52 Plus Joker 2024 Annual Playing Card Convention, Niagara Falls NY, Oct. 2-6

[rousselle]

My first thought leapt immediately to Rick Davidson's Origins decks. Regardless and either way, 52+J has always shown great taste in designers and designs for the club decks. I'm very much looking forward to this year's entry.

[TorresOVER]

Glad to tell everyone that we are going this year

[gaz_solitaireio]

Today I learned Niagra Falls is in New York State.
This sounds like fun!

[kevork]

Today I learned Niagra Falls is in New York State.
This sounds like fun!

There's a US side and a Canadian side!

[CrystalDrug]

If only I didn't live an ocean away... Those who have the opportunity to go, have fun!

[kevork]

Looks like Elettra Deganello is the artist behind the 2024 52+Joker Club deck.
Looking forward to this one.

[Harvonsgard]

Was my first thought as well, when seeing the teaser pics. Unfortunatelly not Elettra off the leash though. Looks like they asked her to do something similar like she did with the Genoese Tarot and deck.

I'd still love to grab one. Any 52+J member in here who would be happy to help?

[Leo Scherfig]

I'd still love to grab one. Any 52+J member in here who would be happy to help?

Oh, yes, I'll get you one

I actually think it looks good, with the wrapper and all.

[shermjack]

Leo, you bringing some decks to sell?

[Leo Scherfig]

Leo, you bringing some decks to sell?

Oh no, I'm not going to the convention — just planning on ordering some decks
BUT! I see that the auction has some of my decks; both of the Moon 65 decks together with an OldSchool deck.

I myself will be going to the IPCS convention in Vienna instead, that's a week before the 52+J convention. And I am sure that Elettra will be in Vienna too, though I don't suppose it will be possible to acquire the new decks directly from her, since as mentioned the decks are not officially released at that time.

The IPCS convention will be partly sponsored by Austrian playing cards manufacturer Piatnik, who is celebrating their 200 years anniversary. Looking very much forward to a couple of days in company with other playing cards enthusiasts!

[shermjack]

Leo, you bringing some decks to sell?

Oh no, I'm not going to the convention — just planning on ordering some decks
BUT! I see that the auction has some of my decks; both of the Moon 65 decks together with an OldSchool deck.

I myself will be going to the IPCS convention in Vienna instead, that's a week before the 52+J convention. And I am sure that Elettra will be in Vienna too, though I don't suppose it will be possible to acquire the new decks directly from her, since as mentioned the decks are not officially released at that time.

The IPCS convention will be partly sponsored by Austrian playing cards manufacturer Piatnik, who is celebrating their 200 years anniversary. Looking very much forward to a couple of days in company with other playing cards enthusiasts!

That’s too bad as it would have been really nice to meet you! Hope you have a wonderful time in Vienna, I am sure you will!

[kevork]

@_._._elettra_._._

[rousselle]

Hey, gang. This here is a note for UC folks who will be at the show:

I'm flying out Monday night on the red eye. If any of you have a white whale that you think I may have -- and if you're willing to part with some cash -- hit me up in the DMs before the end of the weekend.

A partial list of what I have (I haven't updated it in a long time, and it wasn't complete even then): https://www.portfolio52.com/profile/742

[hsbc]

Sadly I won't be able to make it, again I had really been looking forward to this, I wanted it to be my "treat" for the year so I had a room and a new passport and everything. Have fun (and maybe take some pictures for us?)

[TorresOVER]

Sadly I won't be able to make it, again Have fun (and maybe take some pictures for us?)

Waiting for the opening night tonight

[kevork]

Maybe I don't have much to compare to but it seems like a lot of people are posting their attendance to the convention. I'm definitely envious! Lee mentioned it'll be record attendance/tables; a great indicator of community engagement and excitement.

[kevork]

If anyone is selling this deck, please let me know! 1/163 for all attendees of this year's convention in honor of Tom and Judy Dawson. This is Judy's last convention appearance. Art by Brendan Hong.

[vasta41]

If anyone is selling this deck, please let me know! 1/163 for all attendees of this year's convention in honor of Tom and Judy Dawson. This is Judy's last convention appearance. Art by Brendan Hoang.

I would also love one! I really wish my wife didn't have to go to a wedding this weekend

[hsbc]

Add me to the wishlist too please!!

[manu]

(me too)

Wish I could have made it this year, looks like a good time.

[mtsedwards72]

/timidly raises hand

Me too? May I reserve a deck as well?

