The Escape Map deck is one of the most fascinating decks of Bicycle cards I have seen. Any deck of cards that entices me to research history is usually a winner in my books. This deck of cards is a commemorative World War II deck referencing the specially printed cards that contained escape routes within the layers of regular playing cards. Once soaked in water the cards peeled apart and the secret map could be found, helping soldiers escape from German POW camps to safety.
The red rider backed deck is constructed of the standard Bicycle quality and contains a map of World War II era Germany on the face of the cards, which contains the standard designed pips and numbers under the map.
The deck also comes with a “Map Assembly” card which shows you how to lay the cards out in rows to get the full map.
The tuck artwork is compelling and the back of the box says it all: “Inspired by the original map decks that allowed escaping prisoner to find their way to safety.”
The Bicycle website contains the following text: “During World War II, the United States Playing Card Company joined forces with American and British intelligence agencies to create a deck to help Allied prisoners of war escape from German POW camps. Individual cards in these decks peeled apart when moistened to reveal maps of escape routes. This new Escape Deck honors the secret circumstances surrounding the original map decks, as well any and all prisoners of war. While the cards do not peel apart when moistened, the map is visible on the front of the cards��”and creates a complete map when placed in order. The Escape Deck features original artwork on the front and backs of the cards, including the face cards and jokers.” The ad copy says that there are only two known surviving original decks in existence today.
We all knew that cards can entertain, astonish and even result in winning or losing money, but did any of us know that they saved lives too? Awesome!
If you are only going to buy one deck of cards, this is it!