Top 10 Modern Era "MUST HAVES"

[Sparkz]

If you were just starting a collection, what would be your top 10 must have decks for your collection, not to exceed $50 a deck? If you could ecxplain why, that would be great.This is just to have a little fun.
NOTE: You can't use "I got a great Deal on ebay" to put a high end deck on your list

[montecarlojoe]

So tricky. So many must haves that wouldn't have cost $50 dollars to buy at the time will fetch over that now...

But I would say that one of them has to be a standard modern rider-back. It's what everything else you get will be measured against.

[nECr0MaNCeD]

I am a new collector just starting. This is my top ten list right now. Keep in mind my whole list is about a thousand decks....

PS I am only listing my favorite color for decks that have one or more color variation, with the exception of the Seasons decks.
10. Allure white.... I've always been partial to white and gold and this deck does it very nicely
9. Royal Optik Limited Edition.... 100% custom design that is truly unique
8. Whispering Imps Original.... I've always liked imps, demons and skulls and this deck's theme does this elegantly without overdoing it.
7. Seasons Seronda.... If Davinci could design a deck with modern tools it would be this deck.
6. Seasons Primavera.... See number 7
5. Deco... Besides Seasons, this deck has the best tuck design to go along with breathtakingly beautiful cards.
4. Pagan Limited edition... A truly unique theme that I love along with some of the best playing card art out there.
3. Federal 52 Gold Certificate... See number 2 plus I have a Gold certificate $20 bill my grandfather gave me. For obvious reasons it is special to me.
2. Federal 52 (Just arrived!).... Like Jackson I have always love US bank note art. I don't think anyone could have done this deck better.
1. Coterie Bee Gold Edition.... I've loved Bee cards since I was a dealer in Atlantic City and these are by and far the most beautiful Bees ever made.

[Sparkz]

Here's my list, no particular order and I know it's difficult to come up with 10.

Bicycle Rider Backs - By today's custom standards nothing to go nuts over, but the classic deck can't be left out.
Black Tiger - Where it all started
Federal 52 (Original) - Amazing concept and presentation.
Aurum - Bold design and line work with amazing detail
Bohemia - A different approach to custom decks, a more classic "Artistic" design concept.
Split Spade Lions - Design and Handling
Bee Erdnase 216 - Classic throwback design.
Seasons Set (Primavera / Seronda) - Just a beautiful set of cards.
Artisan (White) - Great design, one of those decks you can hand to anyone and they'll be impressed.
Curator - Understanding the artistic process is enough to land this one on the list.

[Norbie]

Any Uusi deck is a given, so that gives you six places in your top 10.

And the final four? Throw in Split Spades, Allure White, a Federal Deck and probably the yet to be released Zenith.

And this is from my decades of experience.... Sorry....... Years of.....no, sorry again..... Year of..... No, I lie.... Months of experience in card collecting.

[Widdee]

No particular order:

Fed 52 Black Reserve
Uusi Blue Blood Redux
Emperor Red
Uusi Royal Optic either color
Monarch Gold
Black Ghost V1
Calaveras

And on the way-

Uusi Pagan
Oracle
Ornate Obsidian

[Widdee]

So tricky. So many must haves that wouldn't have cost $50 dollars to buy at the time will fetch over that now...

But I would say that one of them has to be a standard modern rider-back. It's what everything else you get will be measured against.

Definitely! So subjective. One in a million odds you'd ever see the same 10 twice.

[volantangel]

I think mine would have to be:

Bohemia
Aurum
Fed 52
Empire
Artisans (the box is just stunning, cant get enough)
Royal Optik
Curator (until sawdust is released, then it would replace this slot)
Seasons
Venexania
Requiem

[DukeBoy]

Curator
Federal 52
War of Currents
Extraordinary Voyages
Bohemia
Draw Like a Boss
Imperial
Origins
Hornet
Blue Bloods

[volantangel]

War of currents ! I thought i was the only fan !

[nECr0MaNCeD]

War of currents ! I thought i was the only fan !

Nope. They're on my list as well. Just not top ten.

[DukeBoy]

War of currents ! I thought i was the only fan !

Nope. They're on my list as well. Just not top ten.

It was my 1st KS deck and sucked me into this whole collecting more than what I can pick up at walmart and drug stores. It has a great history lesson to it. The non courts have custom pips, and I just love the full color Joker.

[nECr0MaNCeD]

I agree 100% Duke. There just so many it was hard to pick a top 10.

PS My Deco First 100 set and Seasons decks are to be delivered today. Can't wait to get home from work!

PPS Paul at Encarded put up some White Deco normal decks today on his site for $12 and some Bronze First Printing decks for $24. I was able to snag a white deck but couldn't swing the $$ for the Bronze deck. Anyone needing these should grab one before they sell out.

[Sparkz]

There just so many it was hard to pick a top 10

Well that was the fun/intention of the question

It's always interesting to see which decks seem to be mainstays and the unique decks that end up on a list that others may not of even considered.

