English Bridge Union celebration packs, 2025

My oldest bridge-playing friend recently gave me a boxed set of playing cards. This limited edition double-pack set, contained in a suitably gilded box, was produced for the English Bridge Union in collaboration with the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, to mark the centenary in 2025 of the current form of Contract Bridge. The anniversary, according to the EBU, marks 100 years since Harold S. Vanderbilt on 1 November 1925 “introduced the element of vulnerability to the scoring table” which gave rise to the modern form of the game.

Above: the gilded presentation box containing two English Bridge Union centenary packs, marked 1925-2025.

Above: the jokers and backs from the English Bridge Union centenary packs, featuring the EBU emblem and 1925-2025 dates.

Neither the box nor the explanatory leaflet enclosed identify the the designer or manufacturer of the cards. However, the Ace of Spades carries the detail: “Superluxe Traditional, Jannersten.com”. This is the standard manufacturer’s mark used by Jannersten Förlag AB, the Swedish company that has supplied duplicate‑bridge equipment to European national organisations since the mid‑20th century.

This confirms that the card faces and stock are Jannersten’s Superluxe Traditional line, while the backs were presumably printed to a custom EBU 2025 design. I presume too that the printing was almost certainly done by Jannersten’s usual European playing‑card partners.

The EBU has used Jannersten equipment for decades, including Duplimate dealing machines, barcoded cards, duplicate boards and wallets, and tournament accessories. Given this long‑standing relationship, it is unsurprising that the EBU commissioned their centenary decks through the same supplier. I understand that Jannersten rarely produces short‑run custom backs, making this issue unusual.

Above: the four aces from the Superluxe Traditional packs, with the Jannersten.com manufacturer mark visible on the Ace of Spades.

Above: the king, queen and jack court cards from the four suits in the EBU centenary pack.

The English Bridge Union, founded in 1936, is the main governing body for the card game duplicate bridge in England. It is a not‑for‑profit, membership‑funded organisation that represents bridge players across England. It promotes, organises, and regulates duplicate bridge at club, county, and national level. As the official National Bridge Organisation for England it is affiliated with the European Bridge League and the World Bridge Federation. Amongst its varied activities it maintains player rankings and the masterpoints system.