Emperor Playing Cards
Emperor Playing Cards
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TWO devious secrets hide in plain sight on the back of this limited edition version of the Emperor Deck. Limited edition, no restock.
Full Description
Available for the first time ever (and last time ever), a limited special version of Emperor playing cards that are secretly marked. They look identical to the regular cards which came out recently, except with TWO secrets built into them. They will never be reprinted, I didn't even think we'd get any.
THE SECRETS:
1. A super secret one-way marking that you can see JUST BY SPREADING THE CARDS, so that you will know if a card (or cards) are turned the other way. Limitless possibilities with this one secret alone. Have a card chosen, secretly turn the deck before it's returned, you're in business. This is way better than having a one-way mark somewhere in the middle of a card. You can literally just spread the cards and know where a chosen card is.
2. A clever card-identity marking system so you will know what any card is just by seeing its back. This is of course super powerful and should only be used for entertainment purposes only!!
You can combine these with the original decks, or simply use the marked version. The clever markings are difficult to accidentally discover if you don't know what to look for.
The Emperor Deck is a custom deck of playing cards conceived by Kevin Reylek, designed by world-renowned artist Mark Stutzman (Split Spades, Whispering Imps) and produced by Penguin Magic with printing by the Expert Playing Card Company.
When we decided to create a timeless deck that represents our entire brand at Penguin, we knew there were only a few must-haves. First, it had to be the EMPEROR. The most recognized and well-known of all penguins, the emperor penguin has a distinct, classic, and iconic look.
Our other must-have was a world-class artist. We sought out none other than Mark Stutzman to tackle the job. Mark has designed playing cards and posters for David Blaine, and even designed the iconic Elvis stamp for the US postal service. We couldn't be more delighted with the amazing work that Mark has done on this deck of cards.
BACK
The back design is the most intricate we've ever produced. Meticulously illustrated, the design features penguins galore.
We have sliding penguins, marching penguins, and our featured performer penguin to give a nod to the deck's magical roots.
Snowflakes and detailed scrollwork complete the look. The back design is rotationally symmetrical so it can be used for magic tricks, card games, and more.
ACE
The most powerful penguins for the most powerful card in the deck. Our custom Ace of Spades is simply beautiful. It features two penguins rising up from the icy waters, the tips of their beaks meeting at the apex. To say that we LOVE this design is an understatement.
JOKER
Our joker is represented by the delightful rockhopper penguin. The feather crests on a rockhopper's head give it a jester-like quality that we knew would be the perfect fit for the joker. Impeccably illustrated by Mr. Stutzman, this is a joker that you won't want to leave out of the deck. Each deck has 2 identical joker cards.
TUCK BOX
Beautiful cards deserve a beautiful box. The front of the box features a modified and more ornately decorated version of the performer penguin. Standing in the night sky surrounded by icy mountains, he is standing proud, declaring to the world that he is the EMPEROR.
The back of the box features the design of the card back at actual size. This is a classic touch that we know will be especially appreciated by card magicians.
The box is topped off with a foil seal that features our Emperor Spade design. The Unmarked Decks have a Silver foil seal, the Marked decks have a Gold foil seal. The Special Edition Decks (Only available in the 2-deck Collector's Set) have an individually-numbered Silver foil seal.
MATERIALS
The Emperor deck has been printed to perfection by the Expert Playing Card Company on a classic stock & finish. This is the same quality we have used on our Woodlands and Composition Decks, which feel terrific and offer ultra smooth handling. Expert is known for delivering precise registration, which is a MUST for a design with borders as thin as the ones on Emperor. The silky edges are a delight to hold whether you're a faro-shuffling magician, a quick-cutting cardist, or an at-home game player.
MARKED VERSION
In addition to the Standard version, we have also created a MARKED version of the deck. Each back design hides a secret code that allows you to identify the suit & value of the card at a glance. Perfectly hidden but easy to learn, the marked Emperor deck is a powerful magical tool. It is intended for entertainment purposes only, and should not be used for gambling or cheating.
•Designed by Mark Stutzman
•Gorgeous custom Back design & Ace of Spades
•Duplicate custom Jokers
•Custom Tuck Box with foil seal
•Printed by EPCC with Classic stock/finish
•Available in Unmarked and Marked versions
•Collector's Set, Coin, Pin, and Art Prints also available
Art Print
We are very excited to offer a limited run of 8x10" art prints of our Ace of Spades design. Each one has been letterpress printed by Clove St Press on a premium white card stock. Each one has also been hand-signed by Mark Stutzman himself! Limited to only 100 prints EVER, this is an amazing piece for your collection! The print is great for framing, but is rigid enough to be placed on a shelf by itself, or on a small stand or easel.