[nECr0MaNCeD]

There just so many it was hard to pick a top 10

Well that was the fun/intention of the question

It's always interesting to see which decks seem to be mainstays and the unique decks that end up on a list that others may not of even considered.

Indeed. Like going to Hooters and being told you can only take one home....

BTW Numbers 7, 6, 5 and 3 are now mine..... My poor wallet

PS I updated my list with my reasons

[volantangel]

Heres one for the War of Current fans!

War of Currents

[wahl0108]

10) Bicycle Red Traditional 8-Bit (KS) - the art deserves to be higher, but poor communication with the seller has dropped it down to the bottom slot.

9) Bicycle Joker Deck (USPCC) - not technically released yet, but I like the idea! will probably advance once in hand.

8) Bicycle Revision 1 (KS) - although light, huge fan of the drafting idea. wonderfully executed

7) Bicycle Blue Prestige (USPCC) - the way this handles out of the box is amazing

6) Bicycle Centurions (Theory11) - love the nod to ancient Rome

5) Bicycle Archangels (Theory11) - back is beautiful

4) Bicycle The Grid (KS)- big into tech themes

3) Bicycle Seven Seas Deck (KS) - love nautical themes too

2) Bicycle Dia de los Muertos (KS) - can't wait to handle the painted deck!

1) Bicycle Black Different Deck (KS) - love the art and the charcoal background

[ecNate]

10) Bicycle Joker Deck (USPCC) - not technically released yet, but I like the idea!

Oh? What is this???

[MagikFingerz]

10) Bicycle Joker Deck (USPCC) - not technically released yet, but I like the idea!

Oh? What is this???

It's an upcoming deck in the Bicycle 808 club (I think it's exclusive?) which will have only Jokers from different USPCC decks through history.

[Mike Ratledge]

10) Bicycle Joker Deck (USPCC) - not technically released yet, but I like the idea!

Oh? What is this???

It's an upcoming deck in the Bicycle 808 club (I think it's exclusive?) which will have only Jokers from different USPCC decks through history.

Yes, it is a Club 808 exclusive deck, they just talked about it in their newsletter today and it appears that they have the uncut sheets coming out on April 15th, and decks are usually ten days to two weeks behind. Here's a little clip of the "Jokers" deck preview from the website.

Also the 'winning' back (#3) from the "What's on Deck?" contest voting: there really weren't a lot of votes: only 303 total votes. Seems pretty low, there HAVE to be many more Llub 808 members than that!

[wahl0108]

10) Bicycle Joker Deck (USPCC) - not technically released yet, but I like the idea!

Oh? What is this???

It's an upcoming deck in the Bicycle 808 club (I think it's exclusive?) which will have only Jokers from different USPCC decks through history.

Yes, it is a Club 808 exclusive deck, they just talked about it in their newsletter today and it appears that they have the uncut sheets coming out on April 15th, and decks are usually ten days to two weeks behind.

Mike nailed it. Can't wait for the 15th!

[nECr0MaNCeD]

I'll be grabbing a couple Jokers. I am also in for a half brick of the Dia de los muertos decks. Great idea and design. I will be truly disappointed if the painted deck doesn't get funded.

[ecNate]

I'm so glad to have jumped into the card collecting scene when I did (Jan 2014, joined here end of Feb), there are just so many great options out there and the bar is constantly being raised. There's the side effect of increased costs and the 'bubble', but overall I'm quite pleased. This all came to a head this week as Alex Chin, Emmanuel Jose and Jackson Robinson all have new projects opening within a week!

Anyhow, this got me thinking and I was just wondering how your Top 10 list looks now that's it's been about a year since you last posted? Please locate and quote your original list, then reply with your current list. I can't wait for PlayingCardDB to take off and after rhu implements the ranking/rating feature we'll be able to instantly locate such aggregate information (I'm a data/graph junkie).


My list, in approximate order, but SOOO close and I know a few that once I get my hands on will require adjustments to this list (Sawdust, Seasons Verana, N.17, etc)

Honorable Mention. Dark Suits by Mr Mead - This was really the one that started it for me. I somewhat collected neat decks traveling, but this is what caused me to open my eyes and search out what else was out there.
10. Civil War (Blue) [Bicycle] - Simply included as the best standard deck, for the price and artwork and quality you can't beat it.
9. Cigar [Bicycle] - One of my favorite 808 decks (Espionage was close too), there's something about this one combined with the reasonable pricing.
8. Ultimate Deck - The controversy! One of the first ones I got and more pricey as well, but it helped sell me on the idea of custom decks, transformation decks and especially uncuts.
7. Joker [Bicycle] - A strange choice perhaps, but I enjoy the Jokers. Too bad it was such a pathetic effort and 'unfinished'.
6. Empire - The only one I DON"T have yet. I like the new version, but there is something about this original.
5. Seasons Primavera - Much prefer this over Seronda, but the level of detail in the artwork is so amazing.
4. Origins First Edition - History, great art and superb quality.
3. Clipped Wings - I'm a sucker for (semi)transformation decks and the cut paper design approach is awesome, the variety and every card is custom.
2. Curator - Same as above, but this gets the additional nod for being the first and having a wider variety.
1. Federal 52 Black Reserve Note [Bicycle] - The best in the Federal series or even all of JR's decks by a long shot. Not even close.


