Description
The Arrco White deck (2011 issue) is a rare modern reimagining of one of the most beloved back designs in American playing card history. Printed by USPCC in 2011 as a special custom run, this edition takes the classic Arrco US Regulation pattern and renders it in a striking black‑on‑white monochrome colorway that never existed in the original retail line.
For magicians and card workers who grew up on Arrcos, this deck is both a nostalgic callback and a practical worker, with extra gaffs and a built‑in stack straight from the factory.
A Classic Back, Reinvented in Black & White
The Arrco US Regulation back design is famous for its:
- Rich, mirrored scrollwork
- Central radiating shield with tiny dot shading
- Framing flourishes that are busier and more ornate than Bicycle Rider Backs, yet still perfectly balanced for magic and gambling demonstrations.
The 2011 White edition preserves every line of that artwork, but in a pure black‑ink engraving on bright white stock, with white borders. The result feels like a vintage casino deck photographed in black‑and‑white: elegant, high‑contrast, and instantly recognizable on the table.
- Back Colorway: Black line art on white background (no red or blue ink)
- Borders: Traditional white borders suitable for magic and gambling sleights
- Tuck Design: Classic Arrco US Regulation front with black‑and‑white Ace of Spades emblem and bold “PLAYING CARDS” title, updated with modern USPCC copy and barcodes on the sides and bottom.
Authentic Arrco Faces & Ace of Spades
Inside, the deck uses standard Arrco faces, long favored by magicians because they feel familiar yet slightly more refined than Bicycle:
- Courts feature cleaner line work and more detailed costumes, with small suit emblems integrated into the artwork.
- Pips are traditional in layout but have a subtly different, slightly “taller” shape compared to Bicycle, giving Arrcos their own visual identity.
- The Ace of Spades carries the modern “U.S. Regulation Poker” spade design and branding, as seen on late‑era Chicago/USPCC Arrcos, tying this deck directly into the historical Arrco line.
Number cards are fully standard and immediately readable for any card game or routine.
Built for Workers – Stock, Finish & Handling
Although created as a collector‑level custom run, the White Arrco deck was clearly specced for serious table use:
- Printed by: United States Playing Card Company (USPCC)
- Stock: Premium poker stock – firm, snappy, and comparable to the best worker decks of the era
- Finish: Embossed, air‑cushion‑style coating for smooth fans, spreads, and reliable faros
- Cut: Traditional factory cut, ideal for table faros and classic gambling sleights
Arrcos have always been known for exceptional durability and handling, and this 2011 run maintains that reputation while adding a unique visual twist.
Magic‑Friendly Extras
The 2011 White edition was produced with working magicians in mind:
-
Two double‑backed cards included
-
- One standard white‑border double‑back
- One split double‑back with a black side, opening up color‑change and transposition possibilities
- Joker card reveal – One Joker hides a printed card reveal, ready for built‑in routines
- Special stacked order out of the box – The deck ships in a pre‑arranged stack (rather than simple new‑deck order), giving magicians a ready‑made framework for stacked‑deck effects right away.
These touches make the White Arrco not just a collector’s piece, but a turn‑key performance deck.
Rarity & Collectibility
- Release year: 2011
- Edition: Special “White Arrco” custom run using the US Regulation back in a brand‑new monochrome scheme
- Status: Out of print; no further runs announced
- Lineage: Represents the final era of standard Arrco production at USPCC, before the brand went dormant and was later revived in 2018 reprints.
Because it was produced in limited quantities for the magic market and never broadly distributed at retail, surviving sealed White Arrcos are increasingly scarce—especially in good condition.
Perfect For
- Magicians & card workers – Classic back design, premium handling, gaffs, and a built‑in stack make this a serious worker’s deck.
- Vintage‑style collectors – A modern but historically respectful variation on the iconic Arrco US Regulation pattern.
- Black‑and‑white aesthetic builds – Ideal for monochrome table setups, photography, and display.
- Gaff work & deck switches – The white Arrco layout pairs cleanly with other black‑and‑white or casino‑style decks.
Key Features (Summary)
- Special 2011 custom run of Arrco US Regulation backs in black & white
- Printed by USPCC, poker size, premium stock, embossed finish
- Authentic Arrco faces with U.S. Regulation Poker Ace of Spades
- Includes 2 double‑backers, Joker reveal, and a pre‑arranged stack
- Now out of print and increasingly hard to find – a must‑own piece of modern Arrco history.