Every Hongkonger has a love/hate relationship with the MTR. Despite its efficiency as a method of transportation and dependability as a hiding spot from sudden rain, the MTR also serves as a hub for sweaty human sardines during rush hour and the occasional makeshift toilet for those who just can’t hold it. One company wants to pay homage to our subway with a creative spin on traditional playing cards – so you can play your next game of Big Two in style.
Next Station, consisting of a team of local Hongkongers who are true champions of the MTR, have launched a crowdfunding campaign for two decks of multicoloured playing cards, with each card representing a different MTR station.
On their Indiegogo page, the company says they created these decks (along with other similarly themed products) to express their love for the MTR, which it calls “the vein of Hong Kong”.
However, for the privilege of owning possibly the most colourful playing cards to ever exist, you’ll have to pay a bit more than you would for a regular pack from 7-Eleven. Both decks will set you back USD22 (HKD171), while four complete decks cost USD39 (HKD303).
The colours of the rainbow. Photo: Next Station via Indiegogo
Although you typically only need one deck of cards to partake in your standard games, there are enough unique cards to fill two separate decks, so you’d need to buy both to get a full set. Forming a colourful spectrum, each individual card has its own unique colour, inspired by the “Station Information” leaflet at each station.
A full set of cards. Photo: Next Station via Indiegogo
Four stations, namely Diamond Hill, Lok Fu, Choi Hung and Tsim Sha Tsui, were picked to be the Jokers, and are given special graphic representations of their names instead of standard block colours.
The Jokers. Photo: Next Station via Indiegogo
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised USD10,985 (HKD85,224) from 339 backers, far surpassing its original target goal of USD3,000 (HKD23,277). Despite its flaws, Hong Kong’s love for the MTR is strong, it seems.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article has been updated.
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