The World of Playing Cards Logo

The English Playing Card Society

EPCS Logo

Promoting research into English card history since 1984. Members receive the EPCS magazine three times a year.

Join from £10/year

Modern F.X. Schmid Bavarian Cards

Published June 03, 2026 Updated June 03, 2026

From Plastic to Premium: The legendary F.X. Schmid Tarock & Schafkopf deck, reboxed, refreshed and rebranded.

2025 GermanyA.S.S.CartamundiBavarian Pattern

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.

odern F.X. Schmid Bavarian Cards manufactured by ASS Altenburger (Cartamundi), 2025

Modern F.X. Schmid Bavarian Cards manufactured by ASS Altenburger (Cartamundi), 2025.

avatar
15 Articles

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.

Activity for Modern F.X. Schmid Bavarian Cards

Sign in to comment or save this article.


Related Articles

2024 Mariáš - Black & Red Edition

Mariáš - Black & Red Edition

A modern special edition of Prager pattern cards.

2016 Jungle Playing Cards

Jungle Playing Cards

Welcome to the jungle – a delightful deck from South Africa.

1997 Ute Mountain Casino Hotel & Resort

Ute Mountain Casino Hotel & Resort

Casino playing cards featuring Native American courts.

1968 Sanders

Sanders

A cheery deck in which playing card courts visit the countryside.

1995 Arrowhead Playing Cards from San Felipe’s Casino Hollywood

Arrowhead Playing Cards from San Felipe’s Casino Hollywood

A gorgeous and well-researched celebration of Native American culture.

1976 Les Grands Navigateurs

Les Grands Navigateurs

Jean Delpech's modernist voyage through the history of Maritime Exploration.

1986 Les Chevaliers de la Table Ronde

Les Chevaliers de la Table Ronde

A pictorial study by Jean Bruneau inspired by an ancient work rooted in Celtic history.

Meskwaki Casino

Meskwaki Casino

A deck reflecting Native American culture where every hand could be a jackpot.

2025 Robin Hood Playing Cards

Robin Hood Playing Cards

A Kings Wild Project by Jackson Robinson exploring the legend of Robin Hood and inspired by the Baye...

Pacific Northwest Native American Playing Cards

Pacific Northwest Native American Playing Cards

A bold presentation of animals in Native American artwork – with a political message.

2014 AVES

AVES

A rich display of plumage by artist Karina Eibatova.

1981 Rockwell International

Rockwell International

Cards celebrating the Space Shuttle, astronauts, and Mission Control staff.

1991 Authentic American Indian Playing Cards (Northern Plains Collection I)

Authentic American Indian Playing Cards (Northern Plains Collection I)

Honouring the Great Plains: carefully chosen symbols on familiar playing cards.

Okinawa Playing Cards

Okinawa Playing Cards

Ryūkyū Kingdom culture meets the international pattern.

San Manuel Casino

San Manuel Casino

Native American-themed playing cards used by tribal casinos.

2026 Library Display

Library Display

Three seconds to spark a love of playing cards: one collector's library display challenge.

2010 My Neighbor Totoro Cards

My Neighbor Totoro Cards

My Neighbour Totoro, now in your hands: a cinematic story told card by card.

1729 La baraja de Almagro

La baraja de Almagro

De la chimenea al monumento nacional: la baraja de Almagro y el renacer del corral de comedias.

1810 Tarocco Gumppenberg

Tarocco Gumppenberg

Neoclassical Empire-style Tarocchi cards by Ferdinando Gumppenberg, Milan, c.1810.

1981 Tarocco dell’Astrologo

Tarocco dell’Astrologo

An occultist astrological Tarot designed by Giorgio Tavaglione with several incarnations.


Sign in with Google