Top Decks: Discover the Premier Playing Card Brands

Playing cards are a staple in households and gaming tables worldwide, offering endless possibilities for games and magic tricks alike. With countless brands available, choosing the right deck can enhance your gaming experience or your next card trick performance. Among the top contenders are Bicycle, known for their iconic Rider Back design and dependable quality, and Theory11, which offers a range of beautifully designed, luxurious decks for collectors and enthusiasts. For those interested in exploring more about the best brands for playing cards, especially in terms of quality and design, check out the list below for a comprehensive guide.

Illustration of deck of cards

Best brands of deck of cards in 2025

Bicycle

Bicycle Playing Cards, produced by the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC), is one of the best and most widely used playing card brands globally, having sold over 150 million decks per year. With a legacy spanning nearly 140 years since its inception in 1885, Bicycle cards are renowned for their consistent high-quality feel and handling, thanks to proprietary paper and the Air-Cushion® Finish. The brand is favored by magicians and casual players alike for its reliability and recognizable design. In 2024, USPCC achieved a milestone of producing 100 million decks, highlighting the brand's enduring popularity. Bicycle cards are also committed to sustainability, using FSC-certified materials and vegetable-based inks. For more information about Bicycle Playing Cards, visit their official webpage.

Theory11

Theory11 is renowned as one of the best producers of luxury playing cards, having started in 2007 and since then releasing over 78 different decks. Known for their high-quality materials, including premium papers derived from sustainable forests and vegetable-based inks, Theory11's cards are made entirely in America. Their decks often feature custom artwork, gold foil card boxes, and premium embossing, earning them the top rating in GQ Magazine and appearances in films like "Now You See Me." Collaborations with notable figures such as Jimmy Fallon, Neil Patrick Harris, and Star Wars have further solidified their reputation. With most decks priced under $10, Theory11 makes luxury playing cards accessible to a wide range of collectors.

Ellusionist

Ellusionist, founded in 2001 by Brad Christian, is a renowned brand in the playing card industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality, custom decks tailored for magicians and card enthusiasts. Known for innovative designs, Ellusionist has over 10 lines of playing cards, including the popular Black Tiger deck, which has been a bestseller for over ten years and is available for around $5. Their decks are produced in collaboration with esteemed manufacturers like USPCC and Cartamundi, ensuring top-notch card quality with features such as air cushion embossing and Performance Coating. Ellusionist decks are graded at the highest Q1 standard by USPCC, guaranteeing exceptional quality. The brand's commitment to elegance and functionality has made their decks a favorite among magicians and cardists. For more details, explore the brand spotlight on Ellusionist.

Copag

Copag, a renowned brand in the playing cards industry, has been producing high-quality cards for over 100 years, earning its reputation as a global leader. Known for their premium plastic playing cards, Copag offers great durability and resistance to marking, making them the number one choice for competitive poker worldwide. With vibrant back designs and intricate details, Copag brings an authentic Brazilian flair to the poker table. As the official sponsor and supplier of the World Series of Poker, Copag's cards are appreciated globally for their outstanding quality and competitive prices. Copag's production facilities, part of the Cartamundi group, contribute to the sale of 150 million decks annually.

Bee

Bee playing cards, introduced in 1892 by the New York Consolidated Card Company, are renowned for their casino-quality standards, durability, and superior slip for ease of shuffling. With over 125 years of innovation, Bee cards are made from premium materials and FSC certified stock, ensuring sustainability. They are the preferred choice for casinos worldwide, except for poker which often uses plastic cards. The brand's borderless diamond card back design is ideal for disguising sleights of hand. Bee cards are part of Cartamundi's extensive range, with the company selling 150 million decks annually.

Fournier

Fournier is one of the oldest and most prestigious playing card brands in Europe, established in 1870 by Heraclio Fournier in Vitoria, Spain. The brand is renowned for its high-quality, traditionally crafted cards, using a unique 'slow-printing' process and strict quality control, making it a favorite among professional poker and bridge players, as well as casinos worldwide. Fournier sells around 16 million packs of cards annually, with a significant portion being Spanish playing cards, which account for around 10 million packs each year. The company has been recognized for its excellence, winning several prizes, including one at the Exposition Universelle of Paris in 1889. Now part of Cartamundi, Fournier continues to maintain its legacy of quality and sophistication. For more information about this iconic brand, visit their Fournier brand page on the Cartamundi website.

Tally-Ho

Tally-Ho is a renowned brand in the cardistry community, preferred by cardists worldwide for its high-quality playing cards tailored specifically for card flourishing and sleight of hand. Established in 1881 by Andrew Dougherty, Tally-Ho cards are known for their proprietary paper, patented Linoid finish, and adapted cut, enhancing the precision and smoothness of card movements. The Circle back and Fan back designs are particularly popular among cardists, and the brand is committed to supporting the cardistry community. Tally-Ho cards are produced by Cartamundi, the global leader in playing cards, selling 150 million decks annually. These cards are designed to provide optimal glide and durability, making them a classic choice among magicians and flourishers.

Dan & Dave

Dan and Dave, renowned as the "Father of Modern Cardistry," have established themselves as premier producers of decks of cards, particularly with their iconic Smoke & Mirrors series, which includes over 85,000 decks across various colorways and editions since its release in 2012. Their decks are highly sought after by both collectors and cardists for their intricate designs and high-quality finishes. The Standards Playing Cards, for example, feature a luxurious deluxe box set with a gold-tone metal inlay and elaborate floral scrollwork, showcasing their attention to detail. With collaborations and limited editions, such as the Private Reserve and MAKERS decks, Dan and Dave continue to set standards in the industry. Their commitment to quality and unique designs has made their decks highly collectible and prized among enthusiasts.

Cartamundi

Cartamundi, meaning "cards for the world" in Latin, is the world's leading manufacturer of playing cards, card games, and board games, with a history dating back to 1765. The company operates 13 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities globally and employs over 2,500 people across four continents. Following the acquisition of the United States Playing Card Company in 2019, Cartamundi added iconic brands like Bicycle(r), Bee(r), and Fournier(r) to its portfolio, increasing its revenue to over $550 million. The company has recently expanded its production facility in Turnhout, Belgium, by 40% to meet the growing demand for collectible cards, creating 50 new jobs. Cartamundi is known for its manufacturing excellence, innovation, and customer intimacy, producing legendary games such as Monopoly(r) and Pokemon(r). For more information, visit their official website.

Hoyle

The Hoyle brand, established by Edmond Hoyle in the 18th century, is renowned for its high-quality and trustworthy playing cards, setting the standard in the industry for over 250 years. Acquired by the United States Playing Card Company (USPC) in 2001, Hoyle continues to produce iconic and durable cards, including the well-recognized shell back design and all-plastic versions. Hoyle cards have received several awards, such as the Creative Child 2017 SEAL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD and the Mom's Choice Awards (r) Gold Recipient. The brand is also known for its educational card games that teach various skills like sequence building, numeral identification, and emotional intelligence. With its commitment to quality and innovation, Hoyle remains a leading producer in the playing cards market. Explore their range of products on the Hoyle website.