UnitedCardists.com - The forum for Cardistry, Magic, Custom Decks and All Things Playing Cards.

Hello everyone. I'm working on my first deck and found the United Cardists site. I thought it would be a good idea to post my progress as I go so I could get a feel for what everyone thinks before I try to take this deck public. I've just started working on it and have the back design finished.

The theme is Esquire. I wanted to make a deck that you might find at a cigar lounge or mens club from the early 20th century. A deck for a gentlemen who spent most of their time seriously playing cards. After thinking a while about this I decided it would be interesting to use the idea of an esquire for the ultimate gentlemens deck. Historically the word was used to describe someone who assisted a knight. In the past century it was used after someone's name to denote his title as a gentleman or as someone who practiced law. So I thought it might be interesting to take this all into account and develop a deck that might have been used historically by the upper class.

Anyways, just thought I'd introduce myself and post some updates for you guys as I made progress. Good to be here.

Looks like you have a big old corner badge which is fine. It's important to imagine or see what the back of the card looks like when you fan it....You have a "2-way back" and have not broken any rules... Looks like your bleeding black to the cut border which is also fine. I don't see anything wrong.

I can keep a secret... shhhh

Hey thanks for commenting! Do you think the corner badge adds or detracts from the overall design? I like the unique feel, but I am concerned about the impact on the ribbons and fans of the deck. Maybe I'll post some examples so people can give some comments about each. Then again once I put it together the answer may become obvious.