Modern F.X. Schmid Bavarian Cards
From Plastic to Premium: The legendary F.X. Schmid Tarock & Schafkopf deck, reboxed, refreshed and rebranded.
This double-ended, German-suited deck (Acorns, Bells, Leaves, and Hearts) is a sleek, digitally modernized version of the classic Munich Bavarian pattern by F.X. Schmid. After ASS Altenburger integrated the F.X. Schmid brand in 1996, the deck saw various updates. This latest edition, released under the banner "Tarock & Schafkopf — The original F.X. Schmid Cards" comes from the ASS Altenburg manufacturer (now a Cartamundi subsidiary) and showcases their post-2024 rebranding.
Aligned with the company's new sustainability vision, the deck swaps out the previously plastic box for a new cardboard tuck box featuring their updated logo. The long-100 x 56 mm cards are made from premium cardboard, dispensing with plastic wrapping entirely, and are explicitly marketed for Tarock and Schafkopf. While the artwork remains faithful to the original F.X. Schmid designs, the colors have been refreshed, and the pips have been updated into vector symbols. For easier handling, indices have been added to both top corners, though the 10s retain their traditional "X" numeral.
The Ace of Hearts is the signature card, which still prominently displays the historic F.X. Schmid logo. The actual manufacturer's ASS Altenburger’s address and email are tucked discreetly into the center split, while the Cupid side features the production number next to the CE mark. The deck proudly flashes its pedigree; both the 6 of Hearts and the Ace of Leaves bear the tagline: "The real Bavarian F.X. Schmid Cards." The card backs feature the classic flag, with the Bavarian lion and crowned ornamental borders.
Modern F.X. Schmid Bavarian Cards manufactured by ASS Altenburger (Cartamundi), 2025.
By Konrad Hämmerle
Austria • Member since December 04, 2024
Konrad Hämmerle is a student and card artist from Vorarlberg, the westernmost region of Austria. He founded his own company with his deck Vorarlberger Büschel: a unique reinterpretation of traditional Jass cards. His deck showcases Vorarlberg’s rich cultural heritage, featuring detailed illustrations of traditional clothing, mythical creatures, and real historical figures from the region. Through this project, Konrad has become a true card enthusiast, particularly fascinated by playing cards that represent countries, regions, or historical themes. His passion lies in blending storytelling with design to keep cultural heritage and identity alive in the world of playing cards.
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