New deck of cards sequence

[Barkley Hound]

Why do all new decks of cards have the first two suits in sequence followed by the second two suits reversed?

[Don Boyer]

Why do all new decks of cards have the first two suits in sequence followed by the second two suits reversed?

Sorry for the late reply.

Traditionally, it wasn't always like this.  As a kid, I recall new deck order as having Ace through King for all suits, in the order of spades, hearts, clubs, diamonds.  Now, it's spades, diamonds, clubs, hearts, with the first two sorted Ace through King, the last two sorted King through Ace.

The reason for the change was that through mathematical analysis, likely at the behest of casinos, it was learned that a deck's order doesn't get sufficiently randomized enough after shuffling when the suits are all four in the same order, new out of the box, resulting in detectable patterns - sometimes even when utilizing a deck wash to try to randomize the cards!  Ever since, many manufacturers - including the largest one in the US, the United States Playing Card Company (USPC), started using what you now know as new deck order.

[Barkley Hound]

Thanks. No one seemed to know including the USPC company.

What would you recommend as a card trick for a beginner that does not require a special deck?

[Don Boyer]

Thanks. No one seemed to know including the USPC company.

What would you recommend as a card trick for a beginner that does not require a special deck?

There's plenty of card tricks out there that are well suited for beginners.  But a true magician really shouldn't give them away in a public forum!

How about you try one of these videos?  They're from Brad Christian, founder and CEO of Ellusionist.  I found them to be very informative when I was first learning magic.  They're available as a DVD and/or a download.  Priced as they are, they're quite reasonable and worth the cost - either or both of them will give you a quick launch into the world of performing magic.

https://ellusionist.com/products/inside-magic
https://ellusionist.com/products/how-to-do-street-magic

If you find them worthwhile, look for more entry-level videos from Mr. Christian on his website, many if not most of which are now downloadable as well as on DVD.

[Great Lakes Playing Card Co.]

Thanks for the info on why the decks come as they are Don.  Good stuff.

And, Don's suggestions about starter magic DVDs, etc are right on the money.