Chronicle Books produce a number of space-themed playing cards (Space/Mars/Star Maps) - here we take a look at its "Moon" deck. This is a standard 54-card set of "deluxe" playing cards featuring phases of the moon as well as iconic Lunar modules: Lunar Orbiter I (Jack), Apollo 17 Lunar Module "Challenger" (Queen), Apollo 11 Lunar Module "Eagle" (King) and Ranger 7 (Joker). Each standard card front has a different phase of the moon and a grid of 24 phases is shown on the backs. Standing out against the other cards is the red/orange "Blood Moon" shown on the tens.

All of the pictures are photographs taken from the NASA archives and the lunar modules are particularly good. The cards are printed on blue core grade card (a professional grade that reduces transparency) and have a smooth finish. At 62.5 x 88mm with fairly large-radius corners, they are very slightly smaller than standard playing cards (but not noticeably so). The deck is packed in a great tin box with a full moon printed on the front and a sliding lid.

What makes the cards stand out is their smart black and borderless design. Dark-faced cards, representative of the night sky, are obviously more appropriate for astronomical subjects. This makes them look very different to standard playing cards and helps make the set feel special although it also makes them more prone to fingerprints and scratches