The Origins, Evolution, and Appeal of King Star Playing Cards

The Origins of King Star Playing Cards

Playing cards have been used for entertainment and gaming for centuries. Standard decks typically contain four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades) with 13 cards per suit including numbered cards from 2-10, jack, queen, king and ace. While these standard decks are most common, there are also many custom and specialty decks available featuring unique designs, themes, and custom artwork.

One such specialty deck that has grown in popularity recently is the King Star playing card deck. But where did these cards originate from and what makes them so unique compared to other decks?

The Creation of a Specialty Deck

The King Star playing card deck was created and trademarked by playing card manufacturer Elite Playing Cards based out of Denison, Texas. According to the company's website, the inspiration for the design came simply from wanting to create a high quality custom deck unlike others on the market.

The King Star deck first launched around 2015 and has since gained a small but loyal following in the playing card community. Its unique back design featuring a large white star outline against a regal purple background makes them easily distinguishable from standard decks.

Custom Face Card Designs

In addition to its vibrant card backs, the King Star deck also features custom face card designs with elegant gold foil detailing. The king cards are highlighted with large stars while the jack and queen cards contain smaller stars within intricate background borders.

Jokers and ace cards within the deck also contain the star theme with the jokers featuring jesters with stars for eyes. Numbered cards maintain a clean and classic look with simple black text over white.

Quality and Handling

The King Star playing cards were produced by United States Playing Card Company, the same manufacturer that prints popular brands like Bicycle, Bee, and Hoyle. As such, their card stock, finish, and handling matches the quality expected from a USPCC printed deck.

The stock used is a standard casino grade bee stock preferred by card handlers for its durability. Its embossed texture also helps enhance the cards' flexibility and performance. Cards handle smoothly right out of the box and hold up well to shuffling and card tricks.

The King Star Deck Over the Years

Since its introduction around 2015, the King Star deck has built up a small but dedicated following thanks to its unique back design and custom face card artwork. Let's look at how this specialty deck has evolved over the years.

Limited Run Releases

The King Star deck is not mass produced like standard bicycle rider back decks. Instead, Elite Playing Cards produces them only in small limited run printings every few years. This helps maintain the deck's collectibility for fans always eager for the next release.

Exact production numbers are not known but it's estimated only a few thousand King Star decks are printed at a time. Often they sell out quickly until the next batch is produced. Secondary market prices can also be higher due to limited availability.

New Color Variations

While the classic King Star deck features regal purple backs, new colors have also appeared over the years as the company experiments with different designs. Examples include an aqua green colored deck with dark blue stars dubbed the "Jade Kings", a neon pink and blue vaporware version, as well as red and blue duo tone variants.

The custom face card art style however has mostly remained consistent throughout newer editions. This has helped maintain the King Star branding while still offering fans some diversity.

Gold Edition Release

In 2021, Elite Playing Cards celebrated the King Star decks 6th anniversary with a special Gold Edition release. It featured metallic gold ink on the backs, gold metallic foil accents on the face cards, and a matching gold tuck case for the ultimate luxurious feel.

Numbered seals up to 2500 were included on the tuck cases certifying them as limited edition rare releases for collectors and Kings Star enthusiasts.

The Appeal of King Star Cards Today

The King Star deck of playing cards has earned a reputation over the past several years as being a quality, unique, and visually stunning custom deck. For playing card and collector enthusiasts, let's look at some key reasons for their continued appeal today.

Striking Back Designs

Perhaps the most obvious appeal is the deck's elegant and eye catching back design. The white stars popping against colored backgrounds grab attention and give them an edgy yet regal look. As more color variations release over the years, new designs continue turning heads as well.

Premium Card Stock

By being produced through card industry leader USPCC, King Star decks meet expectations in terms of card quality. Fans appreciate the embossed texture, flexibility right out of the box, and durability to last through many uses. Their performance handling cardistry moves or card magic also attracts enthusiasts.

Active Online Community

Those who use King Star decks praise them actively on social media threads and online communities. Hash tags like #KingStarCards continue promoting awareness and making them visible whenever a new deck drops or unique flourish is performed. Their unique bond helps keep the brand popular within the specialty market years later.

For card players and collectors who appreciate vibrant custom designs paired with quality handling, King Star decks offer appealing options thanks to an eye catching look and feel unlike standard decks on the market.

FAQs

Who manufactures King Star playing cards?

King Star playing cards are printed by the United States Playing Card Company, the same manufacturer that produces popular card brands like Bicycle, Bee, and Hoyle.

How often are new King Star decks released?

New batches of King Star playing cards are released by Elite Playing Cards every few years in small limited print runs. Exact production numbers are not disclosed publicly.

What is unique about the card backs?

The card backs feature a large white star outline against a colored background. Different colors over the years have included purple, green, blue, pink, and more.

Do King Star decks handle well for card flourishes?

Yes, King Star cards use a casino grade card stock and finish that allows them to spring and move smoothly, making them suitable for cardistry and flourishes.