High quality, premium bridge playing cards from Copag, Kem and Bicycle all direct from our UK stock, shipped within 24 hours of order. Bridge vs Poker – The battle of cards. In the United States, the most popular card game in the 1940s was contract bridge. It was played by 47% of women and 30% of men. Poker took second place among men (22%) and only 5% among women.

Playing cards are believed to have originated in China, where paper was first invented. The cards we are familiar with today were designed in France. Many new decks have since been designed all over the world, yet the standard 52 deck with four suits remains the most popular. When hosting your own poker game it is important to buy quality playing cards that will withstand frequent use. There are several factors to consider before placing your first order for new playing cards.

Quantity

You want to have more than one deck of cards available during a poker game in case a card is damaged during play. Professional cards usually come in sets of two decks. You should always have at least three sets of cards in the room. Superstitious poker players will ask for deck changes as well as entire set-up changes.

Three sets will provide six decks of cards to work with throughout the night. This is per table, so if you have more than one table, adjust accordingly. If you are hosting a poker tournament, you will want to have approximately three decks per table. This is less than the recommended average for a live action game since the odds of multiple tables having card deck issues is minimal.

Type

There are two basic types of playing cards on the market today – paper cards coated in plastic and 100% plastic cards.

• Plastic coated or vinyl – These mass produced cards can be purchased at almost any check-out line in any chain store and are the cards you played with while growing up. These cards are less expensive than real plastic cards, but also crease, bend and tear easier. They are easy to mark by indenting the corner with a fingernail. Plastic coated cards are fine for occasional use, even suited for a night of ‘kitchen poker’; however, they will not withstand the frequent use from a regular poker game.
• 100% plastic – These professional quality cards, used in casinos, are an ideal choice for any home game. 100% plastic cards are more expensive than other types of cards, but they are extra durable, effortless to clean, and difficult to mark. These cards are the easiest type of cards to deal and they slide well across the poker table. They are comfortable to shuffle manually and are the only cards that will work properly in an automatic shuffling machine.

Size

2 ½ x 3 ½ is the industry standard for poker cards, though there are other sizes available including the narrow poker deck, which runs approximately 2 ¼ x 3 7/16 or a bridge deck sized at 3 ¼ x 3 ½. Most players and dealers are more comfortable using the standard size deck, so it is best to stick with the norm.

The only exception to this rule would be in home games that play multiple variants of poker where games require players to hold several hole cards. Narrower cards would be a more suitable option in this situation.

Brands

There are numerous brands of playing cards available on the market. US Playing Card Company is a leading manufacturer of various playing cards. The most popular line of their cards is Bicycle (see above), followed by Bee, Hoyle, and World Poker Tour cards. This company also manufactures most of the novelty and character cards found in stores. All of these cards can be found for a low price ($1.99 – $4.99 per deck) in any chain store.

The following brands are popular high quality plastic playing poker cards that can be ordered in sets of two and usually include a protective plastic case. They are all more expensive than the above mentioned plastic-coated cards, but last much longer. There are many other playing cards on the market that also work well for home games, but these are amongst the most recommended for frequent use:

• Copag- Copag is a good quality card made of 100% PVC plastic and comes at a lower price than its biggest competitor (Kem), averaging $15 per set. Some skeptics complain that the graphics are a little faded on this brand, but it doesn’t make them any harder to identify.
• Gemaco – These cards are a bit thinner than the other plastic cards listed here. They are a nice quality card that can be ordered with a high quality acrylic box. The average cost is $15 per set.
• Kem – Kem, manufactured by the US Playing Card Company, are arguably the most popular plastic cards. They are made of cellulose acetate plastic and are a bit more expensive, averaging $22 per set. The Kem Arrow cards are said to be what most plastic poker cards are measured against. Kem cards are used on both the World Poker Tour and the World Series of Poker.
• Modiano – These cards are plastic, but have more of a paper feel to them and are a bit thicker than the other cards on the market. Modiano has a large variety of different cards and average $18 per set. DaVinci is a brand of Modiano cards that are very similar in quality and appearance, but a little lower in price.

