52 Plus Joker: The Ultimate Playing Card Collectors Club
What Is 52 Plus Joker?
If you collect playing cards—whether antique, vintage, or modern—52 Plus Joker (often abbreviated 52+J) is a club you should know about. Founded in 1985 by Phil Bollhagen, Bob Harrison, and Lenny Schneir, the organization’s goal has been to unite people who love cards: their designs, history, artistry, and stories. Over the decades it has grown into the world’s largest playing card collectors club.
History & Evolution
- 1985: 52 Plus Joker is officially formed with a mission to support collectors and enthusiasts of playing cards.
- Over time, the club expanded its offerings: periodicals, specialty decks (“club decks”), conventions, auctions, and an archive of historical information.
- 2018: The club merged with the Chicago Playing Card Collectors’ Club, expanding its membership and infrastructure in the U.S.
What Members Get Today
| Offering | Details |
|---|---|
| Membership Fee | Around $25/year, for domestic and international members. |
| Publications | Card Culture (monthly, digital) and Clear the Decks (quarterly, print). |
| Archives & Resources | “Ask Alexander” archive; historical articles; expert appraisals; forums for trading & sharing. |
| Club Decks | Each year, one or more specially designed limited-edition decks are produced just for members. Unique artwork, special printing techniques, foils, numbering, etc. |
| Annual Convention & Events | Lectures, auctions, new deck reveals, awards (like Deck of the Year, Artist of the Year, lifetime achievement). Great chance to meet other collectors in person. |
Club Decks
Here are a few standout club decks with images:
The 2021 Club Deck designed by Stockholm17 & printed by Expert Playing Card Company. Limited runs, gold foils, custom tuck boxes, embossed elements.
The 2017 Club Deck by Alex Chin (Seasons Playing Cards) whose design centers around pulpwood / paper-making themes: luxurious tuck box textures, gold foiling, custom court cards with a unique look.
The 2023 Club Deck by Brendan Hong / Expert Playing Card Company. Numbered decks, sophisticated back design, foil accents, attention to detail.
These decks aren’t easy to find later; once they’re out with the members, they often become collector’s items.
Why 52 Plus Joker Still Matters
- Preserving Design & History: Every deck tells something about printing technology, aesthetics, cultural trends. The club helps ensure this isn’t lost.
- Community & Shared Knowledge: Whether you’re new or experienced, there are resources, mentors, and peers. The hobby tends to be niche; having a community keeps it alive.
- Encouraging Innovation: The annual club decks often push design & print boundaries: special finishes, custom artwork, limited runs.
- Accessibility: The cost to join and the range of membership benefits make it realistic for many people to be part of the club.
How To Join & What’s Coming Up
If you’re interested in joining:
- Go to the 52 Plus Joker website and complete the membership registration.
- Once a member, you’ll receive Clear the Decks & Card Culture.
- You’ll also get access to limited edition club decks.
- Attend the annual convention to meet people, see new deck releases, participate in auctions, and join in awards events.
Upcoming: the next annual convention is scheduled in Charlotte, North Carolina (October 1-5, 2025). That event will include the 2025 club deck reveal, lectures, awards, and more.