NEXT!!! Edit - would love to see new listings as well, not just updated lists!

[ecNate]

Really, nobody?

[Mike Ratledge]

One thing for certain, the more decks we see this year, the better they get. There are going to be a few 2014 decks in your "Top 10" list before the end of the year, that's for certain.

I always go back to my favorite "old" deck: Tally-Ho Split Spades. It's just hard to beat the way one of those decks handles!

[Norbie]

Really, nobody?

I have my "Special Box"* (kings wild 12 brick) where I keep my favorite cards. When I get home in a week from the hospital I'll give you my list. But as a little preview the following are some of the decks in my "Special Box"* - Diferent Deck, Requiem, The Independence Series, Origin Series, Zenith ...... More will be revealed in a weeks time.




* yes! I'm a proud owner of the box! and it's even signed by Jackson. Although the price was a bit rich when you included postage to Australia.

[msdt165@yahoo.com]

I'm so glad to have jumped into the card collecting scene when I did (Jan 2014, joined here end of Feb), there are just so many great options out there and the bar is constantly being raised. There's the side effect of increased costs and the 'bubble', but overall I'm quite pleased. This all came to a head this week as Alex Chin, Emmanuel Jose and Jackson Robinson all have new projects opening within a week!

Anyhow, this got me thinking and I was just wondering how your Top 10 list looks now that's it's been about a year since you last posted? Please locate and quote your original list, then reply with your current list. I can't wait for PlayingCardDB to take off and after rhu implements the ranking/rating feature we'll be able to instantly locate such aggregate information (I'm a data/graph junkie).


My list, in approximate order, but SOOO close and I know a few that once I get my hands on will require adjustments to this list (Sawdust, Seasons Verana, N.17, etc)

Honorable Mention. Dark Suits by Mr Mead - This was really the one that started it for me. I somewhat collected neat decks traveling, but this is what caused me to open my eyes and search out what else was out there.
10. Civil War (Blue) [Bicycle] - Simply included as the best standard deck, for the price and artwork and quality you can't beat it.
9. Cigar [Bicycle] - One of my favorite 808 decks (Espionage was close too), there's something about this one combined with the reasonable pricing.
8. Ultimate Deck - The controversy! One of the first ones I got and more pricey as well, but it helped sell me on the idea of custom decks, transformation decks and especially uncuts.
7. Joker [Bicycle] - A strange choice perhaps, but I enjoy the Jokers. Too bad it was such a pathetic effort and 'unfinished'.
6. Empire - The only one I DON"T have yet. I like the new version, but there is something about this original.
5. Seasons Primavera - Much prefer this over Seronda, but the level of detail in the artwork is so amazing.
4. Origins First Edition - History, great art and superb quality.
3. Clipped Wings - I'm a sucker for (semi)transformation decks and the cut paper design approach is awesome, the variety and every card is custom.
2. Curator - Same as above, but this gets the additional nod for being the first and having a wider variety.
1. Federal 52 Black Reserve Note [Bicycle] - The best in the Federal series or even all of JR's decks by a long shot. Not even close.


[img]NEXT!!! Edit - would love to see new listings as well, not just updated lists!

"1. Federal 52 Black Reserve Note [Bicycle] - The best in the Federal series or even all of JR's decks by a long shot. Not even close." YEP not even close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! do you have the full set?? No I mean the real full set? All 10 decks, all four coins in a custom authorized Lucite case and......and...and all 8 poker chips, yep all 8 not just the 5 that you have but the 3 unreleased that you don't. LMAO yep what you want to give for this set, yep we are talking thousands.[C:\Users\Ben\Desktop\DSCN0512.JPG]

[nECr0MaNCeD]

"1. Federal 52 Black Reserve Note [Bicycle] - The best in the Federal series or even all of JR's decks by a long shot. Not even close." YEP not even close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! do you have the full set?? No I mean the real full set? All 10 decks, all four coins in a custom authorized Lucite case and......and...and all 8 poker chips, yep all 8 not just the 5 that you have but the 3 unreleased that you don't. LMAO yep what you want to give for this set, yep we are talking thousands.[C:\Users\Ben\Desktop\DSCN0512.JPG]

Not sure where you are going with your recent posts but they seem a bit confrontational. We have a very diverse membership from around the globe and welcome any and all who share our love of all things playing cards. That being said you seem to have an axe to grind. If so fine, start a thread and make your point. If your only purpose for being here is to grind that axe... well, I doubt you'll get much of a reception.

[volantangel]

Pretty sure I wouldn't give you a single dime for anything you offer with that attitude of yours. Good luck with bragging with your fed 52 poker chips, they aren't worth anything and I've been giving them away every now and then.

[MagikFingerz]

[C:\Users\Ben\Desktop\DSCN0512.JPG]

I will never take someone who posts a picture like this seriously