Can someone please explain to me what the difference is between playing cards? ex: Rider backs vs. Elites. or Tally Ho fan or circle backs? Ive never really done very much with cards except an occasional triumph. . thanks. db

Most of the difference is "design" - USPCC uses the same paper for ALL of their decks, the only other "difference" is the thickness at which they are printed. USPCC is not very consistent about thickness - so it's very possible to get THICK and THIN decks for all the titles you listed above.

Each magician has their "preference" about what they like better, but it's just that .... a preference. It's like having a favorite color, there really isn't any significant difference from one deck to the next. You should buy a deck of each and use the cards that YOU prefer.

Personally, since I use a lot of gaff and trick decks - I only use Red Rider 808s for magic

1. It's the deck of cards MOST people recognize and won't be suspicious of.

2. It's the deck that matches all of my gaff cards / trick decks

3. It's the cheapest and most readily available.

The elites are nice, but you can only get them from Penguin - they are also SUPER THIN cards (GOOD) and so will therefore wear out faster (BAD)
They are also traditionally cut as opposed to a standard modern cut.

You can learn a lot more about USPCC cards from this helpful video.



link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_6bD9eRfu8

How to look after your playing cards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_VvnUj8PaA

Where to buy cards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAKrTIyZqVQ

Thanks David!