Palm Playing Cards: Design and Handling Guide
By TCC Playing Cards | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to handle and care for Palm Playing Cards by Dealersgrip. This guide covers design details, ergonomics, and maintenance tips for collectors and cardists.
Quick answer
To get the most out of Palm Playing Cards, focus on a gentle break-in period, proper fanning and shuffle technique, and storage that protects the hand-drawn artwork.
Why Palm Playing Cards need a different approach
Palm Playing Cards by Dealersgrip feature hand-drawn anatomical illustrations by artist Anton Ian Nielsen. The deck is printed on premium crushed stock with air-cushion finish by USPCC. This stock is thinner and more flexible than standard bicycle stock, which changes how the deck feels fresh out of the box.
Because the artwork is detailed and the stock is delicate, rough handling can cause edge wear or scuffing faster than with a typical poker deck. Treating the deck with care from the first use preserves both the look and the handling feel.
Trade-off: Crushed stock vs. durability
Crushed stock gives a softer, more pliable feel that many cardists and magicians prefer for fans and faro shuffles. The trade-off is that the cards are more prone to bending and edge damage if you use aggressive techniques. The air-cushion finish helps with grip, but it can wear down over time with heavy use.
If you plan to perform or practice frequently, consider rotating two decks to extend the life of each. For display or light use, the crushed stock is a pleasure to handle right away.
Step-by-step guide to handling Palm Playing Cards
- Break in the deck gently: Remove the deck from the box and separate the cards into two halves. Riffle the halves together a few times, then square the deck. Repeat this process 3-4 times. This loosens the new deck stiffness without bending the cards. Common mistake: over-riffling or bending the deck too aggressively can create permanent creases.
- Practice a pressure fan: Hold the deck in your dominant hand with your thumb on top and fingers on the bottom. Use your other hand to apply light pressure on the top card while pushing outward in a smooth arc. The crushed stock and air-cushion finish allow a wide, even fan with minimal effort. Checkpoint: if the fan has gaps or clumps, reduce pressure and slow down—forcing the fan can cause card edges to catch and scuff.
- Execute a faro shuffle: Split the deck into two equal halves. Hold each half with the long edges facing each other. Gently push the halves together at a slight angle, letting the cards interlace. The thinner crushed stock makes a perfect faro easier to achieve than with standard stock. Common mistake: pushing the halves together too quickly or at the wrong angle can cause cards to bend or skip. Aim for a slow, steady motion.
- Store the deck properly: Keep Palm Playing Cards in the original tuck box, away from direct sunlight and humidity. The hand-drawn artwork is printed on the card faces, so prolonged UV exposure can fade the ink. A cool, dry place (60-75°F / 15-24°C) is ideal. Checkpoint: if you notice the cards starting to warp, place them under a heavy book for 24 hours to flatten them again.
- Clean the cards when needed: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to gently wipe the card surfaces. Avoid alcohol or liquid cleaners—they can damage the air-cushion finish and the printed artwork. For stubborn smudges, lightly dampen the cloth with water and wipe immediately, then dry with a clean part of the cloth. Common mistake: rubbing too hard or using paper towels can scratch the finish or lift the ink.
Product facts: Palm Playing Cards
- Palm Playing Cards by Dealersgrip: Printed by The United States Playing Card Company on their premium crushed stock with air-cushion finish. This combination gives the deck a soft, flexible feel that fans smoothly, but requires gentler handling to avoid creases.
Palm Playing Cards by Dealersgrip
