Expert Back Red Bicycle Playing Cards

Overall feel is just to be expected, but the real part that shines is the quality of the wear and color scheme card to card, very very nice for a cardgame, but the only gripe i have being a card magician, is that i would have loved to see a couple gaffs in there, something like the gag in the flying machines deck, or at least have a double backer.... still overall, a great deck, with quality detail

The Expert Back deck features a classic design that dates back to 1895, being one of the original designs that appeared on playing cards produced by Bicycle before the 1900s. Everything has been given a "distressed" look, to make it appear as if these cards have actually survived more than a century of years, and come to us straight from 1895, weathered by time.

This is immediately evident from the tuck box, and the card backs. These cards don't just look worn, but also have the appearance of having been damaged by water, dirt, and time, and it's a very convincing look. Several decks have been produced over the years with a faux aged look, but what's nice about this one is how all the face cards have been weathered differently, making each feel unique. While the card backs are all identical - otherwise it would be a marked deck, and very impractical - each card has different stains and patterns.

The pips are larger than what we normally see on cards today, although the court cards have quite wide borders and feel somewhat condensed. Besides the standard playing cards, this deck also includes two ad cards. And despite the aged look, the cards have Bicycle's superb air cushion finish and quality, so handling is a dream. - BoardGameGeek reviewer EndersGame