Card Face Design

The face of poker cards has not changed much throughout recent years. They still contain the standard denomination, suit, and court cards. The only real change is graphic size and where the pips appear on the cards. Some companies have toyed with color changes, but the white background is the easiest to see and by far the most popular. Another color change on the face of cards is with the suits. In addition to the standard black and red suited cards, many manufacturers now offer four color suits comprised of; black, blue, green and red.

There are five common designs on the face of poker cards, standard, super/jumbo, magnum, and peek/dual index cards.

• Standard index size – This is the most common size found on all types of cards and really the size most players would prefer to see.
• Super or Jumbo index size – This is a larger print that makes it easier for players who have a hard time seeing the smaller, standard size print on cards.
• Magnum index size – This is an extremely large size print that takes up most of the face of the card. While this size would be nice for easily seeing board cards, it would not suit a professional poker game where players are trying to conceal the value of their hole cards.Four pip index – These cards can be found in standard or jumbo size and include the pips on all four corners of the cards instead of just the top left and bottom right hand corners.
• Peek or dual index cards – The peek cards have standard size print on the face with additional fine print pips on the corners of each card. This is convenient for players who prefer to keep their hole cards on the table and peel up just the corners of the card to “peek” at its value.

Card Back Design

The backside design on a card can range from pre-printed simplistic patterns to custom graphics or photographs. What you choose for the back design is not important as long as you select an opposing design when using multiple decks in a game. It is common for dealers to have a set-up containing one blue deck and one red deck or one green deck and one red deck. This way, decks will not get mixed up and players can request deck changes based on color.

There are a lot of factors to consider when ordering cards for your regular poker game. Decks can range in price from as low as $1.99 per deck up to $30 per set, so if you are planning to run a regular poker game, be sure to weigh your options carefully. You may consider purchasing a couple different decks until you find the perfect match.

Once you settle on a card type, keep the cards stored away from heat in a dry area. Do not expose them to direct sunlight. When a card is damaged, save the remainder of the deck to use as replacement cards for other decks.

By Kelli Mix

Kelli is the author of the 'Game Day Poker Almanac - Official Rules of Poker'. She lives in Carrollton, Georgia, where she is the state director for the Poker Players Alliance.

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If you are more likely to host a poker game in your homes, then you need to play Poker with Premium Poker playing Card Brands. You need to feel that pleasure and comfort while playing the games. Since you’re going to play the games for a long time, good quality playing card brands will help you immensely in that.

If you’re smart enough then you need to avoid using those cheap playing card brands. Even the cards used in the top casinos are not that costly. You can easily afford them at low costs. So, take my advice and play poker with decent cards which are easily affordable. Don’t be hesitant to spend some few extra bucks for these premium playing card brands. They are definitely going to be worth it.

Card Specifications

Before we get into the top 5 playing card brands, there are certain specifications that need to be understood. Those are as follows:

1. Playing Card Size: The card size matters a lot when you play poker. It should feel comfortable while playing. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort while dealing the cards, or even while playing. I have mentioned only those playing card brands which are of perfect size to play poker. You guys no need to worry about it. You can buy the brands that I have mentioned any day.
2. Readability: This is another factor that is going to affect the gameplay. When we talk about readability, we talk in the index of cards. Index of the cards is basically the size of the numbers or letters on the face of the card. There are two types of index in playing cards. Standard Index and the Jumbo Index. Most of the Casios prefer the Jumbo Index cards since it is easy to read and look through. Standard Index would be hard to look at for any player who is new to the game.
3. Texture: Texture is probably the most noticeable feature between good quality cards and the bad quality ones. You should be able to shuffle the cards easily. The cards should not slip from hands at any time. Also, the thickness of the cards should be comfortable as to at least hold the cards easily. Some people like playing with really thin cards, while others not so much. I personally like to play with really thin cards. For me, it’s easy to hold and shuffle if it’s thin. Among the playing card Brands that I have mentioned KEM playing cardsare the thinnest playing card brands that you can purchase in the market.
4. Graphics and Design: This is an added bonus if the playing cards are good looking. The design should be simple and good looking. The colors from the back should not reflect too much. Or, the colors shouldn’t be too bright for any players to get irritated from it. Rest assured, the playing card brands that I have mentioned have really good graphics and design.

Okay, now we know what we can expect from these brands, let’s get straight into top 5 playing card brands to play poker.

