Stancraft “Split Deck”

Stancraft Products “Split Deck”, 1979. Each card is divided diagonally with different values at each end of 48 of the cards and the same value on the four twos. The idea is that many new games can be played when players can choose which zone (colour end) to play with. Earlier versions of the deck were published in 1935 and then again in 1950 by Brown & Bigelow / Stancraft called “Double Action” cards.

Above: Stancraft Products “Split Deck”, 1979. Decks are bridge size and usually come in double boxed sets with a booklet explaining how to play games with the cards. Images courtesy Jean Szawiola.

Note from Roddy Somerville

I have always known this as the "Janus" deck. It is described in the booklet as a "twin value deck". Herb Hancock of Dundas, Ontario, Canada, is credited with its invention. The booklet (which is in English and French) gives the makers (?) / publishers (?) as "Hoyle Playing Card Co.", a "Division of Ben Sanders Co. Ltd., Willowdale, Ontario, M2H 3G2". Was that a tax dodge? I can't find a date in the booklet but I do know that I was offering these cards and the booklet in my 1982 sales list. In the packs I have, the Aces of Spades have the same wording as on the one you show, i.e., "Stancraft Products, St. Paul, MINN, U.S.A., a Division of Brown & Bigelow Inc." but with no mention of Hoyle or Ben Sanders. All rather confusing!

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