A question we frequently receive is "Which cards are better for me: bordered, or borderless?" The answer as usual is that it depends. There are various pros and cons that come with the border design of your deck. Let's explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you decide which type you prefer.
Bordered Decks
Bordered decks are playing cards with a clearly defined edge, often in white or a contrasting color, that frames the back design of the card. This border visually separates the back design from the edges, providing structure and clarity to each card's appearance. Bordered decks are the most common type of playing cards and are widely used in magic, casual card games, and some cardistry.
Pros:
✅ Concealment: Excellent for hiding sleights like double lifts or reversed cards.
✅ Clarity: Easier for spectators to follow routines, as the defined edges create visual distinction between cards.
✅ Versatility: Suitable for a variety of uses, including magic, card games, and cardistry.
Cons:
❌ Choppy Aesthetics: Fans and spreads can look uneven if your skill isn't refined.
❌ Not Ideal for Gambling Demonstrations: Borders make sleights like false deals or passes harder to hide.
❌ Appearance of Dirt: White borders can become dirty with extended use.
Bordered Decks
Browse our Bordered Deck collection to find the right deck for your needs.
$11.95
Borderless Decks
Borderless decks are playing cards with back designs that extend seamlessly to the edges of each card. Unlike bordered decks, they lack a defined frame around the back, creating a continuous, uninterrupted pattern. This design enhances the visual appeal of fans, spreads, and flourishes, making borderless decks a favorite among cardists and gambling demonstrators.
Pros:
✅ Visual Spreads: Some borderless designs can create visually stunning displays when the cards or spread out.
✅ Hides Gambling Sleights: Patterns that extend to the edges make sleights like second and bottom deals more deceptive.
✅ Authenticity: Often associated with classic casino-style playing cards.
Cons:
❌ Reversing Cards: Makes hiding sleights like double lifts or secretly reversed cards more challenging.
❌ Wear and Tear: Edge scuffs and nicks are slightly more noticeable due to the lack of a border.
❌ Less Clarity: The lack of defined borders makes spectating performances more difficult to follow at a distance.
Borderless Decks
Browse our Borderless Deck collection to find the right deck for your needs.
$11.20
$19.95
Choosing the Right Deck for You
When deciding between bordered and borderless cards, consider your primary use.
For Magic:
Bordered decks are usually preferred. Certain card tricks require you to secretly reverse cards in the deck; and these reversed cards are much easier to hide in a bordered deck.
For Cardistry:
Both Bordered and Borderless decks can be a great fit for cardistry. Some borderless decks have a continuous design that looks incredible when the cards are spread out. Bordered designs visually frame each card/packet in clean way which can accentuate the movement of the cards.
For Gambling Demonstrations:
Borderless cards are typically preferred for their ability to conceal false deals and other gambling sleights.
For Collecting:
Both styles offer beautiful options. Choose based on personal preference and intended display or use.
Final Thoughts
Of course, any serious magician, cardist, or collector should have both bordered and borderless cards in their collection; but hopefully this helps differentiate between the two when deciding which deck to pick up next!
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