Fantasy Themed Poker Size Standard Index Playing Cards - Bicycle Brand - Perfect for Game Nights, Magic Tricks & Collectors

GREATCool cardsThey're cards that look nice.This has to be the most beautiful deck of cards I've ever seen, which may seem ironic since they are very non traditional, and with a gothic/slightly horrific theme. Each card is unique. And I use that work to the fullest of its definition. The is no border on the front or back, which allows for the artwork to go from edge to edge. In addition, the Jacks, Queens and Kings are exquisite. I really like the alternate take on how they made the Jacks female, as well as the jokers. There appears to be a gaff card, and one marked as "Extra", so I would imagine that would appeal to you magicians out there who want to use something other than the traditional cards for a great effect, although since the back of the cards are not reversible, that might reduce how much these can be used for magic tricks. I seriously love the look of these so much, I'm going to buy a second deck, so I have one to play with, and one to keep unopened and untouched. In addition, the card stock seems to be of a higher quality than what most other cards have been. They feel slightly more rigid, for me at least, so that could be a plus or a minus for you depending on what you are used to handling. I'm not a pro card handler, so I could be mistaken. Personally, I like this since I feel that they won't bend or warp as easily as other cards, but, since they the tops are borderless you might want to have a black marker to occasionally run across the edges, since after multiple riffle shuffles, the white from under the surface starts to show. As such, I won't riffle shuffle these. They are plenty of other ways to mix up the cards, either genuinely or with false shuffles so that the edges won't get chipped.MY BOTTOM LINE is, if you have an appreciation for originality, and aren't afraid of The Dark Side, then you simply MUST buy these cards.I added these cards as an afterthought along with another order (ironically I had just placed an order direct from Theory11 (the Guardians' original designer) without a glance at these cards). In the future - these will be the front and center product.The box is is dark and mysterious, and looks good. However, the dual English/French text and the advertising back (instead of an image of the back of the cards) is kind of ugly, though nearly all standard Bicycle-brand decks have advertising backs now.The cards are gorgeous. The Guardian back is slightly reminiscent of the original, class Rider Back. However, these cards are edgy, dark and mysterious, while still being elegant. The Ace of Spades is breathtaking, and is quite possibly the most attractive Ace I've ever seen in a deck of cards, tying only with the Artifice Deck's Ace.They perform great, at least out of the box. I suspect that they will wear/age either the same or slightly better (i.e. last longer) than plain Rider Back/Standard decks. They fan better than any deck in my collection except my Viper Tally-Ho (UV500 Air-Flow edition), and even then the Guardians give that deck, which is almost twice as expensive as this one, a run for its money.Overall - the Guardians are fun to look at, easy to perform with, and are reasonably priced, making them a great choice for a performance deck.I've had these cards for years, seldom us, and durable. I use the extra back to back card as a book mark also. :]The art is beautiful, cards are great bicycle quality. I love the cards but I feel they do not play as enjoyable due to the font choosen. It's hard to tell the ones from sevens. The font has a distressed quality which looks good but just dosen't play well. My mom and I played one round of rummy and had to switch decks. The art is amazing though.Very, very satisfied with this product. I'm a first time buyer from amazon and I was happy with this product. Awesome cards, very slick and smooth. amazing fan and spreads, nice shuffling, easy deal, perfect for magic tricks! I recommend these cards for anyone looking for a deck of cards that they want to pull out to impress a few friends with. I DO NOT recommend these cards for someone looking for a deck of cards that has every face card redesigned around guardian. but however the color scheme has changed. The reds are darker, very nice touch. The ace is amazing, and I am personally a lover of the joker cards in any deck. The Jockers are centered around the min design. Please keep in mind that these cards are very nice and deserve to be taken care of! any set of cards can last 6 months with continuous use. if you want to practice shuffling with these cards, but two decks. Constant riffle shuffling and bridging will cause any deck to bend out of shape in weeks ( I'm well aware that a lot of people know this, I'm letting the rookies know)Each card has unique art (except jokers[2]).They have a great feel to them, like all quality playing cards.Not that easy to see at a glance what the card is, and the value is only in the top left [and bottom right]. Not deducted any stars for this, as I was aware when I purchased, and got them for a specific reason, not for ease of play.Very pleased with them. the artwork is great.Great cards. Perfect service.Standard bicycle quality. No problems with the seller and these were delivered before the estimate. Good purchase. Hassle free shipment. ThanksQualityVery simple looking deck of cards. Customized are cards back and ace of spades, nothing else. Handles like typical bicycle cards.