Bicycle vs theory11 vs Tally-Ho: key differences explained

People comparing Bicycle vs theory11 or Bicycle vs Tally-Ho usually want a technical answer: which has the better card stock, which handles more smoothly, which lasts longer. It is a fair question, but it leads to conclusions that are not very useful, because all three brands use the same manufacturer and a standard deck from each handles in a very similar way. When choosing, it helps more to ask which style you like, what you want the deck for and whether you are after an everyday deck or a special edition. This article compares the three brands that way and leaves the technical side for the end, in a few lines.

If you are not yet sure what kind of deck you want, start with which deck of cards to buy, where we explain styles, editions and uses in general. Here we focus on these three brands.

What they have in common: the same printer

Bicycle and Tally-Ho are USPCC's own brands. The company started out as a printer in Cincinnati (Russell, Morgan & Co.), launched Bicycle in 1885 and has had its factory in Erlanger, Kentucky, since 2009. Tally-Ho was not created by USPCC: it was a deck by Andrew Dougherty, a New York manufacturer, and joined the company when Dougherty's business merged with USPCC in 1907.

theory11 is a different case: an independent American publisher that designs its decks and, in the vast majority of cases, has them printed by USPCC. Since 2019, USPCC has also been part of the Belgian group Cartamundi, which also owns Fournier and its factory in Vitoria, Spain.

The practical consequence is simple: a paper Bicycle, Tally-Ho or theory11 deck comes off similar machines, with card stock and finishes from the same family. There are nuances, which we cover at the end, but for most people they are not what decides the purchase. What really changes is everything you can see: the back, the court cards, the box, the theme and the print run.

The three brands at a glance

Bicycle playing cards: the classic that also works as a canvas

Bicycle is one of the best-known poker deck brands and the one many people picture when they think of a "normal deck". That has an advantage you will not find on a spec sheet: almost everyone recognises it, so it signals that there is nothing unusual about it. That is why it is the reference deck for card magic and the one many books and learning videos take for granted.

But reducing Bicycle to the Rider Back sells it short. Its range is the widest of the three brands and can be split into four groups.

Tally-Ho playing cards: two classic backs and colour editions

Tally-Ho dates from the same era as Bicycle, but it has a different history. It was created by Andrew Dougherty in New York in the late 19th century and came to USPCC when the two companies merged in 1907. The exact launch dates vary depending on who tells the story, but the Circle Back sold today is practically the same design that appeared on its first editions.

Its range is smaller than Bicycle's and revolves around two backs. It has always had followers among card magicians, and since the 2000s it has been associated above all with cardistry; today the brand itself presents its decks as made for cardists. The faces are the classic American style, with its own Ace of Spades and jokers.

Tally-Ho Circle Back vs Fan Back

This is the most common question within the brand. The two decks are identical inside (same faces, same Linoid finish, same poker size) and only the back changes.

Neither is better than the other: it comes down to taste. If you are going to do magic and want the deck to go unnoticed, the Circle Back is the more discreet one. If you like a deck that looks good when you fan it out, the Fan Back has more presence.

Tally-Ho special editions

On top of those two backs, the brand publishes colour variants and seasonal series. In our shop we currently have the Tally-Ho 2024 Flowers, from its Love series; the Circle MetalLuxe, with the back in red metallic foil; the Spectrum Tally-Ho, with 54 different coloured backs and new deck order for magic; and the Circle Expert Touch, a version made with Expert Playing Card Company on thinner, crushed stock with a traditional cut. For magicians there is even an assortment of Tally-Ho gaff cards in both backs.

Did you know decks like these exist?

At heart, every deck has the same cards. What changes is everything else: the design, the finish, metallic inks or gilded edges. Take a look at our catalogue and bring your own style to the card table.

€12.99Visa Red€49.95Asura Deluxe Blue€16.95theory11 Fantastic Four€14.96Tally-Ho 2024 Flores

Browse our playing cards →

theory11 playing cards: designer decks and licences

theory11 was founded by Jonathan Bayme in 2007 in Charleston, South Carolina. It started as an online magic community and the following year began designing decks, first for magicians and then for a much wider audience. Today it is a publisher of playing cards, puzzles and magic tricks that almost always works with USPCC for printing.

Its hallmark is presentation. Each deck has its own design from start to finish, or nearly so, and the box gets as much attention as the cards: gold or coloured foil, embossing, textured papers and, on some, letterpress printing. Many of its decks use FSC-certified paper and vegetable-based inks.

Best theory11 decks, by type of buyer

There is no official list of the best ones, but there are clear patterns in what people ask for in the shop. This table groups some of the decks we currently stock by who they usually suit.

theory11 review: what buyers usually say

What theory11 buyers value most is the box, the complete design of the deck and a theme that is well handled: the licensed decks do not just put a picture on the back, they redesign the court cards, aces and jokers. People also appreciate that many editions make good gifts without any special wrapping.

There are two common objections. The first is that a theory11 deck handles very much like a Bicycle, so if you only want to practise you will not notice a big difference. The second is that for close-up magic such an eye-catching deck draws attention to the object, when sometimes it is better for the deck to go unnoticed. Neither is a flaw: they simply show what the deck is for and what it is not for.

