Art of Play
Art of Play Lady Moon V2
€16.95
Art of Play · Playing Cards
Art of Play playing cards, the publisher of Dan and Dave Buck: DKNG, Dreyfus, Lady Moon and Off the Wall in stock. Illustrated decks to play and collect.
Art of Play is the playing card shop and publisher run by twin brothers Dan and Dave Buck. It opened in August 2013 and today has a physical store in Brooklyn, New York. It publishes artist playing cards illustrated by artists and design studios, as well as puzzles and games. Below are the Art of Play playing cards we have in stock, plus a few pointers to help you choose yours.
What Art of Play is and where it comes from
Dan and Dave Buck started out in close-up magic and cardistry, and for years they sold books, DVDs and decks through their magic shop, Dan & Dave. Decks ended up being their best sellers, so on 13 August 2013 they opened Art of Play as a shop devoted only to playing cards, with just over a hundred decks. Over time they set magic tricks aside to focus on this project.
Today Art of Play publishes its own decks, sells mechanical puzzles and board games, and has a store on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn with a small close-up magic room. Its best-known collaborations include decks made with the Eames Office and with designer Paula Scher. If you are curious about the brothers' other project, see the Dan & Dave page.
What Art of Play playing cards are like
Illustrated playing cards
Each deck is commissioned from an artist with a distinctive style, who draws the back, the court cards and the tuck box. This is the line of Dreyfus and Lady Moon: decks to look at slowly and to give as gifts.
CollectingClassics redesigned
Design studios take a well-known back design and redraw it. The DKNG playing cards are the example: a modern take on the Bicycle Rider Back made by the DKNG studio.
Play and collectingLimited editions
Short print runs that are not always reprinted, such as Off the Wall. Once they sell out, only the units left in shops remain.
CollectingHow to choose your Art of Play deck
For playing and cardistry
Recommended: DKNG Blue Wheel, Off the Wall
The DKNG deck reads like a classic deck of cards with a more graphic back. Off the Wall, designed by South African studio Studio Muti, draws on 1980s California skate and surf culture and has a borderless back that looks great in fans. If you are just starting, our cardistry guide for beginners will help you with your first moves.
As a gift
Recommended: Dreyfus, Lady Moon
Dreyfus is the psychedelic world of illustrator Ashley Dreyfus: smiling mushrooms, dragons and rainbows. Lady Moon, illustrated by Kelly Thorn, is built around the Triple Goddess with Art Deco motifs. More ideas in which deck of cards to give.
For collectors
Recommended: DKNG Rainbow Wheels (blue)
The rainbow version of the DKNG deck has a back printed in coloured foil and a tuck box stamped in holographic foil. It was sold in several box colours; the one we stock is the blue one. To keep it in good condition, read how to care for playing cards.
Art of Play FAQ
Who is behind Art of Play?
Twin brothers Dan and Dave Buck, American magicians and cardists. They opened it in 2013 as an offshoot of their Dan & Dave shop.
Can you play with Art of Play cards?
Yes. They are poker-size decks of 52 cards plus jokers and can be used for any card game. Even so, many are bought for collecting, so some people keep one sealed and open another. If you need ideas, see our list of games to play with a standard deck.
Does Art of Play only make playing cards?
No. It started as a playing card shop, but today it also sells mechanical puzzles, puzzle boxes, board games, books and home objects. At The Joker House we carry its decks; if you like brain teasers, have a look at our puzzles section.
Where can I find more decks in this style?
In our collectible playing cards, premium playing cards and cardistry decks categories. If you are still unsure which type suits you, start with which deck of cards to buy.