Among the many premium playing card brands, Bicycle is undoubtedly one of the most well-known globally. Even if you're not a card enthusiast, you've almost certainly come across Bicycle products, as magicians frequently use Bicycle playing cards in card tricks, and Bicycle has a lot of co-branded products with popular cartoon and anime . So, what's so special about Bicycle playing cards? Why are they so popular? And what are the differences between Bicycle's various products? Table of Contents The History of Bicycle Playing Cards What are Standard and Custom Bicycle Playing Cards? Other Playing Cards from the USPCC Why are Bicycle Playing Cards Worth-buying? Where to buy Bicycle Playing Cards in Hong Kong? The History of Bicycle Playing Cards Bicycle is a brand produced by the US Playing Cards Company (USPCC), one of the world's largest manufacturers of playing cards. Founded in 1867 as Russell, Morgan & Co., USPCC eventually adopted its current name and launched its iconic Bicycle brand in 1885. Inspired by the popular high-wheeled bicycles of the time, Bicycle used a bicycle as the main design element on the back of the cards, eventually evolving into the most common Bicycle Rider Back playing cards today. One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of USPCC and its Bicycle playing cards is the high-quality feel of each deck they print. They utilize an Air Crush surface treatment technology, making the cards durable and smooth to the touch. Anyone who has ever used USPCC and Bicycle products can appreciate how different they are from ordinary playing cards sold at general shops. What are Standard and Custom Bicycle Playing Cards? "Standard" can have different meanings depending on the context, but when it comes to a discussion on Bicycle cards, it mostly doesn't refer to the size or materials of the cards, but their design. Standard Bicycle playing cards use the classic bicycle back design. Each deck has 52 cards, plus two joker cards and two extra cards (usually advertising cards). While Bicycle now offers standard versions in several different colors, the most common are still the classic blue and red, so these two colors are usually less expensive than other colors. In recent years, the popularity of customized playing cards has grown exponentially, with many designers choosing to associate their work with the trustworthy name and consistent quality of the Bicycle brand. You can create customized Bicycle playing cards as long as you obtain the appropriate licenses, have your artwork approved in advance, and adhere to strict brand guidelines. Bicycle also collaborates with designers to release products with specially designed card backs. These are known as customized Bicycle playing cards, as their designs are different from the classic designs of standard Bicycle decks. Because these products are printed in smaller quantities and require additional design costs, customized Bicycle playing cards are more expensive than standard versions. Other Playing Cards from the USPCC While Bicycle playing cards are undoubtedly the most popular, they aren't the only playing cards produced by the USPCC. Bee, Aviator, and Tally-Ho playing cards are also brands under the USPCC. Although lacking the brand recognition of Bicycle, most of the other USPCC brands are virtually indistinguishable from Bicycle in terms of quality, differing mainly in design and appealing to different populations. Besides its own brands, USPCC also provides printing services for other brands. Therefore, you might find other brands' products bearing the USPCC name, and their quality is just as high as Bicycle , Bee, Aviator, and Tally-Ho. Consequently, products printed by USPCC, regardless of the brand, are very popular with magicians and card enthusiasts. Slots Playing Card by Mechanic Industries printed by USPCC Why are Bicycle Playing Cards Worth-buying? While not expensive, there are many cheaper options than Bicycle, which might lead some casual players to believe that Bicycle playing cards are overpriced. However, the old adage "you get what you pay for" holds true in the world of playing cards. Many cheap playing cards are often printed with inferior, low-quality materials, making them less durable and less comfortable to hold. While it might not matter a lot for occasional card playing, once you got a deck of Bicycle Playing Cards and experience it, you will understand how you deserve a high-quality deck to enhance your playing experience and it's not an exclusive joy for magicians. Therefore, the slightly higher price of Bicycle playing cards compared to cheaper decks from regular stores is worthwhile for sure. For entry, the Bicycle Rider Back playing cards offers the best value, as its quality is comparable to high-end custom decks, but its mass production makes it much cheaper. Whether you're a casual player, just starting to learn card skills, or practicing card magic, Bicycle's standard playing cards are perfect for you. Where to buy Bicycle Playing Cards in Hong Kong? As, arguably, the most popular playing card brand in the United States, Bicycle playing cards are widely accessible in many stores. However, they are harder to find in Hong Kong, especially if you are looking for custom Bicycle decks with special designs and at a reasonable price. One of the best places is online stores that specialize in selling quality imported playing cards, such as 52dealshk Playing Cards , which ships in just a day and even offer free deck sleeves and professional packaging to ensure you can receive the decks in perfect condition. You can also learn more about where to buy Bicycle Playing Cards and other premium playing cards in Hong Kong here: ♣ Playing Cards Buying Guide: Where to Buy in Hong Kong?

