Sharpers Playing Cards by AssoKappa

Conceived by Gianfranco Preverino, known as the Italian leading expert in gambling, this deck reflects the two passions of its author: card sharping and music. "Sharpers," in fact, is synonymous with cheaters, but "sharp" in music means higher in pitch -- a semitone -- and is indicated by the sharp symbol.

The deck therefore combines both meanings of the word, mixing gambling elements with music, and the dominant theme on the back is the sharp symbol in music.

The back has a "One Way" design very easy to see even from afar (which makes it really useful and not just a curiosity). Those who know the principle might think that the writing "Sharpers" causes the One Way, but in turning the card by 180, it is clear that the word is identical, because it is an ambigram! They will believe, then, that the back is symmetrical... but in reality, it's not (it's like Tamariz's "Theory of False Solutions," applied to the back of playing cards).

The Ace of Spades is fascinating, whose design is made using two mirrored violin keys: but except for that Ace, all the faces are standard. So, the deck will not only be a Collector's Item, but also an alternative tool for those who want to use it in the "real world" without giving up the clarity of classic designs.

The author's hand is reproduced on the box. He's receiving a Queen of Spades, thanks to a gambler's hold-out. Two famous quotes about gambling can also be seen.

Cardicians will love this deck also for its great card-handling quality.