The 15 Best Magic Cards For All Of Your Tricks And Illusions

Card Tricks, Magic Playing Cards

Pick a card, any card. Well, not just any card. You are on a quest to find the best magic cards for blossoming magicians and veteran magic showmen alike.

We reviewed the 15 best magic cards for all your tricks and illusions.

Comparison Table

Product FAQ

​1. How Can I Extend the Life of My Magic Cards?

​2. How Important Are Special Cards?

How We Reviewed The Best Magic Cards

woman with cards

​Image Source: pixabay.com

We reviewed the 15 best magic cards based on a summary of their characteristics as well as their price range. We know shoppers for the best magic cards have a wide variety of needs and skill sets, so we attempted to review a wide range of the best magic cards.

From simple, all-purpose cards useful in magic, to marked cards, to children’s cards, we believe our review of the best magic cards has a deck for everyone.

Overall Price Range

The best magic cards we reviewed ranged from about $ to almost $$$. Some cards were also available in packs. For instance, we found a set of 10 decks for $$ and a set of 12 decks for 30.

The biggest difference in prices was based on some cards being all-purpose, mass produced decks that are also useful for magic. Other cards were crafted more individually or designed specifically for magic. The latter tend to run more costly than the former.

What We Reviewed

  • ​Ellusionist Absinthe V2 Playing Cards
  • ​Magic Makers Orange Reversed Playing Cards
  • ​Sleepers Deck by Ellusionist
  • ​Ice – 100% Plastic Playing Cards
  • ​Joker and the Thief: Custom Designed Deck
  • ​Loftus International Dan Harlan’s Card-Toon Magic Cards
  • ​Ellusionist FATHOM Ocean Themed Playing Card Deck
  • ​Bicycle Poker Size Standard Index Playing Cards
  • ​Best Pipmen World Playing Cards
  • ​Phoenix Marked Deck Cards for Magic
  • ​Union Playing Cards by Theory111
  • ​Matsui Bicycle Black Rider 808 Playing Cards
  • ​S.W.E Deck Playing Cards by Elllussionist
  • ​Tally Ho #9 Playing Cards
  • ​Monarch Playing Cards by Theory11

Ellusionist Absinthe V2 Playing Cards

No products found.

Summary

The Ellusionist Absinthe V2 Playing Cards are themed Absinthe, the Green Fairy of Spirits. The Absinthe drink is associated with the bohemian lifestyle, with famous drinkers, like Picasso, Hemingway and Oscar Wilde, who favored it.

These cards are meant to call to mind the intoxicating drink. The Ace of Spades features the filigree of the absinthe spoon. The deck was originally part of the Prohibition Box Set but is now available individually.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​Magic Makers Orange Reversed Playing Cards

Magic Makers Orange Playing Cards Bicycle Deck
  • The newest color combination is here!
  • These orange reversed-backed cards are officially printed by the U.S. Playing Card Company with...
  • With this vivid orange deck you receive a BONUS double-face card double-backed card ONE NORMAL...

Summary

The Magic Makers Orange Reversed Playing Cards feature a vivid orange color with Double-Face Card, Double-Backed Card, Normal Bicycle Joker & 2 Different Ace of Spades Cards.

The deck holds extra gaff cards with a full collection of special art designed to fit within your deck and amaze your audience.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

Sleepers Deck By Ellusionist

Summary

Ellusionists’ Sleeper Deck is a set of high-quality playing cards that are meant for performing. They are inspired by the art déco era, with custom court cards that have grains of wisdom printed on them.

They are also great for sleight-of-hand tricks. With clean, sharp lines, the cards are ready to be cut, shuffled, and dealt over and over.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​Ice – 100% Plastic Playing Cards

Ice - 100% Plastic Playing Cards, Premium Poker Sized Waterproof...
  • PREMIUM QUALITY: Our poker cards are manufactured with the utmost care and scrutiny to deliver...
  • 100% PVC PLASTIC: These professional quality plastic cards, resemble those used in casinos, and...
  • POKER INDUSTRY STANDARD: Each standard index dec of these plastic poker cards comes with 52...

