Hello, and welcome to Deckmatiq, my new content all about Cards, decks, and what the heck you can do with them.

We all collect something—stamps, Funko Pops, keychains—but for me, it has always been those ever-present, ubiquitous decks of 52. Specifically, the iconic and immediately recognizable Bicycle Rider-Back Deck.

Why the fanaticism for one brand? The key is the ‘Air-Cushion Finish.’ Those small dimples across the card’s surface allow a whisper of air to remain between the cardstock, which is what allows them to shuffle and slide so smoothly. The sturdiness of the slim stock feels perfect in the hand.

Of course, I’ll admit I’m no completist—a collection needs to be used. Although I admire the artistry of limited-edition decks, I choose the ones that call out to me from the toy aisle, those destined to be freed from their cellophane prisons. My ritual is simple: carefully peeling the U.S. Playing Card Company Seal, then taking a moment to admire each of the suits. I love the quirks: the subtle foiling, the entirely new color palettes, the royals swapped for wholly new characters. Lately, I’ve even seen the rise of the Art Card—a double-sided piece of backing art—which turns the deck itself into a miniature gallery.

But the aesthetics are secondary to the final, universal reason that I love playing cards: their ubiquity and purpose. Playing cards have evolved over centuries, yet in every iteration, they have served as a vehicle for entertainment, connection, and play.

I believe that Play itself is a true motivator for societal growth and the creation of culture. It is the purest form of human innovation. And a simple deck of cards is one of the world’s most accessible engines for that innovation.

For that reason, I’m embarking on a journey to explore that power. This series will dive into the origins, rules, and reactions to the myriad ways we use playing cards—from the ordinary Bicycle decks of yore, to the Esoteric Tarot, and even the very cards that built the powerhouse that is Nintendo.

Join me as we shuffle up and deal out the story of play.