[rousselle]

Quick report from my first full day at one of these conventions:

I’m having a total blast. I’ve met several awesome UC members for the first time in a face-to-face setting. Among others, and in no particular order: Baconwise, Sherman, CBJ, Kevin, Jackson, Elettra, Emily, Henry and "Mrs. Cortez" (Hi, Brenda!), Kenny, two Chrisses, Tim, and I’m sure others I’m forgetting to mention (or don’t know their usernames here vs their real names in the real world.) Lee Asher and the crew at 52+J really know how to throw a party. The main custom card rep from USPCC and I had a great chat, as well, and I’ve gotten to see MPC prototypes of a couple decks that will soon be launched as Kickstarter projects. Brendon Hong is here, although I haven’t said Hi, yet.

SoCal is giving attendees a copy of their official SoCal deck, X-Decks is showing off some fun wares, Gamblers is likewise sharing some samples of their work, and KWP (as promised on their Discord server a few days ago) has brought a large vat of scratch-and-dent decks to give to attendees.

The vibe here is super friendly and the two presentations today were tasty. Elettra’s Club Deck is simply gorgeous and an absolute must-get.

UC Members: if you’re here and we haven’t spoken yet, please introduce yourself to me! I’m the guy wearing the different colored sneakers and the Hawaiian-style shirt.

That’s all for now, folks. More soon!

[TorresOVER]

Quick report from my first full day at one of these conventions:

I’m having a total blast. I’ve met several awesome UC members for the first time in a face-to-face setting. Among others, and in no particular order: Baconwise, Sherman, CBJ, Kevin, Jackson, Elettra, Emily, Henry and "Mrs. Cortez" (Hi, Brenda!), Kenny, two Chrisses, Tim, and I’m sure others I’m forgetting to mention (or don’t know their usernames here vs their real names in the real world.) Lee Asher and the crew at 52+J really know how to throw a party. The main custom card rep from USPCC and I had a great chat, as well, and I’ve gotten to see MPC prototypes of a couple decks that will soon be launched as Kickstarter projects. Brendon Hong is here, although I haven’t said Hi, yet.

SoCal is giving attendees a copy of their official SoCal deck, X-Decks is showing off some fun wares, Gamblers is likewise sharing some samples of their work, and KWP (as promised on their Discord server a few days ago) has brought a large vat of scratch-and-dent decks to give to attendees.

The vibe here is super friendly and the two presentations today were tasty. Elettra’s Club Deck is simply gorgeous and an absolute must-get.

UC Members: if you’re here and we haven’t spoken yet, please introduce yourself to me! I’m the guy wearing the different colored sneakers and the Hawaiian-style shirt.

That’s all for now, folks. More soon!

Just met Rousselle this morning. We had a great chat, and he's a really cool person. And of course love his sneakers and Hawaiian shirt!

[rousselle]

Super quick report on my second full day at the conference (I’m running late this morning to the card auction, so this will have to be brief):

Two more great talks, including a walk down memory lane with Judy Dawson, the Grande Dame of 52+J, plus great conversations with the two presenters from the previous day. Skylar’s exhibition of his illuinated cut decks is a fantastic display of skill and artistry. After Jackson very kindly had made available a box of singles for collectors (did you know that many collectors collect a single card from each deck — say, the three of clubs, for example — rather than the entire decks) and after making sure attendees were able to grab their singles, Kelsey and Bri and Sergio and I had fun assembling a few Frankendecks from among the gilded cards so as to create Frankengilded Frankendecks, which are hilariously awesome, and shared the bounty with other members of the con and even so, we barely made even a small dent out of the so-very-generously large box of singles that Jackson made available. Another attendee, Mary, was gathering cards from hither and yon to assemble the makings for a collage project that I can’t wait to see. There are *so many* kinds of art and artistry being explored here.

Eight or so of us enjoyed a group lunch at the hamburger joint in the casino across the street, and another group of about ten of us (maybe more?) had dinner together at the hotel’s Rainforest Cafe, where I enjoyed some absolutely fantastic conversation with Kenny and Jackson and Claire and others. One of the guys (Russ, if I recall correctly) bought dessert for the entire group. I continue to be struck by everybody’s generosity. That spirit of generosity is contagious, and I’ve enjoyed contributing where I can, as well. It truly warms the heart.

I explored in great detail the works brought by several of the playing card designers and producers, and especially enjoyed my conversations with TorresOVER and his wife and getting to play with the decks produced by Room One Cards. Their decks are produced at their own facility, with a very supple paper and excellent print quality. The metallic inks and foils are super pleasing to the eye of the bling-loving beholder, so much so that I think I’ll be buying an anime-inspired deck from them EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NO LOVE FOR ANIME. (Please don’t flame me, you lovers of anime. I see you and I appreciate you. But, well, I just never got into that particular art. This deck, however, is winning me over.)

Oh, and I also similarly enjoyed getting a guided tour of Emily Sleight52’s decks. I know she came into some heat here on the boards because she had previously produced a deck in association with a Bad Guy, but folks: if that bothers you, it’s time to let it go. Really. She was new to the scene at the time, and was burned by him just as badly (if not worse) as anyone else who had dealings with him, and she is a truly amazing person and a fantastic artist. I picked up her Criminal Investigation deck (sealed in it’s own evidence bag!) and will absolutely be pre-ordering her Reflections decks on her website. If you like shiny things and strong themes, you should check ‘em out.

