Polit-Poker 1983

This is the original Polit-Poker, issued in 1983 though undated on the pack. This one has no manufacturer's logo on the 10 of Hearts. This was the first of many packs with caricatures of heads of state and senior politicians by the German caricaturist known as Bubec (real name Lutz Backes, b. 1938). On the Ace of Diamonds is Yuri Andropov (or Jurij Andropow) who died in February 1984, having led the Soviet Union for only about 15 months. Menachem (or Menahem) Begin and Yuri Andropov did not appear in subsequent editions of Polit-Poker. François Mitterrand’s surname is incorrectly spelt “Mitterand”. The back design is common to all the packs in this series.

Above: Polit-Poker 1983 made by A.S.S., Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany. 52 cards + 2 Jokers + 1 title card in clear plastic box. Size: 57 x 89 mm.

Polit-Poker 1984

This pack was printed both with and without a linen finish. Early supplies of this pack were released onto the market with a spectacular and most unusual error - the complete omission of indices on the black-suit court cards and aces! Presumably this revised edition for 1984 was prepared in too much of a hurry. I have examples of this pack available for sale.

Above: Polit-Poker 1984 with omission of indices on the black-suit court cards and aces.

Above: correctly printed Polit-Poker cards, printed and published by Altenburg-Stralsunder AG, 1984. Images courtesy Matt Probert.