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.
Table of Contents
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 cards are the thinnest playing card brands that you can purchase in the market.
- 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.
Similar: Best Poker tournaments in the World.
My top 5 Playing Card Brands for Poker
1. KEM Playing Cards
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:
- 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.
- Scuff and Break-Resistant – They are extremely durable and break-resistant. That is, it won’t get bent or torn that easily.
- 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.
- Card Size – Height: 3.63” Width: 2.38” Depth: 0.69. These are perfect dimensions to play any card games.
- 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.
- Index – They come in both Standard Index as well as the Jumbo Index. You can choose the ones that suit you.
- 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
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:
- 100% plastic playing cards – These cards come in 100% plastic and is really easy to hold and deal the cards.
- Card Dimensions – 2.5-by-3.5-inches (W x H); 1546 design. As I said, perfect for playing Texas Hold’em.
- Washable – These cards are not fully waterproof. But, can be washed with a wet cloth without worrying anything.
- Hard plastic storage and carrying case – These come with Hard Plastic storage to store the cards. These cases are really strong and durable.
- Long-Lasting – Expected to last from 20 to 50 times longer than regular paper cards.
- Index – They come in both Standard Index as well as the Jumbo Index. You can choose the ones that suit you.
- 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
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:
- Dimensions – 6.5 x 1.7 x 9 cm. Again perfect dimensions for playing card games.
- 100% plastic playing cards – These cards come in 100% plastic and is really easy to hold and deal the cards.
- Index – They come in both Standard Index as well as the Jumbo Index. You can choose the ones that suit you.
- High Durability – These cards are made from plastic and are extremely durable and long-lasting.
- 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 either Standard 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
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:
- 100% plastic playing cards – These cards come in 100% plastic and is really easy to hold and deal the cards.
- Index – They come in both regular index and Jumbo Index as per your needs.
- Proprietary platinum acetate – These make Modiano last longer and non-degradable.
- Washable – These cards are not fully waterproof. But, can be washed with a wet cloth without worrying anything.
- Dimensions – 3.5″ x 2.25″ for regular Index. 2 1/2″ X 3 1/2″ for Jumbo Index.
- 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
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.
Let’s look into the features further to tell why they are special playing card brands.
Features:
- Dinension – 8.9 x 13 x 1.8 inches.
- Texture – These playing cards are smooth, but not slippery. Perfect for playing cards. They come in handy while shuffling and dealing the cards.
- Long-Lasting – These cards are pretty durable and scratch-resistant. These make the cards last longer and more durable.
- 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
- 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?
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.
Thaks for reading. Have a great day all. :)
I am the owner of the site rohithebbar.com. I love playing poker and other card games.
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View Comments (2)
Playing Cards blog is very good. Your information has been very useful for us, I hope that you will continue to take similar information in the same way, thank you very much..
Heard recently that Ace Cartamundi (the cards with the Heart King ONLY on back of deck cover) are being discontinued!!! That’s really a shame. I’ve been running a game
twice weekly for a number of years and these cards are in my opinion the best cards at a reasonable price (12 decks for $55). Hope that I got bad info! Anyone heard or know? Also, does anyone agree these are pretty good cards for the price? Thx BB