My top 5 Playing Card Brands for Poker

1. KEM Playing Cards

KEM Playing Cards are the best card brand there is to play poker or any other card games. They produce one of the finest cards in the world. They might be a bit on the premium end, but they boast with features that none of the other card brands out there have.

This is the reason they are now used in almost all the casinos in the world. Also, most of the tournaments that happen use this card brand now. The World Series Of Poker that happens all over the world uses KEM to play the game. There are several reasons why they use them. I am going to list the features of KEM why it is so good and is used in WSOP as their card brand.

Features:

1. 100 percent cellulose acetate plastic – It is a unique blend of paper and plastic that provides superior flexibility and strength. You don’t get this in any other card brands.
2. Scuff and Break-Resistant – They are extremely durable and break-resistant. That is, it won’t get bent or torn that easily.
3. Water Proof – They are completely waterproof. If you accidentally drop it in water, then the cards are going to be fine. Also, you can wash off the dust if any with water.
4. Card Size – Height: 3.63” Width: 2.38” Depth: 0.69. These are perfect dimensions to play any card games.
5. Hard black plastic Kem box – You can store the cards with the Hard Plastic Box it comes with. It is really of good quality and is also durable.
6. Index – They come in both Standard Index as well as the Jumbo Index. You can choose the ones that suit you.
7. Texture – They come in complete plastic material. You won’t have any troubles shuffling the deck or even while dealing the cards. They are really good and it feels really nice to hold them in hands.

All these features make the KEM Playing cards one of the most trusted playing card brands there is. I personally really like these Jumbo KEM Cards. It is really easy to read. But, for those who are into Regular Index Cards can buy from here.

2. Copag Playing Cards

Copag is another card brand that is well recognized in all card industries. These card brands are unique in their own way. These cards are perfectly suited to play games like Texas Hold’em. They have the right dimensions that make them a perfect fit to play poker.

Also, these cards come in both Jumbo Index and Standard Index. And, these cards are cheaper than KEM cards. But, these cards are a bit thick compared to the KEM. It again depends on the preference of your own. As I said earlier, I like playing with thin cards, hence I would go with KEM even though they are a bit expensive than Copag. Now, let us take a look at the features that these card brands provide.

Features:

1. 100% plastic playing cards – These cards come in 100% plastic and is really easy to hold and deal the cards.
2. Card Dimensions – 2.5-by-3.5-inches (W x H); 1546 design. As I said, perfect for playingTexas Hold’em.
3. Washable – These cards are not fully waterproof. But, can be washed with a wet cloth without worrying anything.
4. Hard plastic storage and carrying case – These come with Hard Plastic storage to store the cards. These cases are really strong and durable.
5. Long-Lasting–Expected to last from 20 to 50 times longer than regular paper cards.
6. Index – They come in both Standard Index as well as the Jumbo Index. You can choose the ones that suit you.
7. High Flexibility – These cards are resistant to bending and tearing.

All these features make the Copag one of the worthy playing card brands. Again these cards come in both Regular and Jumbo variants. You can choose the ones you’re comfortable playing with.

3. Bee Playing Cards

Bee Playing Cards is another premium playing card brands that offer really good playing cards to play poker and other card games. These cards are really stylish and have an antique look to it.

Even these cards can be found in a lot of casinos. Dealers love the snap sound that the cards produce. It is really satisfying. Also, these cards are smooth and are really easy to shuffle. If you want to recreate the feeling from the casinos, then these are the best cards to purchase.

Let us take a look at the features that makes these cards special.

Features:

1. Dimensions– 6.5 x 1.7 x 9 cm. Again perfect dimensions for playing card games.
2. 100% plastic playing cards – These cards come in 100% plastic and is really easy to hold and deal the cards.
3. Index – They come in both Standard Index as well as the Jumbo Index. You can choose the ones that suit you.
4. High Durability – These cards are made from plastic and are extremely durable and long-lasting.
5. Texture – These playing card brands don’t come with too thick of a texture. They are in between the Copag and KEM. Also, the softness from the cards makes it easier to hold and shuffle.

These features make these playing card brands really good. The only let down is that these cards don’t come with hard protective cases like the ones KEM and Copag offers. Other than that, these cards are really good. You can purchase eitherStandard or the Jumbo Index as per your choice.

