Quick answer

The Benjamin Edgar V2 is a limited-edition cardistry deck that prioritizes visual tension and performance over the everyday durability and low cost of standard playing cards.

Design philosophy: checkerboard tension vs. classic uniformity

Standard playing cards typically use a symmetrical, bordered back design that is easy to read and shuffle. The Benjamin Edgar V2 breaks that mold with a borderless black-and-white checkerboard pattern, deliberately interrupted by a small red square at the center. This creates visual friction that makes fans and spreads pop on camera.

If you collect for art or perform cardistry, that design tension is a feature, not a flaw. If you prefer a traditional, understated look for poker night, a standard deck will feel more familiar.

Availability and price: limited run vs. mass production

Standard playing cards are printed in huge volumes and cost a few dollars. The Benjamin Edgar V2 is a year-end flagship release with a limited print run, reflected in its $16.25 price point (compared to a $25.00 catalog reference). That premium buys exclusivity and a collectible tuck that subtly integrates the brand names into the grid.

For everyday use or casual games, a standard deck is more practical. For collectors and cardists who want a deck that stands out, the V2 offers design and scarcity you won't find in a drugstore deck.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Design originality: The V2's borderless checkerboard with a red accent is unique and photogenic. Standard decks use symmetrical, bordered backs that are less visually striking.
  • Cardistry performance: The V2 is built for cardistry—its pattern and finish are chosen to look good in motion. Standard decks are designed for games and general handling, not visual effects. If you perform cardistry, the V2's design is a clear advantage.
  • Cost and availability: At $16.25, the V2 costs several times more than a standard deck and is a limited release. Standard decks are cheap, easy to replace, and disposable. Use a standard deck for casual play and save the V2 for performance or display.
  • Collectibility: As a limited flagship release, the V2 has collectible value that standard decks lack. The tuck design alone makes it a display piece. Collectors should consider buying two—one to use, one to keep sealed.

Product facts

  • Benjamin Edgar V2 Playing Cards by Anyone: The tuck integrates the names “BEN EDGAR” and “ANYONE” into the black-and-white checkerboard pattern. This understated branding makes the packaging a collectible piece of design, not just a box.

    Benjamin Edgar V2 Playing Cards by Anyone

    Benjamin Edgar V2 Playing Cards by Anyone

  • Benjamin Edgar V2 Playing Cards by Anyone: The deck continues the borderless checkerboard back design with a small red square at the center. The off-center red square disrupts the pattern, creating visual interest during cardistry moves like fans and spreads.

Which deck fits you?

Best for

  • Cardists who want a deck that looks dynamic in fans and spreads
  • Collectors seeking a limited-edition deck with distinctive packaging

Not ideal for

  • Budget-conscious players who need a cheap, replaceable deck for games
  • Anyone who prefers traditional, symmetrical card backs for poker or bridge