It is not an overstatement to say that playing cards are the most used tool in close-up magic. This article introduces recommended playing cards for those who are unsure about choosing the best ones to use for magic.
Materials of playing cards
Playing cards are mainly divided into two types of material: paper and plastic. Plastic playing cards are water-resistant and flexible, but have the disadvantages of high friction and cracking. On the other hand, paper playing cards are weak against water, but some are processed (embossed) to reduce friction. The handling of playing cards is a very important factor in magic, so it is recommended to choose playing cards with embossing or other processes that improve the ease of handling. Paper playing cards can be folded, which gives you more magic options.
Size of playing cards
Playing cards are generally divided into two sizes: bridge size and poker size. Bridge size is 57 mm wide x 89 mm high and poker size is 63 mm wide x 89 mm high. Poker size is said to be the most common size worldwide, but people with smaller hands can choose bridge size.
Design and visibility of playing cards
The visibility of the face side of playing cards (the side with the numbers and suits) is one of the most important factors in choosing playing cards. The design of the face side of playing cards used in magic should be easy for the spectators to see. No matter how stylish the playing cards are, if the face side is difficult to see, they are not suitable for showing to spectators. The design of the back side is also an important factor, although it has little to do with visibility. Some cards have borders on the back, while others do not. Depending on your acts, it may be more suitable to have no borders, but basically, those with borders are easier to use.
The size of the playing cards also has an impact on visibility. Larger cards may be easier to see than smaller cards for spectators seated at a distance. The difference between bridge size and poker size may be minimal, but choose playing cards to make it as easy as possible for spectators to see them.
Also, some playing cards contain two (rarely three or more) jokers of the same design, while others contain one of each of differently designed jokers. You can use them according to your acts, but jokers of the same design will give you a wider range of acts.
Bicycle Rider Back
If you want to do close-up magic, I would first recommend these playing cards. They are so well-known playing cards that you have probably seen them before. There are several types of back side designs, but the most famous is Rider Back. Gaff cards and gimmicks sold in general are often made for Rider Back. The surface is embossed for smooth handling. If you are starting out in magic, you should definitely buy one of these for now.
There are many different types of Rider Back, some of the most common are listed below.
Bicycle Rider Back Standard
These playing cards are sometimes sold by the set of 12 boxes and are probably the cheapest of all Bicycle playing cards. The disadvantage is that the letters are printed on the back of the box, which limits the performances that can be done. Each joker is in different colour.
Bicycle Rider Back
The most common Bicycle playing cards. The back of the box has the same design as the back side of playing cards. It contains one each of different designs or different colours of jokers.
Bicycle Gold Standard
The design of the back is the same as Rider Back, but the paper quality is different from that of common Bicycle playing cards, which are of the highest quality and made from Bee paper. The back of the box has the same design as the back of the playing cards, but it has a gold sticker on it. The two jokers are in the same design and one blank face card is included.
They have become difficult to obtain in recent years.
Those are the common types of Bicycle Rider Back. When you are unsure, buy a Bicycle Rider Back and you will be in the clear.
Other choices
There are other playing cards commonly used in magic other than Bicycle Rider Back. You can also find Bicycle playing cards, which are not Rider Back but have a similar design, and Bee and Tally-Ho, which are manufactured by the USPC as well as Bicycle playing cards.
Conclusion
You can choose any playing cards, but you should pay attention to visibility and design when choosing playing cards for showing to spectators. However, if they are for home use, you should choose ones that motivate you to practise yourself. Why not go to a magic shop once and buy playing cards with a design you prefer?
