Phoenix
Phoenix Vibrant Series Green Jumbo Index – Playing Cards
€14.96
Phoenix · Playing Cards
Phoenix cards by Card-Shark (Essen, Germany): a working deck for magicians with a one-way design and large index. Blue and colours in stock.
Phoenix is the working deck made by Card-Shark, a German company from Essen specialising in card magic products. Phoenix playing cards are designed for magicians: a one-way design on backs and faces, faces compatible with many magic tricks and a large index option so the audience can see the cards clearly. Here are the Phoenix cards we have in stock.
Who Card-Shark is
Card-Shark has been developing and manufacturing decks and card magic tricks in Essen, Germany, for more than twenty years. The Phoenix deck was created as its alternative to the standard shop deck: the same poker format every magician knows, but with details designed for performing. It is made in casino quality, and many of its editions are printed by the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC).
The faces follow the standard USPCC design, so the Phoenix deck is compatible with many commercial effects that use that design, including Card-Shark's own. If you are looking for more decks to perform with, browse our magic cards.
Phoenix ranges
Classic Phoenix
Red or blue back and a one-way design. Card-Shark sells it with a normal index (Classic Index) or a large index (Phoenix Index).
Close-up magicColoured Phoenix
The same deck with backs in purple, green, orange and black, a large index and a one-way design on backs and faces. Printed by USPCC.
Stage and parlourHow to choose your Phoenix deck
Your working deck
Recommended: Phoenix Deck blue
The standard Phoenix, in the most common colour for close-up magic. If you are starting out, it is worth having several identical decks to practise with and to replace one when it wears out.
For performing to larger audiences
Recommended: Phoenix black large index, purple
The large index can be read from further away, which is useful in parlour or stage settings. The coloured backs contrast well with the white faces.
For combining colours
Recommended: Phoenix green large index, orange
If your repertoire uses decks of different colours, the colour series lets you have different backs with the same faces and the same feel.
Phoenix playing cards FAQ
Who makes Phoenix playing cards?
Card-Shark, a German company based in Essen. Many editions are printed by USPCC, the printer of Bicycle.
What does a one-way design mean?
That the artwork on the back and faces is not symmetrical: each card has a “top” and a “bottom”. It is a detail designed for magicians' work.
Can you use them to play poker?
Yes, they are complete poker decks, and the large index version reads well at the table. For home games you also have our poker category and our guide on how to play Texas Hold'em.
How long does a working deck last?
It depends on how much you use it and how you look after it. Clean hands and keeping it in its box help a lot; we explain it in how to care for playing cards. If you are choosing between this and other magic decks, read Bee vs Bicycle.