Here’s a similar shot of the card backs, showing Marion Pro on the left and Faded Spade 3.0 on the right. Since they’re the only product I’m aware of using the 0.34mm thick Kuo Kau stock, I personally appreciate that there’s another card material and design on the market, even if it’s not the right option for me. If you hate Faded Spade, you can use this to support your argument that they’re just a marketing company with some artwork. If you like the feel of Faded Spade 3.0 but wish it was a little more flexible, a little cheaper, or a little more traditional in appearance, you may want to consider a stock Kuo Kau offering on their 0.31mm matte finish like the Marion Pro line. If you like the design of Faded Spade, they’re obviously the only option. I think it’s great that there’s another choice in the playing card world. It’s even possible that they don’t use Kuo Kau at all, but I think the evidence is overwhelming. It’s also possible that they use a different manufacturer for the RFID decks. I’m not aware of Kuo Kau offering a RFID option, so it’s possible that those are custom for Faded Spade. Can you see any difference in the texture of the face side of the two cards below? I received my first Marion Pro setup shortly after my first time handling Faded Spade 3.0 cards, and it was immediately obvious that the cards are the same texture.

Those who are a bit more familiar with them may also know them as the manufacturer of the Marion Pro line of cards, which is on their nicer 0.31mm matte finish stock. Kuo Kau is perhaps best known here for their Royal line of cards, which are a rather unimpressive line on 0.27mm glossy stock. I don’t have any insights about their version 1.0 and 2.0 products, but I assess with a high degree of confidence that Faded Spade 3.0 cards are made by Kuo Kau Paper Products. The buzz on PCF seemed to indicate that Faded Spade may be manufacturing their own cards and were making changes each generation to improve their product. When I first learned of Faded Spade upon my return to PCF last year, I thought it was great that there was another player in the playing card business. With Faded Spade being discussed again, I figure that now is as good a time as any to share my observations about Faded Spade 3.0.

Poker card spade