theory11 and “Star Wars” Join Forces

To celebrate the Skywalker saga (Episodes 1-9), theory11 has created two unique sets of “Star Wars” playing cards. theory11 is a “producer of luxury, designer playing cards,” and they deliver on that.

I like playing cards. I don’t use them very often, but I like them. Sadly, most playing card decks have the same boring designs; the only real differences are the box art and the backs of the cards. So, lately, I’ve been exploring designer playing cards that take card designs to another level. Some still fall flat with the same boring cookie-cutter card face designs, but other designs go all-out. When I find a deck that I simply can’t live without (they’re rare find), I buy a deck. Unknowingly, I think I’ve started a small hobby of collecting playing card decks.

A few weeks ago, I saw a couple of “Star Wars” playing cards featured in a YouTube video. They were designed by theory11, a company that I had never heard of, and the cards looked amazing. They come in two styles—light side & dark Side—so, I had to get them both. They were surprisingly affordable, too, with very inexpensive shipping costs.

The Differences

The playing card boxes are embossed flat black with red (dark side) or blue (light side) foil stamp. The light side has references to the Millennium Falcon cockpit window and R2-D2 with lightsabers; X-Wings; Jedi, Rebellion, & Republic logos; and a sprinkling of Aurebesh lettering. The dark side has the Emperor’s throne room window and the Death Star with lightsabers; Tie Fighters; Sith, Empire, & First Order logos; and more Aurebesh lettering.

More details can be found on the box seals, flaps, and the sides with different ships, logos, and quotes like “now I am the master,” and “luminous beings are we.”

The box designs are copied onto the backs of the card decks in either solid red or solid blue. With all of the differences in the boxes and card backs, the card faces of both decks are identical.

The Similarities

Although the card faces are exactly the same, that’s okay. It just means that you can buy either set and still have the same fun. You’re only real decision is which side (or color) to choose.

The card faces are definitely influenced by the standard playing card designs. But, they have enough of a fresh look. It’s an aesthetic that hints at the traditional but adds a “Star Wars” flair.

The cards have a grid texture so that pockets of air are created between the cards. These pockets make the cards glide easily and smoothly, a hallmark of good playing quality.

The jokers are BB-8 and D-O. They could have gone with C-3PO and R2-D2, but I can appreciate the change.

The spades depict images of Boba Fett, Queen Amidala, and Darth Vader. The ace shows a scene of Yoda raising Luke’s X-Wing out of the swamps of Degobah. This is the only scene in the deck, which is sad because it adds so much to the card design.

The hearts feature Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Obi-Wan Kenobi as the “suicide King.” I find that appropriate since Obi-Wan essentially commits suicide/self-sacfrifice during his battle with Darth Vader (spoiler alert if you haven’t seen Episode 4—why haven’t you seen Episode 4!?). The ace is a small depiction of the Millennium Falcon.

The clubs are made up of Kylo Ren, Mon Mothma, and Palpatine. The ace is a small depiction of Darth Vader’s Tie Advanced.

Lastly, the diamonds consist of Lando Calrissian, Rey, and Luke Skywalker. The ace is a small depiction of Boba Fett’s ship, Slave I.

Overview

Overall, the quality is top-notch. The boxes are luxurious, well designed, and decked out to the nines. The cards glide through your hands on tiny pillows of air, and the the face designs perfectly combine old school with “Star Wars.”

theory11 claims to produce the “finest quality” playing cards, which is stretching the truth a little bit. It should be read as the “best that any company can produce playing cards.” There are plenty of other designer playing card companies that can match theory11‘s quality in both production and design.

Still, these decks are as good as you’re going to get, and they are insanely affordable. They are well worth the money for any “Star Wars” fan. Which side will you choose?

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