Famous Playing Card Brands

US Playing Card Company

The United States Playing Card Company, founded in 1867, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of playing cards. Its headquarters were in Cincinnati, Ohio, but it later moved to Erlanger, Kentucky.

Official website: www.usplayingcard.com

Robert Morgan founded the company, but Samuel Murray played an important role in its history. He was the author of several inventions that helped to organize manufacturing and gain leading positions.

The US Playing Card Company currently produces playing cards for several popular brands worldwide. Many of you are likely familiar with the major brands. Let's take a quick look at them.

Bicycle

These legendary cards, which have become the hallmark of the US Playing Card Company, have been sold since 1885. They are prevalent in many modern casinos.

All dealers or seasoned players have likely held them in their hands. Dealers value them for their convenience. The cards are soft and pleasant to the touch, making them easy to shuffle and deal.

The Bicycle is a classic deck of the so-called French type, consisting of:

• 52 standard cards along,
• two additional jokers,
• two information cards.

An angel riding a bicycle is typically depicted on the back.

Bicycle playing cards come in many variations. The company periodically releases anniversary decks, which are particularly valuable among collectors.

It’s interesting to note that gambling operators and magicians value bicycle decks. Many famous illusionists have worked with Bicycle decks.

More information about this brand is available on the official website, www.bicyclecards.com.

Bee

This is another well-known brand of playing cards that is highly sought after by gambling operators. The US Playing Card Company began manufacturing them in 1892, which explains the presence of 92 on an ace of spades.

Bee cards were initially intended for casinos. These cards are slightly more expensive than Bicycle but are more durable, which explains their popularity. Certain skills are required to handle them, so it may seem to be difficult for novice dealers to use them.

Bee decks are often seen in movies and on TV. Many professional gamblers and magicians prefer this brand.

Aviator

This brand was created in commemoration of aviator Charles Lindbergh. The US Playing Card Company started releasing these decks in 1927, after Lindbergh’s first trans-Atlantic flight.

Aviator cards are cheaper than the brands mentioned above and have low wear resistance. Therefore, they are rarely used at casinos. However, they are very popular among fans of playing with friends when there is no need to fear cheaters.

Tally-Ho

Cards from this brand have been available since 1885. Initially, they were produced by Andrew Dougherty, but later the US Playing Card Company purchased his business and continued printing Tally-Ho decks.

This is probably the most popular brand among professional magicians and fans of card tricks. They can often be seen in video tutorials on this topic and movies about magicians.

Fournier

This is another ancient playing card brand that Naipes Heraclio Fournier has been printing since 1868. The US Playing Card Company purchased it and continued to manufacture decks of this brand.

Fournier cards are available only in plastic. While they are more difficult to shuffle and deal, they wear out very slowly. They can be washed, but card sharps find it difficult to mark them.

Note that it is a pretty popular brand in the post-Soviet states.

Maverick

These cards are primarily intended for poker. They are available in a standard format, covered with plastic, and are provided in two colors: blue and red.

HOYLE

HOYLE has been famous in the world of gambling since the 18th century. Under this title, the US Playing Card Company manufactures fine cards with a special covering and stylish design.

KEM

The company positions KEM as elite cards for the most addicted gamblers. Therefore, they are of the highest quality and very expensive. They are extremely resistant to damage and can even be washed.

Other Brands

The USPCC used to release playing card brands such as Army & Navy, Poker Peek, Congress, and Aristocrat. However, nowadays, information about these brands is not available on the company's official website.

Dal Negro Playing Cards

The Italian company Dal Negro is a huge manufacturer of various types of cards, including decks for casinos and tarot. It also develops board games, including backgammon or chess, roulette wheels, and even children's toys. Its history dates back to 1756. Nowadays, it continues to grow successfully.

The website DalNegro.com offers a full range of playing cards and other products from this brand. Plastic decks of this brand are often found at casinos in post-Soviet countries. They are of good quality, although inexperienced croupiers and novice customers may find them slippery.

Piatnik Playing Cards

The Austrian company Wiener Spielkartenfabrik Ferd. Piatnik & Söhne was founded in 1824 by Anton Moser. After his death, Ferdinand Piatnik took over the company. When he passed away, his sons began to manage the company.

Initially, Piatnik manufactured cards, but in recent decades, the company has released various board games, puzzles, and arcade games that correspond to its motto: "Those who do not gamble take themselves too seriously."

Frankly speaking, the author of this article did not play using cards from Piatnik in casinos, but the company's various collectible card decks and gift sets are ubiquitous. The company offers a huge range of thematic cards devoted to various topics. In short, this is a great manufacturer for collectors.

It is possible to familiarize yourself with the range of cards on the official site www.piatnik.com.

Conclusion

The second part of this article, which will be published later, will discuss other well-known and promising manufacturers of playing cards for casinos, poker rooms, and other establishments that use this type of product.

In the comments, you can share your personal experience concerning the use of certain cards or discuss work/play at casinos.

If you have encountered decks from different brands, tell us about your favorite ones and those that you find low-quality. We welcome any interesting stories.