Summary

Ice’s 100 Percent Plastic Playing Cards have a unique design on PVC plastic cards for professional quality. The cards are similar to those used in casinos.

The decks come with 52 playing cards and two jokers. They are a standard 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches and are thicker than many of their competitors, making them easy to shuffle.

They can also be dealt easily with smooth sliding action. You can use ice cards at home, at a casino, or performing tricks in front of a large audience.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

Joker And the Thief: Custom Designed Deck

Joker and the Thief Deck of Poker Playing Cards - Unique White Gold...
  • Impress all of your friends on card night with a deck of playing cards that has a unique and...
  • White Gold Edition Poker Playing Cards are manufactured to casino grade quality featuring...
  • Forget your fancy automatic shuffler machines; our new deck of playing cards they are easy to...

Summary

The Joker and the Thief: Custom Designed Deck is a limited edition set of cards made in the USA. It is a highly collectible set with hand-drawn illustrations.

The Joker and the Thief cards are premium quality for superior handling, whether dealing, shuffling, or performing sleight of hand. They are made of casino grade paper stock and a linen finish.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​Loftus International Dan Harlan’s Card-Toon Magic Cards

Loftus International Dan Harlan's Card-Toon Magic Card Trick
  • This Is Quite Possibly The Most Charming Card Trick Ever Invented!
  • Can Be Repeated Immediately With Any Card As Many Times As You Like
  • No Difficult Sleights Required

Summary

The Loftus International Dan Harlan’s Card-Toon Magic Cards deck is a kid-friendly set of trick cards. The cards come with a magic cup and ball, rope trick, magic coin, magic want, thumb tip, and more.

A booklet to help with tricks is also included in your purchase. The deck is very charming and suitable for kids at a variety of ages.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​Ellusionist FATHOM Ocean Themed Playing Card Deck

Ellusionist Fathom Playing Card Deck - Water Ocean Themed - for Games...
  • Designed for Ellusionist, the Fathom card set is specifically designed with card players and...
  • Features a beautifully designed aquatic theme inspired by Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues Under...
  • Inspired by the 4 elements, Fathom is the 1st release in the Origin Series by Ellusionist --...

Summary

Another deck from Ellusionist, the FATHOM Ocean Themed Playing Card Deck is designed for card players and magicians alike. An ocean theme from Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea gives the cards a unique appearance.

This was the first of four sets in the Origin Series by Ellusionist, featuring each of the four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. The cards are printed on thin but high-quality USPCC stock and have a soft-glide finish for smooth sleight of hand. The product is listed for ages 12 and up.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​Bicycle Poker Standard Index Playing Cards

Sale
Bicycle Playing Cards - Poker Size - 12 Pack
  • Bicycle Standard playing cards – poker size – 12 pack
  • Bicycle Standard playing cards featuring the historic rider back.
  • Each Bicycle deck is a standard deck of playing cards consisting of 52 Traditional suited...

Summary

There is a good chance many of your memories involving cards happened with Bicycle Poker Standard Index Playing Cards. These cards are a standard in the industry and loved for the all-purpose use.

Bicycle cards have been around since 1885, and each deck is specially crafted. They feature the Classic Air- Cushion Finish for easy use and reliable performance. They are also useful for any card game or magic trick.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​Best Pipmen World Playing Cards

Summary

Every card in a Best Pipmen World Playing Cards deck has a unique design. Together, the designs create one large puzzle. Every card is individual and interesting. These cards can be used as a collectible or as a workable deck.

Whether a family is using the cards to put together the grand puzzle or a magician is doing card tricks, your deck will get compliments every time. Sleight of hand is easily accomplished because of the deck’s smooth finish.

These premium cards are made of 300 GSM card stock featuring casino-grade printing. They are durable and resistant to humidity.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

Phoenix Marked Deck Cards For Magic

No products found.

Summary

Phoenix is already a classic brand in the card industry, but their marked decks are a new twist. The deck contains double markings so it is equally useful to right or left-handed individuals.