Are you struggling to find where to buy premium and high-quality playing cards in Hong Kong? Keep reading to find the answer. Perhaps you've seen some premium playing cards in malls, but hesitated because of the price; Perhaps you've seen photos of people playing cards online and been drawn in, but don't know where to start; Perhaps you have friends who enjoy playing card games or magic and are struggling to find the right gift for them. Regardless of the situation, this article should be helpful to you. Table of Contents: 1. The advantages and disadvantages of purchasing premium playing cards from the brands' official website. 2. The advantages and disadvantages of buying premium playing cards from toy stores/general lifestyle stores. 3. The advantages and disadvantages of buying playing cards on online marketplaces/social media platforms. 4. The advantages and disadvantages of shopping from online stores that specialize in selling playing cards. 5. The advantages and disadvantages of shopping at offline stores that specialize in selling playing cards. 6. The advantages and disadvantages of buying playing cards from a magic supply store. Summary 1. The advantages and disadvantages of purchasing premium playing cards from the brands' official website. Recommendation rating: ★★★☆☆ If you already have a favorite playing card brand, such as Bicycle , Tally-Ho , or Theory11 , purchasing from their official websites might be an option. However, since these brands are located overseas, you may need to pay high international shipping fees and wait for a long time to receive your cards. Furthermore, although not common, returns or exchanges can be difficult if the received shipment is defective. 👍Pros : Direct sales from the brand; access to the latest releases quickly; ample stock. 👎 Cons: High shipping costs and long waiting times. 2. The advantages and disadvantages of buying premium playing cards from toy stores/general lifestyle stores. Recommendation rating: ★☆☆☆☆ Playing cards are not uncommon in general retail stores as a type of household item/toy. However, most of these stores sell lower-quality, ordinary playing cards. If you want to buy higher-quality and premium playing cards, some stores specializing in fine lifestyle goods and imported toys may have a limited selection. However, besides generally only having a few popular items to choose from, the prices in these stores are usually significantly higher than the suggested retail price 👍Pros : Some stores have a physical storefront; suitable for customers who need the products urgently. 👎 Cons: Limited selection available; prices are high, or some low-priced products may be counterfeit; high chance of receiving damaged products due too poor packaging if shopped online. 3. The advantages and disadvantages of buying playing cards on online marketplaces/social media platforms. Recommendation rating: ★★☆☆☆ Some online marketplaces or social media platforms have various individual sellers offering playing card products. While prices on these platforms are generally lower than retail, customers should be aware of the risks involved. Furthermore, since individual sellers are typically selling their unwanted items rather than focusing on online sales, they may not provide adequate packaging protection for the packages, potentially resulting in damages on items. 👍Pros : Generally lower prices; some accept face-to-face transactions; suitable for customers who need the products urgently. 👎 Cons: Risk of scam; the deck may be damaged during transportation due to poor packaging. 4. The advantages and disadvantages of shopping from online stores that specialize in selling playing cards. Recommendation rating: ★★★★☆ A handful of online stores in Hong Kong specialize in selling playing cards and poker cards. Because these stores focus solely on selling playing cards and poker cards, not only do they offer a wide selection of products from various brands, but they also provide customers with more information about the cards. Generally, these stores provide appropriate packaging for the cards, some even use specialized packaging materials to better protect them (e.g., free deck sleeves from 52dealshk). 👍Pros : Authentic imports; wide selection of products, familiar with their products, some provides competitive prices and professional packaging. 👎 Cons: Not all shops sell in-stock items; customers should check carefully before ordering; those focus only on selling playing cards but not selling playing cards alongside magic supplies may not have the necessary props for card magic. 5. The advantages and disadvantages of shopping at offline stores that specialize in selling playing cards. Recommendation rating: ★★☆☆☆ For customers who urgently need playing cards, purchasing from an offline playing card shop might be a good option. However, due to the niche market of premium playing cards in Hong Kong, prices at offline stores (and their online counterpart) are inflated to maintain profitability in face of high rents. 👍Pros : Suitable for customers who need playing cards urgently. 👎 Cons: More expensive than usual 6. The advantages and disadvantages of buying playing cards from a magic supply store. Recommendation rating: ★★★★☆ As essential items for card magic, magic supply stores will inevitably stock playing cards. These stores will also sell a wide variety of prop cards and marked decks. However, products at these stores are generally focused on practicality, so the selection may concentrate on prop cards, inexpensive cards without custom design, and certain most popular custom decks. 👍Pros : Original import, skilled in performing magic tricks with playing cards, and generally mid-range prices. 👎 Cons: Limited selection. Summary In summary, purchasing playing cards from each channel has its advantages and disadvantages, and customers can choose according to their different needs. However, regardless of the channel chosen, customers can compare prices of the same product at different places online before purchasing. At the same time, customers should choose reputable stores to avoid buying counterfeit products or suffering losses. 52dealshk, for example, is one of the few online stores in Hong Kong that specializes in selling playing cards. While it does not have a physical store, but it has a wide selection of reasonably priced premium playing cards with many discounts and provide professional packaging to ensure that the products are not damaged during shipping.