Fournier

FOURNIER – Spanish excellence in poker and casino playing cards

1. Introduction

Fournier is a historic playing card brand known for its uncompromising quality and Spanish craftsmanship. Founded in the 19th century, it has become a global reference in poker, bridge, and casino cards.

2. Origins and History

The company Naipes Heraclio Fournier was founded in 1868 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the Basque Country of Spain, by Heraclio Fournier. It quickly gained a reputation for high-quality printing, collaborating with artists and engravers.

By the late 19th century, Fournier had won multiple international awards and became the official card supplier to numerous institutions in Spain and across Europe.

3. Global Expansion and Recognition

Today, Fournier is a globally recognized brand, present in over 70 countries and used in many international casinos, including Las Vegas, Macau, and Monte Carlo.

In 1986, Fournier joined the United States Playing Card Company (USPC), which also owns Bicycle. This gave Fournier global distribution while maintaining its manufacturing base in Spain.

4. Manufacturing Process

Fournier cards are entirely manufactured in Vitoria, Spain, with an extremely strict quality control process. Each card goes through dozens of steps using custom-built machinery.

Technical features:

  • High-precision offset printing
  • Plastic-coated paper or 100% PVC, depending on the model
  • Laser-cut rounded corners to reduce wear

The factory is ISO 9001 certified for quality assurance.

5. Iconic Models

Fournier offers a wide range of cards, including:

  • Fournier 2818: professional 100% plastic poker deck
  • Fournier 818: popular for bridge and belote
  • Fournier WSOP: used in select tournaments and casinos

The back designs are clean and elegant, designed for clarity and class.

6. Position in the Poker World

Fournier is widely used in European and international casinos. Its reputation is built on:

  • Precise printing with perfectly aligned indexes
  • Durability, especially for plastic models
  • Security features for anti-cheating in casinos

Fournier cards are often used in high-end clubs and some official tournaments.

7. Fournier Today

After USPC was acquired by Cartamundi in 2019, Fournier became part of the group but kept its own identity and manufacturing site. It now focuses on:

  • Eco-friendly product lines
  • Custom cards for businesses, clubs, and casinos
  • Security innovations for professional gaming environments

8. Fun Facts and Trivia

  • Fournier cards are used in several films and international TV shows.
  • There is a Fournier playing card museum in Vitoria, showcasing the brand’s history.
  • Fournier cards are used in scientific visual recognition tests in laboratories.

9. Conclusion

With over 150 years of expertise, Fournier represents the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and performance. Whether for tournaments, casinos, or private games, Fournier offers a premium experience for all card enthusiasts.

Choosing Fournier means choosing precision, durability, and prestige.