Bicycle vs theory11 vs Tally-Ho by use

Once the style of each brand is clear, the use settles the choice. The table sums up where each one stands out, without going into feel or card stock.

Bicycle vs theory11

This is the most searched comparison, and the answer depends on what you expect from the deck. Bicycle is the practical option: recognisable, easy to replace and available in versions for almost any game or magic need. theory11 is the design option: each deck is an object made to be looked at, with a box that is part of the gift. If you are torn between a licensed Bicycle and a licensed theory11, look at the tone: Bicycle's tend to be more light-hearted and family-friendly; theory11's, more restrained and with a more elaborate finish.

Bicycle vs Tally-Ho

Here both are classic brands from the same company, so the difference is almost purely about looks and range. Bicycle offers far more designs, colours and licences. Tally-Ho focuses on its two backs and colour editions, with an image more closely tied to cardistry. Both work for playing or starting out in magic; the Rider Back has the advantage of being the deck that almost all learning material assumes.

Tally-Ho vs theory11

Tally-Ho is a classic, discreet deck; theory11, a designer deck. Both are used for cardistry: Tally-Ho as a practice deck with a traditional style, theory11 when the design needs to shine in a video or a photo. If you are looking for a gift for someone who does neither magic nor cardistry, theory11 is usually the safer bet thanks to the theme and the box.

Special editions and collecting

All three brands publish editions that go beyond everyday use, but each in its own way.

• Bicycle has the MetalLuxe decks (backs stamped with metallic foil, such as the limited edition MetalLuxe Emerald) and a steady stream of designer decks published under its name.
• Tally-Ho releases seasonal series and colour variants of its two backs, plus MetalLuxe.
• theory11 brings out special versions of its licences with more foil (for example, gold or silver editions) and box sets that bring several decks together, like the Star Wars one.

If you are mainly interested in short-run editions with special finishes, you will find them in collector's playing cards and premium playing cards.

The technical side, in a few lines

Since all three share a printer, it is worth knowing which technical differences exist and how much they matter.

• Finish: Bicycle calls its finish Air-Cushion and Tally-Ho calls it Linoid. They are finishes from the same company, with the embossed linen texture that helps the cards separate cleanly. The difference you notice between them is usually small.
• Card stock: the standard decks of all three brands use USPCC card stock. There are specific versions on thinner, crushed stock, such as Bicycle Experts Thin Crushed or Tally-Ho Expert Touch, which feel more flexible right from the start.
• Cut: those same versions have a traditional cut, which some magicians prefer for the faro shuffle. Standard Bicycle and Tally-Ho decks have the usual USPCC cut.
• Print runs: two decks of the same model made at different times can feel slightly different. This happens with all three brands and is a reason not to judge a brand by a single deck.

If you are interested in the comparison with USPCC's other big casino brand, you can read Bee vs Bicycle. And to make any of the three last longer, see how to care for playing cards.

How much does a deck of cards cost?

From €5 to over €100. The 52 cards and the rules stay the same; this is what changes.

	To play€5.95	Designer€12.95	Premium€17.99	Collectible€34.94
Typical price	€5-9	€9-15	€15-30	€30 or more
What sets it apart	Classic casino design	Artist illustration on back and faces	Special inks, embossing and foil on the box	Limited print runs and gilded edges
Who it is for	Games at home	Playing with something beautiful	Gifts or cardistry	Collecting and display
Example	Tally-Ho Fan Azul	theory11 Medallion	The Sandwich Series (Luncheon Meat)	Kings Wild LOTR Two Towers Gilded
	See decks	See decks	See decks	See decks

Frequently asked questions

Is Tally-Ho better than Bicycle?

Neither is better as such: both are classic USPCC brands and handle in a similar way. Bicycle has a much wider range of backs, colours and licences; Tally-Ho focuses on its Circle Back and Fan Back designs and is closely linked to cardistry.

Which is better, Bicycle or theory11?

It depends on the use. Bicycle is more practical for playing, learning magic and replacing decks. theory11 stands out for design, boxes and licences, and is a better fit for gifting, collecting or performing.

Who prints theory11 cards?

theory11 designs its decks in the United States and, in the vast majority of cases, has them printed by the United States Playing Card Company, the same company that makes Bicycle and Tally-Ho.

Are theory11 cards worth it?

theory11 is one of the best-known playing card publishers, with very carefully made presentation and official licences. In the hand it feels like a Bicycle; what it adds is the complete design of the deck and the box.

What are the best theory11 decks?

It depends on your taste. Monarchs and Medallion are its original design classics; Star Wars, Harry Potter and The Beatles, its best-known licences; and Keith Haring or Obey, its collaborations with artists.

What is the difference between Tally-Ho Fan Back and Circle Back?

Only the back. The Circle Back is a geometric pattern of circles, more understated; the Fan Back, a more decorative ornamental pattern. Faces, finish and size are the same.

Which deck is best for learning magic?

A Bicycle Rider Back, because it is the deck almost all learning material assumes and it is easy to replace. A Tally-Ho also works if you prefer its back.

If you want to see them side by side, in our playing cards section you can filter by brand, or go straight to the Bicycle, Tally-Ho and theory11 pages.

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