The Online Magic Store Blog: Playing Cards

Decks of red-backed playing cards squared, spread and held on a dark wooden table

Best playing cards for magic: how to choose a deck

What to look for in a regular deck for card magic, from finish and size to back design and colour, with our picks.

Shin Lim springing a long cascade of cards from one hand to the other against red smoke

How to spring cards from hand to hand

Learn the card spring step by step: the grip, a smooth squeeze, a caging catch and how to widen the gap without spraying cards everywhere.

A full circular fan of red-backed playing cards held in one hand

How to fan a deck of cards

How to do a thumb fan, a pressure fan and a one-handed fan, which decks fan best and how to keep them fanning well.

Two hands riffle shuffling a red-backed deck on green felt

How to riffle shuffle and bridge a deck

How to do a clean table riffle and finish with the bridge, without ruining your cards.

Two decks of playing cards stored in a clear acrylic two-deck display case

How to Look After a Deck of Playing Cards (and Know When to Replace It)

Simple habits that keep a deck of playing cards smooth, flat and fanning well for longer, plus the signs it's time to open a new one.