Fun Fact: They were first manufactured by the New York Consolidated Card Company in 1892, hence the number “92” on the Ace of Spades.

4. Modiano Playing Cards

Modiano Playing cards a really good premium gaming card brands which offer a lot of Premium features. These playing card brands were used in the 2015 WSOP tour. These cards are good for playing poker or even if you’re a magician. They have that feel to them that makes you feel good when holding the cards in your hands.

Their plastic material makes it easy to shuffle and to deal with the cards. As I mentioned earlier, plastic cards tend to last longer. And this is no exception. They can last 50-100 times longer than the paper-based or plastic-coated playing cards.

Now let us take a look at the features that make this such a good playing card brands.

Features:

1. 100% plastic playing cards – These cards come in 100% plastic and is really easy to hold and deal the cards.
2. Index – They come in both regular index and Jumbo Index as per your needs.
3. Proprietary platinum acetate – These make Modiano last longer and non-degradable.
4. Washable – These cards are not fully waterproof. But, can be washed with a wet cloth without worrying anything.
5. Dimensions – 3.5″ x 2.25″ for regular Index. 2 1/2″ X 3 1/2″ for Jumbo Index.
6. Hardshell case – Comes in Hard Shell Case to keep you playing cards safely.

These features make the Modiano playing card brands one of the best. It again comes down to your preferences. These cards are usually thick compared to KEM and Copag. But, really good at playing cards overall. If you want to buy the WSOP cards used in 2015, then you can purchase them from here ( Standard Index). If you’re looking for Jumbo Index, then you can purchase from here (Classic Da-Vinci Edition).

5. Tally-Ho Playing Cards

Tally-Ho playing cards are comparatively cheap than the other playing card brands that I have mentioned. That doesn’t make them bad. They are still really good quality playing cards in the end.

These cards are good to play poker. But even more, if you’re a magician. Their Linoid finish gives the magicians ease of card manipulations. Overall they are excellent for every card games you play. They too come in both Regular Index and Jumbo Index.

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Let’s look into the features further to tell why they are special playing card brands.

Features:

1. Dinension – 8.9 x 13 x 1.8 inches.
2. Texture – These playing cards are smooth, but not slippery. Perfect for playing cards. They come in handy while shuffling and dealing the cards.
3. Long-Lasting – These cards are pretty durable and scratch-resistant. These make the cards last longer and more durable.
4. Graphic design – The design on these cards is just really good and pleasing to the eyes. The print, cut, and finish make Tally-Ho playing cards a great choice
5. Index – They come in both regular index and Jumbo Index as per your needs.

These features make Tally-Ho a great choice of playing card brands there is. For anyone looking for purchasing, they can purchase from here.

Summary

All in all these playing card brands are fantastic and will last longer than any other card brand there is. I personally like the KEM playing cards, because of the thin cards they provide. But, it is all up to you to decide which brand suits you the best.

I would also suggest that please don’t be hesitant to spend some few extra bucks for these brands. Because trust me you’ll notice a huge difference from the regular playing cards. In terms of look, texture, and durability all these brands are superior from those cheap playing card brands. Also, please don’t go and buy those bicycle brand. It is really cheap and for a reason. They don’t last long and you won’t feel good while playing with those cards.

Popular FAQ’s

What is the best brand of playing cards?

The best playing card brand is KEM playing cards. They are really good to play any card games in general. But, it is really good to play poker in specific. They have the right thickness and the texture to play poker. Also the right dimensions make KEM a really good choice of brand to play poker.

Are plastic playing cards better?

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100% Plastic playing cards offer important advantages over plastic-coated paper playing cards. 100% plastic cards are more durable and last longer in general. They also come with smooth texture where it'll be easier to shuffle and deal with the cards.

Do casinos use plastic cards?

Yes, most of the casinos use 100% plastic cards. It also makes difficult for players to cheat of any sort by bending the cards or by marking it.

Are plastic playing cards waterproof?

Not all card brands are waterproof with plastic cards. KEM, for example, is 100% waterproof. But other card brands like Copag is washable with the wet cloth, but not fully waterproof.

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I am the owner of the site rohithebbar.com. I love playing poker and other card games.