What You Get
•Designed by Mark Stutzman
•Gorgeous custom Back design & Ace of Spades
•Duplicate custom Jokers
•Custom Tuck Box with foil seal
•Printed by EPCC with Classic stock/finish
•Available in Unmarked and Marked versions
•Collector's Set, Coin, Pin, and Art Prints also available
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At Penguin Magic, we believe in real magic—and that starts with real people helping you. Our friendly support team is made up of passionate magicians who understand your needs and are here to help every step of the way.
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Please leave a message with your name, order number (if applicable), and callback number. We’ll return your call within 24 business hours.
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Our team is based in California and available:
Monday – Friday
🕗 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Pacific Time)
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For returns, mail orders, or fan mail:
Penguin Magic
3299 Monier Circle, Unit A
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
United States
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Partnering with Penguin Magic offers creators a unique opportunity to showcase their magic tricks on one of the world's largest magic platforms. By joining the Penguin Partner Program, you can:
- Earn Generous Royalties: Receive a 50% royalty for exclusive products, with Penguin handling order fulfillment, credit card processing, and shipping.
- Engage Directly with Customers: Utilize a private FAQ section to interact with your audience, answer questions, and provide updates or improvements to your products.
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To become a partner, sign up for a partner account and email partner@penguinmagic.com to express your interest. Your submission will be reviewed by Penguin's team to ensure it aligns with their quality standards and community ethics.
For more details, visit the Penguin Partner Program page.
About Us
Welcome to Penguin Magic – Where Magic Begins.
At Penguin Magic, we believe in the power of wonder. Since 2002, we’ve been on a mission to inspire, teach, and connect magicians around the world—whether you're a seasoned professional or just picking up your first deck of cards.
We’re more than just a magic shop. We're a global community of creators, performers, and dreamers who share a passion for the art of astonishment. From exclusive, cutting-edge tricks to timeless classics, we curate the best magic in the world—and make it accessible to everyone.
What We Do
- Unmatched Selection: Our massive online catalog features thousands of tricks, props, and accessories—meticulously selected by magicians, for magicians.
- Exclusive Content: We produce high-quality tutorials and performances with some of the biggest names in magic. Only at Penguin will you find original, mind-blowing effects you won’t see anywhere else.
- Community & Support: We're proud to support one of the most active and welcoming communities of magicians online. Need help or advice? Our team is here for you every step of the way.
Why Penguin?
Because we love magic. Every member of our team is a magician, and that passion drives everything we do—from hand-packing your order to filming the next blockbuster tutorial. We’re committed to helping you grow your skills, build your act, and perform with confidence.
Whether you're performing on stage, up close, or online, Penguin Magic is your partner in magic.
Thank you for letting us be part of your journey.
Stay magical,
The Penguin Magic Team 🐧✨
Return Policy
At Penguin Magic, your satisfaction is our top priority. We want you to feel confident with every purchase. While magic is full of surprises, your order shouldn’t be one of them.
🧾 General Return Guidelines
Because of the secretive nature of magic, many items are non-returnable once opened. However, we’ll always do our best to make things right.
Here’s how our return policy works:
- Unopened Physical Products: You may return new, unused, and unopened items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund or store credit.
- Defective or Damaged Items: If a product arrives damaged or doesn’t work as expected, we’ll replace it or refund you—no hassle.
- Digital Downloads: All instant downloads, streaming videos, and digital content are non-refundable once purchased.
- Opened Tricks or Props: Due to the exposure of magical methods, we cannot accept returns on opened or used magic effects (unless defective).
📦 How to Start a Return
1. Contact our support team at support@penguinmagic.com with:
- Your order number
- A brief explanation of the issue
- Photos if there’s damage or a defect
2. We’ll respond within 1 business day to help you out.
3. If approved, we’ll provide return instructions. Once we receive the item, we’ll process your refund or store credit within 3–5 business days.
❗Important Notes
- Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer unless the item was defective or sent in error.
- All refunds are issued to the original payment method or as store credit.
- Items marked Final Sale or Non-Returnable cannot be returned.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Email us at support@penguinmagic.com — our customer happiness team is standing by.
🪄 Thanks for shopping with Penguin Magic. We appreciate your trust—and we’ll always work to make your experience magical.
