Playing Cards

A good hand deserves a good entrance

The game has not even started, yet the cards already suggest that this evening deserves better than a pack retrieved from the back of a kitchen drawer. PRINTWORKS Reverra brings together two complete playing card decks in a dark-blue, book-like case, finished with an oversized pale-blue spade and gold-coloured lettering. Open the case and the two decks sit neatly side by side, each featuring its own ornamental reverse in pale and dark blue. The intricate pattern gives classic playing cards a more contemporary character, while the illustrated court cards continue the blue colour palette without sacrificing the familiar clarity of a traditional deck. The presentation case is made from cardboard and wood with a faux-leather covering and closes securely when the cards are not in use. Measuring 10.5 × 15.5 × 4.5 cm and weighing approximately 0.45 kg, Reverra has a reassuringly substantial feel compared with an ordinary card box. Inside are two full decks, ready for classic card games, poker and games requiring more than one pack. And should your strategy fail to impress this evening, at least the cards have made an excellent showing.

Two decks and plenty of ways to play

Playing cards have a pleasing habit of needing very little introduction. Almost every table has its favourite game, remembered rules and occasionally a lively disagreement about precisely what those rules were. With two decks inside, Reverra gives you plenty of freedom to revisit familiar card games, settle in for poker or choose games that call for multiple packs. There is virtually no set-up, making the set just as suited to an impromptu game after dinner as it is to a longer evening around the table. The structured case is particularly useful once the playing is over: each deck returns to its own compartment rather than slowly migrating into drawers around the house. It keeps the cards together while giving them a permanent home on a coffee table, sideboard or bookshelf, ready whenever somebody suggests just one more round.

The card box that earns its shelf space

PRINTWORKS was founded in Stockholm in 2017 by Annette and Patrik, inspired by a wish to make more room for analogue moments in increasingly digital lives. Instead of keeping thousands of photographs unseen in the cloud, open an album. Instead of disappearing into separate screens, sit down together and start a game. The idea is less about nostalgia for its own sake and more about giving familiar objects a thoughtful place in contemporary life. PRINTWORKS applies that approach to photo albums, chess, backgammon, memo games and playing cards, designing them to be enjoyed and left on display. Reverra captures the idea beautifully. Its faux-leather finish, deep-blue palette, oversized spade motif and ornamental card backs turn an everyday game into an object with presence even when the lid is closed. It also fits naturally with the LIVOSY philosophy: the things we live with should be used, shared and allowed to collect stories rather than exist simply for decoration.

The final hand rarely feels quite final

Reverra is made for people who enjoy traditional card games but also pay attention to the objects surrounding them. As a gift for a host, a keen card player or someone with an eye for considered home accessories, it combines a familiar pastime with a design that continues to work between games. Pair the set with PRINTWORKS chess, backgammon or a memo game to build a small analogue games collection, or combine it with one of the brand’s photo albums or The Essentials gift sets for a thoughtful present centred around time well spent. Of course, you could simply leave Reverra on the coffee table until somebody asks what is inside that rather handsome blue box. From there, getting the cards dealt tends to take care of itself.