Modern Swiss-German Pattern (carta.media)

The Modern Swiss-German pattern is a redesigned version of the traditional double-ended Swiss-German playing cards used for the game of Jass in Switzerland. Developed by carta.media Switzerland in 2010, it is one of several modernized versions of the historical pattern, which today represent the most commonly used playing cards in Switzerland.

This edition retains the four regional suits characteristic of the Swiss-German deck (Schellen (bells), Eicheln (acorns), Herz (hearts), and Schilten (shields) and maintains the traditional court card format. The artwork was newly created using digital vector graphics, resulting in a cleaner and more streamlined appearance compared to earlier, hand-drawn designs. A notable feature of this version is the use of enlarged corner indices, which enhance legibility during gameplay. The design reflects a conscious effort to modernize the deck while preserving its essential iconography.

The Ace of Hearts bears the carta.media¹ company logo, while the Ace of Bells features a “Made in Switzerland” emblem, serving as a designation of origin. The design is legally protected, as indicated by a copyright notice in the border text of the King of Bells. This modern pattern exemplifies the trend of adapting traditional regional card designs for contemporary production and usage, balancing visual clarity with cultural continuity.

Above: a redesigned version traditional double-ended Swiss-German playing cards developed by carta.media Switzerland in 2010.

A special edition of the deck was released in 2021, featuring a silhouette design (Scherenschnitt) by Swiss artist J. Brändle on both the card backs and the packaging. The intricate black-and-white motif reflects traditional Swiss folk art.

Reference

1. www.carta-media.ch►