Are modern 2024 Grimaud decks worth collecting?

Yes. The modern relaunch and the Archives collaboration have increased collector attention, and many buyers enjoy these decks as both playable objects and display pieces.

Was Grimaud actually premium before 2024, or is this just marketing?

Grimaud has long been positioned as a premium French cardmaker. What changed in the modern era is visibility and a more explicit luxury narrative, especially outside Europe.

What's the difference between Grimaud and other premium decks like KEM or Bicycle?

Grimaud emphasizes French heritage, premium paper engineering, and refined presentation. KEM emphasizes cellulose acetate plastic durability and washability. Bicycle emphasizes iconic design and accessibility.

How can I tell if my Grimaud deck is authentic vintage vs. modern reproduction?

Check the ace and tuck maker line, any address references, and any stamps/seals. Compare packaging typography and style to known references. If unsure, email photos for help.

Why is black core important?

Black-core paper generally indicates a more opaque construction that reduces show-through. It is commonly associated with casino-grade paper decks and serious play.

Where can I buy Grimaud decks?

Availability varies by region. You can browse the Grimaud decks carried by ClassicDecks in the Grimaud collection.

Grimaud Brand Hub

About Grimaud

Grimaud is a classic French playing card line with 175+ years of history, known for clean presentation and its two signature colorways: Dolphin Blue and Coral Red. Our Grimaud lineup is intentionally focused around the core 52-card decks plus mini Patience format and the premium Archives collaboration.

Founded in Paris in 1848 by Baptiste‑Paul Grimaud, the brand helped invent the modern playing card. Grimaud pioneered rounded corners, full-opacity black‑core paper, double‑headed courts, and four-corner indices—features that solved real problems for serious players and became the standard used on nearly every modern deck.

Today, the 2024 “Maître Cartier Grimaud” relaunch brings that heritage into a modern luxury line made in France. The result is a small, focused range of casino‑grade decks—standard 52‑card Bridge & Poker decks, compact Patience decks, and the Louis XV Archives x BnF costume decks—built for players who want French craftsmanship and long‑lasting performance at the table.

Not sure what to choose? Read the Grimaud Collector's Guide