And in addition to everyone mentioned above, I enjoyed some quality time with Elettra and Maurizio and Rosemary and Lee and Kevin and Jase and Marshall & his fiancé and Kevin and Tim and so many other smart, witty, and friendly folks. I bought a cut deck from Marshall that will be proudly displayed at my house when I return to the Left Coast.

Last night was capped off for me by enjoying some close-up magic by Sergio and Russ and Daniel. It was a very relaxed kind of fun. A perfect ending to a fantastic day.

The one thing that stands out above everything else is the feeling of community here. I’m learning so much from everyone and am enjoying the hell out of getting to know them better. This is my first time attending the show even though I’ve been a member of 52+J for several years now (and if you aren’t a member yet, I highly recommend that you join!), and I’m so glad I finally managed to get here.

And, that said, I’m missing out on the auction — not that I’m planning to bid on anything, but I want to see how this event works! — so it’s time for me to don my KWP original red Threads shirt and my blue left shoe and red right shoe and head on out the door. Tonight’s festivities include not only a couple more presentations, but also the “red carpet” banquet featuring the Diamond and Dawson Awards. I’m also looking forward to picking up a gilded birthday deck from Chris at Wondercraft while the trading room is still open, and I won’t be surprised if even more money escapes my Paypal account before the day is through.

Oh, and once again, if you were one of the amazing people I met here so far and I failed to mention your in my notes, it’s simply the failing of my very poor memory for names & faces and not a reflection of enjoyment of your company!

This took far longer to write than I’d intended. Alas, brevity continues to not be one of my strong suits. Heh. Suits.

So… cheers for now!

[hsbc]

this will have to be brief

[Harvonsgard]

No need to be brief. I very much enjoyed reading your shared experience @rouselle.

[Honeybee]

If anyone sees Jeff from X-Decks there, please ask him to reply to my email before his sale is over

[rousselle]

If anyone sees Jeff from X-Decks there, please ask him to reply to my email before his sale is over

There were a couple folks from X-Decks there, but being as bad with names as I am, I can’t recall if Jeff was one of them. (I suspect not?) Nonetheless, I’m sure after they get back from the con they will find it easier to get caught up on e-mail.

[rousselle]

So, here’s my “brief” on the third and final full day at the con:

I arrived late for the auction (gee, I wonder why) but managed to see the last ten minutes and it was really quite something. I saw the bidding on the last few decks, one of which went for over $1,200, and one of which didn’t quite hit that rarified air but nonetheless featured some friendly competition between a couple of bidders who reallly wanted the deck in question.

For lunch, Kelsey and Bri and I wandered over to a row a food trucks where we found “Chicken Cluckers” (or something like that) and bought some of their fresh-made fare to bring back to the hotel and eat in the lobby. The weather outside was *perfect*, so the walk was about as wonderful as you could want, but we didn’t want to miss the first presentation of the day, which is why we chose to return and eat near the event. Once again, we enjoyed some great conversation amongst ourselves before taking our seats for the presentation, which featured Daniel Wilson giving a very well researched look into the use of playing cards in television game shows, complete with showing us the home versions of the games and the actual super-sized card props from the shows. His presentation was absolutely a highlight of the day.

The final presentation was a panel discussion among Marco, Jackson, Emily, Sherman, and… um… please forgive me, but I don’t remember who the last person on the panel was. When I remember (or am reminded by one of you kind readers who was there), I’ll correct the oversight. Anyway, Lee moderated the discussion with topics ranging from A.I. art, mentors and inspirations, frustrations, and trends in the world of playing cards.

Tiffany from USPCC kindly distributed a free “Nightmare Before Christmas” deck to each of the attendees, and I managed to complete the purchases I mentioned in previous post before the dealer room closed. Sherman very kindly allowed me to pick up an abundance of carat cases at a favorable price and showed me some tricks for getting the fullest use out of them. Jackson offered to sign my Frankengilded Frankendeck, but I had dropped mine off at my parents’ house the night before and forgot to bring it back to the con when I returned later. D’oh! (It occurs to me now that I could have simply asked him to sign one of the remaining empty tuck cases, but that does me no good at this late hour. Alas.)

Daniel N and Taber and I took advantage of the two hour break between the closing of the dealer room and the starting of the red carpet gala to walk over to the Balloon Ride Over the Falls just a couple blocks away. What a blast! Danny recorded parts of the adventure with his new X-Rayban sunglasses and posted them on Instagram. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to us, fellow attendee Mia, who knew we were going there, took photos of our balloon ride from the ground, and she kindly shared those with us when we returned. Mia was another one of the attendees I’ve failed to mention thus far but who was also a frequent fun person to chat with, and before the red carpet event, we talked about cybersecurity and all kinds of fun topics.

