my fingers.

The chemicals used by these cards must have some toxicity to me or something, as the taste in my mouth is foul and makes me want to
a) brush my teeth
b) stop playing with the cards.

Specific packs I have noticed affecting me this way are Aristocrat Banknotes 727 (Linen Finish), and the Bee 1902 Club Special (Cambric). (Cambric is fine white linen - so might be some connection between these decks).

I wonder if anyone else out there has experienced something similar?

Maybe all the cards are finished/coated with the same thing in which case I can only be imagining this phenomena , or maybe the linen/cambric effect is different, and I am just very sensitive to this?

I wonder if anyone any enlightening thoughts?

Thanks for reading

Mr Rik

Hi Folks

I wonder if someone can help me identify which S & M version this deck is? 

I have looked on google images to help me figure out which version they are but although I might find a photo similar it failed to provide any information.

I got it as part of a 3 deck bundle D and D Mystery Deck order that I made.  The other two decks were Arrco Reds (Ohio).  Initially I was a bit disappointed with the Arco's (because they read 'Plastic Coated') but having used them a bit I like them more and more. Initially they clumped, but now they dont.

Any help ID'ing this deck appreciated - I have attached some photos.  As you can see I have not opened this deck yet.  Is it worth not opening?

With thanks

Mr Rik