All About Cards Archives - Gifts for Card Players

Yu-Gi-Oh! Exploring the Stainless Steel Card

Posted on September 19, 2019September 17, 2019 by giftsadmin

Having recently re-discovered Yu-Gi-Oh! the show, through Dueling Nexus and binge-watching, I heard about a particularly valuable Yu-Gi-Oh! Card: printed on stainless steel, and very special issue. Here’s what I found looking into the Black Luster Solider - issued in 1999 for the big winner of the first-ever Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament.

The Suicide King (and Other Card Nicknames)

Posted on September 12, 2019September 6, 2019 by giftsadmin

The Suicide King - Gifts for Card Players

Playing cards have a rich history spanning hundreds of years. This has given us enough time to come up with sayings and nicknames for practically every card in the deck. There’s the Suicide King, the Axe-Man and the notorious Ace of Spades - and, anyone heard of the Beer Card? Here's a little delve into some cool card superstitions.

Exploring TCG Error Cards

Posted on September 5, 2019September 2, 2019 by giftsadmin

In the TCG universe, a huge part of the duel is how you structure your deck and there are thousands of kinds of cards to choose from. We take a closer look at error cards and how they fit into the game.

Obscure TCG’s that Rock

Posted on August 22, 2019August 16, 2019 by giftsadmin

Trading card games (also called TCG's for short) have soared in popularity since the release of the official first TCG Magic: The Gathering way back in 1993. Hundeds of TCG's have hit the market since then - some just plan weird, most of them a lot of fun. We took a look at some awesome TCG's and created this list, just for you!

Exploring Magic Kits

Posted on May 2, 2019May 3, 2019 by giftsadmin

Many professional magicians consider magic kits corny, but they can still remember their first one! If you buy the right kit, it can be a great inspiration for a young card player or magician. We spoke to The Magic Shop about all things magic and checked out some of the kits on the market.

Learn How to Shuffle a Deck, It Can Give You the Upper Hand

Posted on March 27, 2019March 29, 2019 by giftsadmin

Style and skill go hand in when playing any card game. Looking like you know what you’re doing is part and parcel of every card game. So learning some new shuffling tips and tricks will give your opponents the idea that you’re a whizz at whatever you’re playing.

5 Characteristics All The Best Crib Players Share

Posted on March 6, 2019April 1, 2019 by giftsadmin

5 Characteristics of Best Crib Players - Gifts for Card Players

What does it really mean at the end of the day to be a “great crib player” or “one of the best”? If you’ve played much cribbage, you know the top players come in all shapes and sizes.

The Best of Reproduction Decks

Posted on March 1, 2019March 4, 2019 by giftsadmin

Reproduction Vintage and Classic Playing Cards

Love playing cards? Looking for gifts? Here's a list of some unique options for your favourite card collector!

Counterfeit Cards: The Business of Trading Card Fakes

Posted on February 18, 2019April 1, 2019 by giftsadmin

Trading cards are a serious business, pulling in billions of dollars each year in revenue. As one would expect, counterfeiting is a real issue. Here’s what you should know about the business of counterfeiting cards, and what we learned tracking some down for ourselves.

Trick Card Decks & Where to Find Them

Posted on February 13, 2019March 29, 2019 by giftsadmin

Ellusionist and other Trick Card Resources - Gifts for Card Players

Over the years, I’ve developed a deep-rooted fine love for card and coin tricks; those are two things I’m almost never without – when killing time waiting for a taxi to pass, while waiting for an important e-mail to come in or while in conversation on the phone for a radio interview, my hands are usually busy with a coin palm or a card flip.

Looking at Antique and Vintage Card Decks

Posted on February 11, 2019March 29, 2019 by giftsadmin

Vintage Playing Cards - Gifts for Card Players

Guitarists call the phenomenon GAS, short for Gear Acquisition Syndrome: One can never have too many guitars – or in our case, card decks. When last did you buy ‘just one more’ for the collection? We took a look at some really cool vintage and antique card decks and where you can go to find them.

6 Fun and Simple Valentines Day Crafts to Make With a Deck of Cards

Posted on February 6, 2019March 29, 2019 by giftsadmin

If you’re the type who loves Love and loves crafts, this list is perfect for you. Grab yourself a few decks of red-backed playing cards (can be found cheap and easy at almost any second hand or dollar store), some sturdy card stock, a glue stick, a pair of scissors, and some twine or festive ribbon.

Cribbage Brings Folks Together

Posted on February 4, 2019April 1, 2019 by giftsadmin

New writer Catherine Tansey tells us about her travels and about how one particular game helped her get in with the locals.

How can I clean my playing cards?

Posted on January 21, 2019March 29, 2019 by gbladmin

Are your cards sticky with snack grease and finger oils? Restore them to usefulness with these card cleaning tips.

Rare, Beautiful Playing Cards You Won’t Have Seen Elsewhere

Posted on November 29, 2018March 29, 2019 by giftsadmin

In addition to the standard “bicycle” deck of playing cards, many contemporary and historical artists have designed incredible decks with amazing visuals - here’s just a few of them.

Cards for Soldiers

Posted on November 28, 2018 by giftsadmin

Card decks can be utilized for far more than just a card game. The US Military has had several limited-run card decks printed for issue to soldiers, not just to keep their minds and hands busy during idle time, but also sometimes to aid in daring escapes or the identification of hostile forces.

A Sweet Jackpot: Candy for your card table

Posted on November 1, 2018April 1, 2019 by giftsadmin

If you’re not sure what to get someone for an upcoming birthday or holiday, we’d say always settle with either cash – or candy. Here’s our list of the coolest gambling candy you can buy.

Creepy Playing Card Deaths

Posted on October 11, 2018October 10, 2018 by giftsadmin

Broken Heart Playing Cards - Gifts for Card Players

Did you know card games occasionally land people in the morgue! Don't believe us? In the spirit of the season, here's a few creepy examples.

Murder as a Party Game

Posted on October 5, 2018April 1, 2019 by giftsadmin

I highly recommend that this game occurs in a room with no breakable objects and lots of room to roam around. And all you need is a deck of cards.

Our Favourite Card Deck Collections

Posted on September 27, 2018September 27, 2018 by giftsadmin

person holding ace of heart playing card - Gifts for Card Players

From antique to art pieces to special editions, Alex J. Coyne features some of our favourite card deck collections.

The Evolution of Playing Cards

Posted on September 13, 2018April 1, 2019 by giftsadmin

The evolutions of Playing Cards - Gifts for Card Players

Playing cards are such an integral part of our culture today that many of us never give a second thought to the fact that they exist. It hasn’t always been this way, though!

Ode to Solitaire

Posted on September 9, 2018May 22, 2019 by giftsadmin

Solitaire is a peculiar cultural institution. It’s a favourite game of kids at summer camp, procrastination-happy office workers, introverts, and people all around the world. But few people know the true story of how this loner’s game came to be.

Crossing the Bridge to Magic: The Gathering

Posted on April 25, 2018April 25, 2018 by giftsadmin

Magic the Gathering - Gifts for Card Players

It’s easy to see the attraction between trick-taking and trading card games. We took a look at some champion bridge players who are also experts at Magic: The Gathering.

Cards in Art

Posted on December 4, 2017July 24, 2018 by giftsadmin

We all know about the famous series of paintings depicting dogs playing poker, but what about other art containing cards and games? We went digging for some more card-depictions in classic art and elsewhere. Have you spotted any cards in famous art? Let us know what you’ve found in the comments!