Which playing cards are the best? 100% plastic, plastic coated or some paper China-made ones? Much to online experts' surprise, these types of decks aren't even in the conversation. That's why for 9 years we've been offering only the highest quality decks of cards from the American United States Playing Card Company factory, Belgian Cartamundi and Taiwanese Legends Playing Card Co.

It's not a secret that we, December Boys, personally prefer American playing cards made by the USPCC for magic tricks, cardistry and a game of poker. We've already showed what such brands as Bicycle, Tally-Ho, Bee and other consist of. Thanks to their durable stock and flawless finishes like Air-Cushion, such playing cards from the US are a pleasure to hold in hands, fan and shuffle great, as well as work perfectly for packet cutting. Besides they hold their shape very well even after some extensive use - on average a deck lasts us from two weeks to one month. 

When it comes down to cardistry, people have split opinions on what's the best. But instead of selecting different branded decks printed by the same newest USPCC factory in Kentucky, which as a rule aside from different back designs share similar qualities, we decided to select the cards which have some real influence in the community. Some made it to our list due to their complementary design for cardistry, others due to their unique finish, history and because they have been used by influential cardists. As a result, the following decks were included to our TOP 8 best cards for flourishes and card manipulation:

8 - Peau Doux

7 - The Orbit Deck

6 - Cardistry Touch

5 - Virtuoso

4 - Aladdin 1001

3 - Absolut Vodka

2 - Bee Wynn Casino

1 - Jerry's Nugget 

Do you agree with our list? Have anything to add? Drop your comments here or on our channel. Keep in mind that you can buy professional playing cards for magic tricks, card manipulation, flourishes and cardistry in our shop.