Best Playing Cards for Magic & Sleight of Hand Card Tricks
Card tricks are my passion. In my opinion the absolute best playing cards for magic are Bicycle Rider Back Playing Cards made by the United States Playing Card Company.
I’m going to give you details on why I prefer these cards and talk about some other popular decks.
What Are the Best Playing Cards?
Bicycle 807 Rider Back Playing Cards
The best playing cards for magic are Bicycle Rider Back Playing Cards because they are the most recognizable playing cards in the world.
They are great for shuffling, fans, springs, flourishes, and cuts.
Everybody is familiar with a deck of cards. I remember my grandparents had some old decks in their cabinet which were probably there for 40 years. They were Bicycle Rider Backs.
When you bring out a deck to do card tricks, it is important that your spectators recognize them as a standard pack of playing cards they could find anywhere.
Your spectators need to know the cards are not the magic, you are the magic. The last thing you want to hear someone say is “where did you get those cards” or “if I had those cards I could do those tricks.”
Richard Turner Gold Standard Bicycle Playing Cards
My absolute favorite deck of cards is the Richard Turner Gold Standard Bicycle Playing Cards. They look exactly like Bicycle Rider Backs yet the quality is incredible.
The Turner decks are printed on Bee stock. The cards are soft and ready to go right out of the box. You don’t have to spend a ton of time breaking them in.
The only problem is the decks have been discontinued.
Tally-Ho Playing Cards
Another amazing deck of cards, also made by the USPCC, are the Tally-Ho’s. They are made in two styles – Fan Backs and Circle Backs. Both are awesome.
I love how these cards feel and handle. The back designs are much nicer, in my opinion, than the Bicycle Rider Backs.
The reason I don’t use Tally-Ho playing cards is because they are not as recognizable as Rider Backs. Also, most gimmicked cards that are made for magic tricks are printed on Bicycle Rider Backs.
Cleverly using gimmicked cards opens up a lot of doors to many amazing card miracles.
Bee Standard Index Playing Cards
Another amazing deck of cards is the Bee backed cards, also made by the USPCC. They feel amazing and are pretty well known. The only drawback for card magic is that they have no borders.
The design goes all the way to the edge. For certain sleight of hand techniques this is not good, for example if you secretly have a card reversed in the deck.
Bee backs are used by casinos. Therefore they are great for gambling routines and perfect for poker games.
If you want to learn a move called the second deal, where you take the 2nd card as opposed to the top card, these are the cards you want to use.
I also use Bee backs for 3 card monte, a gambling scam that is played on the streets of Manhattan.
CHECK OUT: 3 Card Monte – Learn My Professional Routine
Red or Blue Playing Cards
I only use red backed playing cards. Dai Vernon, the man who modernized close up card magic, said red backed cards, as compared to blue backed cards, are more appealing to the eye.
Plus, red stands out more which makes them easier for your spectators to see.
Poker Size Cards or Bridge Size Cards
Cards are made in two sizes – poker size & bridge size. Poker size are standard size cards you see everywhere. Bridge size cards are a little narrower and less common.
I only use poker size cards and recommend you do the same. If you are a kid and have very small hands you may want to get started using bridge size cards.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Why Magicians Use Cards – 13 Reasons
Where to Get Playing Cards
Costco, Amazon, Walmart
Some of the bigger stores sell bicycle cards that are very inexpensive. They are sold in bricks of 12 decks – 6 red and 6 blue. The quality of the cards is extremely unreliable, and they are usually pretty stiff.
I heard that the USPPC has a special deal with these huge retailers and sells them their worst quality cards. These decks need to be broken in, which takes some time.
I used to go to Costco and open up the box and switch out the 6 blue decks for 6 red decks.
I always wondered what the person who bought the blue decks thought when they got home and realized there were no red decks.
Local Stores
You can always buy a deck at your local store – Walgreens, CVS, stationary stores, gas stations, etc. These decks tend to be a little more expensive and much better quality.
Magic Shops
There are so many different back designs available today. Magic shops sell all sorts of decks which are awesome. I own a ton of cool decks yet still believe in performing with Bicycle Rider Back cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Think of Custom Decks?
Sometimes companies will custom print their logo on decks of cards. A popular brand that makes affordable custom decks is Gemaco. These cards are not great.
The cards don’t spread well and the weight of the cards isn’t ideal. On the rare occasion when I need to perform with these decks it is somewhat limiting in the sleight of hand card moves I can perform.
What Are the Best Playing Cards for Cardistry?
Cardistry is an art form that has become very popular in the past 20 years. It is very different than card magic. It is card manipulation and card flourishes, sort of like juggling. It is incredible to watch and extremely difficult to perform.
You will want to use cards with a cool back design. I am not an expert in this area so I cannot tell you the best decks for this purpose. To learn more check out cardistry decks.
What if I Use Cards With a Different Back Design?
The truth is, if you are good enough, the deck won’t really matter.
Conclusion
Because they are the most recognizable playing cards in the world, I believe the best playing cards for magic are Bicycle Rider Backs. I recommend standard poker size red back playing cards.
Most other decks will arouse suspicion in your spectators.