The backs of the cards are printed with a Phoenix backs, allowing the markings to blend in unnoticed. All markings are in the same corner spot on every card. The cards are available in red-back or blue-back versions.

If you are a magician that uses marked cards, consider the Phoenix Marked Deck Cards for Magic.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​Union Playing Cards by Theory11

Union Playing Cards
  • Patriotic playing cards inspired by American history
  • Made in the USA on FSC-certified paper derived from sustainable forests using vegetable based...
  • Designed in Charleston, South Carolina - one of the oldest and most historic cities in America

Summary

Theory 11’s Union Playing Cards are inspired by the American Revolution. They are intended to present a message of hope, freedom, and independence.

Icons of colonial America and patriotic symbols are incorporated throughout the design. They are printed on FSC-certified paper from sustainable forests and use vegetable-based inks.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​Matsui Bicycle Black Rider 808 Playing Cards

Sum​​​​​mary

The Matsui bicycle Black Rider 808 Playing Cards are straightforward cards with the famous Bicycle rider design in black.

They have an air-cushion finish that makes them a favorite of magicians. The black Bicycle cards are not as common in the US as the blue. Some magicians like the black appearance better.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​S.W.E Deck Playing Cards by Elllussionist

No products found.

Summary

The S.W.E. Deck Playing Cards feature a replica of Erdnase’s green book on the back with green spread throughout the deck. A customized finish smooth for use with your favorite card tricks.

The cards are resistant to humidity and use a strategic ink weight.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​Tally Ho #9 Playing Cards

Tally Ho #9 Playing Cards 12-Count
  • Tally-Ho circle back playing cards

Summary

Tally-Ho playing cards are designed with a high-quality Linoid finish. They are produced on a stock that is firm but not overly thick. They feature a dimpled pattern common in many USPC decks.

Many magicians swear by Tally-Hos, and the longevity of their popularity speaks volumes.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

​Monarch Playing Cards by Theory11

Sale
theory11 Monarch Playing Cards (Green)
  • The most cherished luxury playing cards of our time - now in a striking Green Edition
  • Made in the USA on FSC-certified paper derived from sustainable forests using vegetable based...
  • Featured #1 in the GQ Holiday Gift Guide and in the blockbuster movie Now You See Me

Summary

The Monorch Playing Cards by Theory11 are luxury cards made in the USA on FSC-certified paper from sustainable forests. The cards use vegetable-based inks.

As some of the best magic cards, they have been featured as the No. 11 holiday gift cards by GQ, and they were featured in the movie, Now You See Me with Morgan Freeman.

The cards have Theory11’s signature premium 909 finish and custom artwork used to create joker and aces, but respect for tradition left traditional Bicycle face cards in the deck.

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

The Verdict On The Best Magic Cards

man eating cards

​Image source: pixabay.com

Determining the best magic cards is dependent on the needs of the individual magician. A young child interested in magic may be well served with Loftus International Dan Harlan’s Card-Toon Magic Cards deck while a professional preparing for a high-end show may choose the Monarch Playing Cards by Theory11.

As we attempted to step back and make a verdict, we asked what cards would serve the greatest number of magicians with durability, consistency, and style. In the end we gave our official thumbs up to the Absinthe Playing Cards V2.

These cards can be used for a simple game of poker, but they are perfect for use as one of the best magic cards, with their unique green aesthetics and mystical history of the famed alcohol Absinthe.

The green color will get the audience’s attention, and their history in the prohibition box set is historically relevant. They are thin and easy to work with for many hand tricks.

Economy Pick

If you are unsure how far you plan to go in your magic career and you want to start simply and cost effectively, the Poker 808 Bicycle cards are a great choice. These are a standard and time-tested card used all over the world.

Bicycle cards perform well for almost any trick with their air-flow finish, and they are easy to handle. Many of the best magicians are content to use the Poker 808 Bicycle cards as one of the best magic cards.

Last update on 2024-04-24 at 05:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You Might Also Like