The gala itself was quite a show. As each of us entered the ballroom, Keith took our photos and Rosemary interviewed us as part of the livestream. A second silent auction was set up along the far wall, and the banquet meal was a truly high-class affair. Entrees included salmon and chicken, but for me the highlight was the cut-to-order prime rib. Om nom nom. There were the Diamond and Dawson Awards, and then Lee Asher introduced USPCC’s President, who presented Judy Dawson with the (inaugural, I believe) Lifetime Achievement Award honoring her and her late husband, Tom.

I had chosen the table I was sitting at randomly, and in addition to sitting next to Russ and Taber (whose company I had been enjoying throughout the convention), three others joined us who I had not met previously, but all of whom hailed from the Buffalo area. One lived in the suburb of Jamestown, and the other two were a father and son who lived in the city of Buffalo itself. Having grown up in the city myself, this led to all kinds of interesting conversation both about growing up in the area and also about our very different paths toward collecting playing cards.

Once the gala was over, there were numerous rounds of goodbyes. I took a half hour or so to decompress and change back into street clothes before returning to the ballroom where the last remaining folks were talking about 52+Joker challenges, and then Chris S. and Calvin and, um, crap… another name that has briefly escaped my brain. Anyway, four of us took a breather from the conversation and walked outside to the footbridge that brought us to the Canadian side of the Falls. We admired the view from the Canadian side for a bit and then walked back to the US side and rejoined the conversation in the ballroom. By this time, Daniel had brought down a new virtual reality headset, while Lee and Rosemary and Keith and Elettra and Maurizio and Sergio continued talking about 52+J conventions in the past and ideas for the future. It was late in the evening by this time and the conversation was even more relaxed and friendly than it had already been. We eventually said our goodnights and so my last full day at the convention came to a close.

But that’s not really the end of the con for me.

Kevin and I had arranged to have some genuine Buffalo cuisine of “Beef on ‘Weck” and chicken wings at a neighborhood tavern for lunch the next day. As opportunity presented itself, we managed to also bring Daniel N, Chris S, Sergio, and Mary into this adventure. So, the six of us made our way to Kelly’s Korner for Wings and Weck... at the same time that the Buffalo Bills game was about to start. The Tavern was packed with Bills fans there to watch the game on TV. We managed to find a table, and by the time the food arrived (the kitchen was wayyy backed up, as it turned out), we happily devoured it while the fans cheered and booed the events on the screen. Once again, we enjoyed fine, fine conversation throughout. The group again said our goodbyes, I dropped Kevin off at the hotel (the others had their own rides already worked out), and THAT was the end of the con for me.

So.

I know I’ve forgotten to mention several others I enjoyed meeting at the con. There was Joan, the Tarot-reading force of nature. There was another member of the UC, Fenrir, with whom I also had great conversations, but who left the con before we realized who each other was because we met each other using our real first names and not our usernames. Ha! There was Dave H, the buyer and seller of great quantities of used decks. There was Nancy from the gilding company. There was the guy whose name I don’t recall who creates art from the scanned images of cards from different decks (like, say, a collage of Jacks of Diamonds from a hundred decks. That kind of thing.) I encouraged him and others to drop by UC and join the conversation. There was Matt. Did I mention meeting designer Mark Stutzman? Oh, and there was another Emily, I think — as in, not Emily Sleights52 but a different Emily — who worked in the warehouse of one of the vendors. There were many more whom I have also failed to mention — and, again, it’s not because I don’t appreciate them, it’s because of my own crappy memory for names. Part of why I am getting anything right here at all is because I have a pile of calling cards that people handed me that I wrote notes on to remember who they were! That, and in many cases, sheer repetition.

The convention was a great opportunity to learn more about playing cards and the people and trends surrounding them, but even moreso, it was a great opportunity to meet online friends and turn them into friends in real life. It was also an opportunity to meet people I’d never interacted with before and, I hope, possibly turn them into friends, too, going forward.

And there was so freakin’ much generosity and kindness; so freakin’ much intelligence and thoughtfulness. The creativity! So much poise and grace and silliness and spontaneity!

I realize that right now I’m probably sounding like a little bit of a cheerleader, bouncing up and down and shaking pom-poms and shouting, “Woooo!” Trust me, I’m still just as cynical and sarcastic as ever. But I’m also happy. Good food, good conversation, making human connections and bonding over our shared appreciation for a very niche kind of art. What’s not to be happy about?

This was my first 52+Joker annual convention, and I’m so glad I went. I plan to remain in touch with as many of my new friends as I can, and I hope to meet *you* at next year’s convention, as well.

[SRO]

Thank you for the updates! Any indication as to where/when the 2025 conference will be?