Start with what the Version 02 deck actually is
Version 02 is a 54-card Case Study deck: 52 regulation playing cards, 2 jokers, and 2 info cards, each measuring 3.5 x 2.5 inches. The cards are printed in China on Japanese paper, then pressed and finished to Dan and Dave's exact specifications. That combination of paper stock and pressing is what gives the deck its handling feel, and it is also why a little care goes a long way.
The deck is intended for magic, cardistry, and card games. Those three uses put very different demands on the same cards, so the way you handle and store Version 02 should match how you actually use it.
Version 02 at a glance
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Version 02: 52 regulation playing cards, 2 jokers, and 2 info cards measuring 3.5 x 2.5 inches. Knowing the full card count helps you notice early if a card goes missing and keeps your storage and handling routine consistent.
Version 02
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Version 02: Printed in China on Japanese paper, then pressed and finished to exact specifications. The pressed finish is central to the deck's feel, so handling habits that preserve that finish are the core of Version 02 care.
A simple handling routine for Version 02
You do not need a cabinet of supplies to keep a deck in good shape. These habits cover the most common causes of rough edges, bent corners, and inconsistent glide.
- Wash and dry your hands before every session: Clean, dry hands are the single most effective way to protect the pressed finish. Oils, lotion, and food residue transfer to the card faces and make the deck feel tacky over time.
- Keep drinks and snacks away from the table: A single spill can ruin a deck. Use a side table for drinks and keep the cards on a dry, clean surface.
- Handle the deck by the edges: Gripping cards firmly in the middle or bending them during shuffles stresses the paper. Edge handling keeps the cards flatter and preserves the finish.
- Return all 54 cards to the tuck box after each session: The 52 regulation cards, 2 jokers, and 2 info cards belong together. Storing the full set keeps the deck complete and protects the cards from dust and accidental damage.
- Store the box flat in a dry place: Away from direct sun, radiators, and damp basements. Stable temperature and humidity help the cards stay flat.
Adapt your care to how you use the deck
If you mostly play games, the main risks are sticky fingers, spilled drinks, and cards left scattered on the table. Wiping the table before play and putting the deck back in its box between rounds solves most of it.
For cardistry, repeated springs, dribbles, and packet cuts put more stress on the edges and corners. Rotate in a second deck for heavy practice sessions so Version 02 has time to rest and flatten in its box.
For magic, the deck often sits in a pocket or on a close-up mat. Keep the box closed when the deck is not in use and avoid leaving it loose in a bag where keys or coins can press into the cards.
Storage habits that protect the pressed finish
The supplied product information does not include a specific storage specification, so these are general best practices rather than manufacturer instructions.
- Use the original tuck box: It is sized for the 54-card deck and keeps the cards together and compressed.
- Avoid humid rooms: Paper picks up moisture from the air, which can make cards feel soft and cause warping. A dry drawer or shelf is better than a kitchen counter or bathroom shelf.
- Keep the deck out of direct sunlight: Prolonged sun exposure can fade printed surfaces and heat the cards unevenly.
- Do not stack heavy objects on the box: Weight on the box can transfer to the cards and leave them bowed.
What to do if the deck starts to feel rough
If Version 02 begins to feel sticky or rough, first check your hands and the playing surface. Oils and dust are the usual culprits. Wash and dry your hands, wipe the table, and give the deck a light shuffle to redistribute the cards.
If the cards feel soft or slightly warped, let the full deck rest in its closed box in a dry room for a day or two. The supplied information does not confirm any cleaning products or treatments for these cards, so avoid applying powders, liquids, or cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically recommends them.
Version 02 buying and edition details
- Version 02: Available in Standard and Artist Proof types. If you want a deck to use regularly, the Standard type is the practical choice; the Artist Proof is a separate option for collectors.
- Version 02: Catalog price is USD 19.20, compared with a catalog comparison price of USD 30.00. At this price, Version 02 is a realistic deck to use and maintain rather than keep sealed.
