CARD-AB Miltenberg

CARD-AB Miltenberg is a regional German-suited playing card deck developed by the signage production and advertising agency Werbe3eck based in Aschaffenburg, Germany. The project includes two decks, one for Aschaffenburg and one for Miltenberg, each featuring 32 cards in the traditional Bavarian pattern, designed for the popular regional game Schafkopf.

The Miltenberg edition showcases black-and-white illustrations by artist Rita Stern, depicting notable landmarks and culturally significant scenes from the town. The face cards (Unter, Ober, King) and Aces feature detailed illustrations, while the number cards (7 to 10) display blurred panoramic views of Miltenberg in the background. All cards are produced in-house and used as branded promotional products for corporate clients. As such, the decks are only available with custom logo backs.

Above: CARD-AB Miltenberg playing card deck produced by Werbe3eck, Aschaffenburg, Germany, 2019. 32 cards + 2 rules cards + 2 extra cards.

Each deck contains, 32 standard playing cards, 2 rules cards,1 advertising card for the sponsoring company and 1 additional King of Hearts used as a front card in the transparent slide box. The front card includes project branding, the city name, credits, and a note about a €1 donation per deck to Lebenshilfewerkstätte e.V. Schmerlenbach, a local organization supporting workplaces for people with disabilities.

Author’s Note

A friend of mine found this deck in a bar while visiting her beautiful hometown in Germany. Knowing how much I enjoy regionally themed playing cards, she asked the staff if she could keep it, which they generously gifted to her and brought it back for me.