AUGUSTA, GA (January 5, 2015) – Based on the Napoletane deck, the Scopa Scuro deck is bringing a redesigned look to an old favorite, taking all the same suits and faces and making changes to bring the cards to the new century. Mandrake Playing Card Company founder, Rory Rezzelle, is trying to bring the not-so-well known cards back into play with his newest Kickstarter campaign.

The cards will be Poker-sized, which will be easier for most players to handle than the original size of the Italian cards. They are all black with white outlines, making them easy to identify and distinguish. “Overall, this is an upgrade to the originals, making them easier to use and enjoy with family and friends,” said Rory. The pips on the number cards have the bottom row reversed, like the French suit cards, and the face cards have been mirrored so they can be recognized from any angle.

The deck uses the original Italian suits – coins, club, cups, and swords – and has 40 cards. The cards are numbered 1 through 7, and also include a Knave, Knight, and King, in each suit. Two gaff cards will also be included, and, because the most common game played in Italy is Scopa, there will be a Scopa instruction card. As stretch goals, Mandrake PCC is planning to add deck seals, 3 extra cards per suit (8, 9, and 10 cards), and two jokers. Uncut sheets will also be available as rewards for the campaign.

Early Bird deals will be available for the first 20 backers at the two lowest levels:

$6 – Early Bird. 1x Scopa Scuro deck.
$12 – Early Bird. 2x Scopa Scuro deck.

Other reward levels:

$8 – 1x Scopa Scuro deck.
$16 – 2x Scopa Scuro deck.
$24 – 3x Scopa Scuro deck.
$45 – 6x Scopa Scuro deck.
$56 – 2x Scopa Scuro deck + an uncut sheet.
$85 – 6x Scopa Scuro deck + an uncut sheet.
$98 – 12x Scopa Scuro deck.

About Mandrake Playing Card Company

Mandrake PCC was built by Rory Rezzelle as a way to design playing cards that use International standards and bring them to collectors and enthusiasts. His goal is to redesign decks that do not usually have collectable or artistic versions like most French suit decks. Visit mandrakecards.com or facebook.com.

If you would like more information, or to schedule an interview with Rory Rezzelle, please email Rory at rory54@gmail.com or call 706-955-0505.