Congress

Congress is one of America’s oldest and most prestigious playing card brands, first produced in 1881 by Russell & Morgan—the company that later became United States Playing Card Company (USPCC). From the outset, Congress was the premium line, featuring elaborate pictorial backs, gold edges, and luxury packaging. Early “lacquer backs” and deluxe No. 606 gold-edged editions became sought-after collectibles, and Congress decks often featured beautiful art, decorative aces, and unique jokers depicting the U.S. Capitol.

Originally offered in poker and whist sizes, Congress quickly became synonymous with bridge after switching to “narrow” bridge-size cards in the 1920s—remaining the go-to bridge deck for clubs and home games nationwide. Congress sets usually come in elegant velour boxes, paired by design for two-deck play and tournament use. With over 140 years of continuous production (now with select decks made in Spain), Congress stands as the longest-running playing card brand in America, still famed for its artistic backs and collector appeal.