Shipping Options
At Penguin Magic, we're committed to delivering your magical products promptly and reliably. Below is our comprehensive shipping policy to guide you through our shipping processes.
📦 Order Processing & Fulfillment
- Same-Day Shipping: Orders placed before 4 PM Eastern Time (1 PM Pacific), Monday through Friday, are typically shipped the same day. Orders placed after this cutoff will ship the next business day.
- Shipping Origin: All orders are shipped from our warehouse located in Rancho Cordova, California.
US Domestic Shipping (U.S. Orders)
- Free Standard Shipping: We offer free standard shipping on all orders over $100. For orders under $100, a $5 flat-rate shipping fee applies.
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Shipping Methods: Depending on the weight and destination, we utilize the following carriers:
- USPS: First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, Media Mail, Parcel Select Ground
- FedEx: Ground, Overnight, 2-Day
- UPS: Ground, Overnight Saver
- ePacket (for certain items)
Delivery Times:
- USPS First-Class Mail: 2–7 business days
- USPS Priority Mail: 1–3 business days
- FedEx Ground: 1–7 business days
- FedEx Overnight: Next business day
- FedEx 2-Day: 2 business days
- UPS Ground: 1–7 business days
- UPS Overnight Saver: Next business day by 3 PM
Note: Delivery times are estimates and may vary based on location and carrier.
🌍 International Shipping
- Flat-Rate Shipping: For international orders, a $10 flat-rate shipping fee applies.
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Shipping Methods:
- FedEx International: 2–6 business days with tracking
- FedEx Connect Plus: 4–8 business days with tracking
- ePacket: 2–6 weeks (tracking availability varies)
- UPS Mail Innovations: 2–6 weeks (tracking availability varies)
Note: Delivery times are estimates and may vary based on destination and customs processing.
📌 Important Shipping Information
- Business Days: All shipping timeframes are based on normal business days (Monday–Friday).
- PO Boxes: FedEx and UPS cannot deliver to PO Boxes. Please provide a physical address for these shipping methods.
- Customs & Duties: International shipments require a Customs Declaration Form detailing the contents and value. Import duties, taxes, and fees are the responsibility of the customer. In some cases, carriers may pay these fees in advance and bill the recipient an advancement fee. Please research your country's customs procedures before placing an order.
- APO/FPO Addresses: Orders to APO/FPO addresses will be shipped via U.S. Mail.
- Holiday Delays: Please anticipate potential delays during peak holiday seasons.
📦 Tracking Your Order
Once your order ships, you'll receive a confirmation email with tracking information. You can also track your order by logging into your Penguin Magic account.
❓ Need Assistance?
If you have any questions or concerns about your shipment, please contact our Customer Support team:
- Email: support@penguinmagic.com
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Phone:
- Toll-Free (U.S.): 800-880-2592
- International: +1 707-317-6733
- Please leave a message with your name, order number (if applicable), and callback number. We’ll return your call within 24 business hours.
Thank you for choosing Penguin Magic. We're dedicated to ensuring your magical journey begins with a seamless delivery experience.
Price Match Guarantee
At Penguin Magic, we're committed to offering you the best prices in the magic community. If you find a lower price on an identical item at a reputable magic shop—even during sales or members-only promotions—we'll match it without hesitation.
How It Works
- Place Your Order: Shop as usual on PenguinMagic.com and complete your purchase.
-
Submit Your Price Match Request: Before your order ships, email us at support@penguinmagic.com with:
- Your order number
- A link or copy of the competitor's promotion or sale flyer
- Relax and Enjoy: We'll review your request promptly and adjust your order accordingly.
Important Details
- Timing: Price match requests must be made after placing your order but before it ships
- Eligible Competitors: We match prices from reputable magic shops.
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Exclusions:
- No additional discounts can be applied with a price match.
- If the competitor doesn't offer free shipping and you've chosen free shipping with us, we'll deduct our shipping cost from the price match amount.
- We cannot match generic products without a brand name, as quality and pricing can vary significantly.
Example
If you find an item for $12 less at another shop, and our shipping cost is $3.42:
- With Free Shipping: You'll receive a refund of $8.58.
- If You Paid for Shipping: You'll receive the full $12 refund.
Our shipping costs are based on actual rates from the courier, with no added fees.
Questions?
We're here to help! Contact us at support@penguinmagic.com or call us at 800-880-2592 (International: +1 707-317-6733).
Shop with confidence knowing you're getting the best deal at Penguin Magic!