Playing Cards
Playing Cards
Every New York Puzzle Company deck is a full, standard 52-card deck (plus 2 jokers) printed on 310 gsm linen-finish stock with a black core — the same construction used in casino-grade cards. That black core keeps the cards opaque and gives them the snap and flexibility for a clean riffle shuffle and a smooth bridge, without sticking or creasing. At a recent trade show, a dealer riffled and bridged one of our decks on the spot and complimented the quality — these are built to hold up to real play, not just look good on a shelf.
Card size is standard poker size (2.5" x 3.5"), so every deck plays with any card game you already know. What makes ours different is the art: original illustrations and licensed designs from The New Yorker magazine, Harry Potter (illustrated by Mary GrandPré), the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Janet Hill Studios, and more — plus vintage and nature-themed prints. Shop single decks ($18) or double decks ($32) for two-deck games or gifting.
All decks are made in the USA and rated for ages 3+ or 4+ — an easy gift for game night, collectors, or fans of a favorite artist or magazine.
Playing Cards FAQ
A standard deck has 52 cards plus 2 jokers, split into four suits — hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades — with 13 ranks in each suit (ace through king). Every New York Puzzle Company deck follows this same standard count, so however unique the artwork on the front, the deck plays like any classic deck.
A single deck ($18) gives you one complete 52-card deck plus jokers in a compact box. A double deck ($32) includes two full decks in one box — handy for games that call for two decks (like canasta or a big group of card players) or if you just want a matching pair to keep on hand.
The two most common methods are the riffle shuffle (splitting the deck in half and interleaving the cards) and the overhand shuffle (repeatedly pulling small packets from the top of the deck into your other hand). New York Puzzle Company decks are printed on 310 gsm linen-finish stock with a black core — the same construction used in casino-grade cards — so they riffle and bridge smoothly without sticking or creasing. At a recent trade show, a dealer riffled and bridged one of our decks on the spot and complimented the quality — it's built to hold up to real play, not just look good on a shelf.
Each New York Puzzle Company deck includes 2 jokers, matching standard playing card convention.
Instead of the usual back-of-box art, every deck features an original illustration or licensed artwork — from classic New Yorker magazine covers to Harry Potter illustrations by Mary GrandPré, Cornell Lab of Ornithology bird portraits, and whimsical paintings by artists like Janet Hill and Bill Mayer. The cards themselves are still a full, standard 52-card deck — the difference is the art.
Yes. All of our playing card decks are manufactured in the USA.
Most decks are rated for ages 3+ or 4+, making them a fun pick for family game nights or as an easy add for kids old enough to hold and sort cards. Specific age ratings are listed on each product page.
Yes — a themed deck is an easy, affordable gift for birthdays, holidays, or as a stocking stuffer, especially for New Yorker fans, Harry Potter fans, bird watchers, or anyone who collects a favorite artist's work. Many customers also pick up a double deck as a two-in-one gift. Single decks start at $18; double decks are $32.
Keep cards in their box when not in use, store them somewhere dry (avoid humidity, which can warp cardstock), and shuffle gently rather than bending cards sharply. With normal care, a deck will hold up over years of regular game nights.
Definitely — decks are organized by artist and theme (New Yorker cartoons, Harry Potter, Cornell birds, vintage illustration series, and more), so many customers build out a small collection or mix and match for gifting.
