BIG Hello from Indonesia!

[oh.what.the.deck]

Hello everyone! I’m Brian from Indonesia. You may know me from my IG handle that’s the same as my username.

Playing cards have always held a nostalgic feeling for me. I remember back in high school days (I graduated exactly 15 years ago) we used to carry around cheap and beat up decks in our school bags. We would whip them out for games of Big 2 whenever we literally had a minute, be it between classes, lunch break or on bus rides. It strikes me as amazing just how many things can be done with just 52 pieces of paper, and how they can bring people together. For example, I find that by just learning or wanting to learn a particular country’s signature card game, it acts as a fantastic icebreaker.

My interest for deck collecting stirred when I back my first deck on KS – the Ephemerid precious metals collection in early 2019. I initially thought to myself “Oh hey! This is super unique. I’d love to break out these cards to play with friends sometime.” From there I backed the Parlour cards, followed by Faunae, and from there I had a keyhole into an entire world of playing cards I never knew of before.
I then found Matt’s IG account @bayou.playing.cards and I was seriously hooked. I was blown away at just how many varieties of decks actually existed today. His curated collection is such an inspiration, especially for my wallet (damn you Matt ;P). Through his account also I bumped into Amy @pipchickadee and other members of a community with such a deep passion for playing cards both new and old.

I recently split my IG handles, creating @oh.what.the.deck separate from my personal account @briwid so that I can deep dive freely. And deep dive I have. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to know quite a number of people in a very short time. I’ve also begun dabbling in cardistry thanks to Lou’s #deckedoutnewyear challenge, and have found it’s something I’d very much like to pursue, even if I start out at the abysmal bottom of the ladder.

In terms of my collection it has been a rather pricey undertaking (shipping costs are gutting me) to compile something of a “starter kit” of industry favorites and popular decks. I have about 30 decks on my shelf so far and about the same number in transit. I’m not sure if I am committing collector’s taboo by opening and handling each and every deck, but find it enriching to hold the cards in my hands and enjoy each one’s uniqueness.

In all it has been a very fulfilling year, in particular the last month or so. Even if I am super far away, I am proud to be part of community with such a strong drive to continuously enrich and uplift the passion for cards, cardistry and magic. I very much look forward to the year to come, and with everyone a joyous 2020.

With love,
Brian

[Harvonsgard]

Thanks Brian,

all the best for 2020 as well.

Not really a collector's taboo to open your decks btw. I know quite a lot if collectors that open there decks and enjoy the cards in person.

[Bradius]

Welcome to the rabbit warren. Just collect what you like and can safely afford. A lot of collectors that like sealed decks will get extras to open. This should be a hobby to enjoy the fine artwork.

[theCapraAegagrus]

Welcome to UC, Brian.

[BaconWise]

Hi Brian!

I have seen you around IG already! I love that you are opening your decks. I am a huge advocate of #freethepip and I choose to enjoy and handle each and every deck I purchase, so I can get the full experience the artist intended. Welcome to UC and this fun hobby. The Deck of the Year awards is happening right meow so that should give you some great ideas and you can find past award winners to help inspire an empty wallet Cheers

[Romeril]

Brian! I’m happy to see that you’ve made your way over here to UC! Thank you for the kind things you said about my IG account it makes me feel really great that people appreciate what I post about

I think you already know my view on opening decks... definitely not taboo! How can one be a collector of playing cards, but then never opens the pack up to enjoy them in all of their splendor! Let those pips breathe!! #freethepip

[oh.what.the.deck]

Thanks everyone for the good feel! I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one with a pile of cellophane on mail day, and #freethepip rolls off my tongue like top quality Dutch butter.

[laitostarr777]

Nice to meet you, Brian
Welcome to UC ;3

[CollectADeck]

Hello and welcome Brian! Glad to see you on UC, and always a pleasure to chat on IG with you!