This page covers reviews of specialty and boutique playing cards that don't fall under a major brand. These include limited runs, collector-focused designs, and cards from smaller manufacturers worth knowing about.
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Boutique and Specialty Playing Cards for Enthusiasts
Zero Playing Cards Review
Review 6.2/10Zero As In Zero Available
These cards were purchased as part of a group buy between enthusiasts many years ago. It doesn't appear that they are available as of this writing.
The cards have a nice design with a good red. They have a good feel while shuffling but are a little on the stiff side. They were a little "floaty" when shuffling but dealt well with fair parking upon arrival to the player.
Zero Playing Cards represent the kind of boutique group-buy card that surfaces in enthusiast communities every few years. If a reissue or new run becomes available, communities like the Poker Chip Forum are typically where they're announced.
Pros
- Unique design
- Good red
- Good feel while shuffling
Cons
- On the stiff side
- No case
- Not currently available
| Type | Plastic |
|---|---|
| Size | Poker |
| Index | Large |
| Pips | Two |
| Jokers | Two |
| Made in | Italy |
Design Classic Diamond — Blackjack Index Review
Review Guest Review 8.1/10This review was contributed by forum member Nitty OMC from the Home Poker Forum. Manufacturer: Desjgn Playing Cards (Dal Negro), Italy.
Just two weeks after being made available for shipping, I was able to get my hands on a couple of setups of Desjgn's newest offering. This iteration is a bridge size card on a "blackjack" index, which falls between a standard and jumbo index in terms of pip size.
Feel
If you're a fan of previous Desjgn offerings, you'll be a big fan of these. The cards are printed on the same textured, slightly stiff stock. The texture is present on both the card backs and faces, but does not make the cards sticky. The texture is very grainy, which makes the card feel luxurious and different from standard offerings. The stock is on the thicker side.
Looks & Design
The card back artwork is simple, bold, and to the point — a retro diamond-shaped recurring pattern. The red and black card backs are bold and can be easily distinguished from each other. Desjgn's proprietary card face and pip artwork is a refreshing change from the standard Copag/KEM font.
The "blackjack" index is a nice compromise: standard index is too small to be seen from across a standard 8-foot, 10-player oval poker table, and jumbo index is sometimes too large. This hits a nice middle ground.
Durability
One deck was shuffled, riffled, and pitched for over 30 minutes with no sign of marking, chipping, or creasing. The cards arrived wrapped in cellophane individually and did not arrive bowed or warped.
Price / Purchasing
At time of review: approximately $42 including shipping and taxes for two setups of two decks each. Available via eBay from the Desjgn seller. Cards arrived promptly and well-packaged.
Do not hesitate to buy these. Desjgn has an excellent track record of quality and customer service. This is a great option for anyone who finds standard index too small and jumbo index too large — a genuine compromise that brings the best of both worlds.
Pros
- Wonderful textured feel on both card faces and backs
- Unique yet functional proprietary card face and pip art
- Excellent manufacturer track record for quality and service
Cons
- Shipping cost is high for a single setup
| Brand | Desjgn (Dal Negro) |
|---|---|
| Type | Plastic |
| Size | Bridge |
| Index | Blackjack (mid) |
| Made in | Italy |
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