Best Playing Cards
You always need to get the best playing cards for different purposes out of playing blackjack or poker. Also, a great set of playing cards are very essential for a bridge game and showing magic tricks.
Currently, the best luxury playing card is the Theory11 Monarch. Wiki researchers have been writing reviews of the latest luxury playing cards since 2016.
Jul 17, 2020 A while back I wrote a post detailing which playing cards were best to use for magic tricks. However, I felt it could do with a little revising, and so I’ve created a new and updated guide for the best playing cards for magic tricks. Ideally, the best playing cards should have great durability, easy handling, and just feel good in the hands. In truth, there are many playing cards on the market, but many are just not worth the price. But there are only 2 types of playing cards.
Beforehand, it meant running to the local shop and get back with the deck you needed. But, sometimes this is quite impossible in some cases to find suitable decks when different types of playing cards are out there.
However, it doesn’t mean they don’t have existence. Indeed, we have found some great card decks after massive research over the internet and they’re below.
1. Bicycle Poker Size Standard Index Playing Cards
Bicycle Playing Cads is a very iconic brand of decks from the beginning because of having standard quality and reliability. Also, it has secured the first position in this list as it has a lot of positive reviews from the users. At the same time, this playing card is the top seller brand on Amazon with an excellent reputation.
The product has four different sizes with bundle features of the decks when it comes to the pack sizes. These include one deck and two decks along with four decks and eventually twelve decks. Also, they come with two different colors such as blue and red that have designed for those who need easy to read poker cards.
These playing cards come in the regulation size with the jumbo index and they make a higher face value. As a result, they’re simpler to do while playing. This US-made card has crafted from the high-quality cardstock and they have the original trademark of the Classic Bicycle Rider.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Bestseller on Amazon
- Available in blue and red colors
- Simple to shuffle
Cons
- Short-range durability
2. Gent Supply Mythical Creatures Playing Cards
With Silver, Black, and Golden edition, these cards have made their strong place in the list. The made quality of these cards is a premium that has made them effective and durable. Also, they have designed with mythical creatures by hand draw.
This is why you’ll enjoy their varied artistic visual effect on each card. They might be a bit unconventional deck. But, have some futures to place them as the top-rated products comparing with other brands in the industry. That’s why they have lots of positive customer reviews with a clean reputation.
From the other classic designed cards, these are very unique and eye-catching. Because of making these cards with the casino-grade materials and paper, they’re suitable for performers, magicians, and even as collectibles. So, if you’re fond of the best quality cards with different looks then these are for you.
Pros
- Mythically designed cards
- Wonderful customer reviews
- Gold foiled carrying box
- Effective and durable
Cons
- Issue of reading in lower light
3. Solarmatrix Black Diamond Playing Cards
No matter these cards are in the third position in the list, they’re made with waterproof plastic and come with high-quality materials. The deck of the cards is durable and simple to mix up. Because of designed with the anti-cheating feature, it’s very tough and almost impossible to defraud while playing.
Although tough on cheating with these cards, you’re all set to get an interesting and stylish experience. You just choose a well-lit location to play these cards with that will enable you to see the glowing designs of the cards. Also, they’re fancy to look in some parts, but other parts are casual.
These cards are likely to keep a better balance between value and quality that appeals the most customers. They’re also very affordable in comparison to some facts like fully waterproof, premium design, and durability. As a result, you’ll not just feel fun to use these cards to play; you’ll also find them long-lasting.
Pros
- Made materials are eco-friendly
- Fully waterproof design
- Impossible to cheat
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Higher price range
4. Joyoldelf Creative Playing Cards
This is the next best product, which has made with PVC plastic to become fully waterproof and suitable for poker deck. As creative cards with a unique design, these cards will improve your gaming experience. Also, the deck comes with the features of four different amazing colors for every specific suit.
Because of their responsive and springy feel, these cards are as easy to shuffle and simple to distribute easily. As you know, they’re completely waterproof; you can clean their smudges and dirt using water. It’s a rare, but handy feature because the decks of cards ruin for the drink spills.
Besides, these cards offer excellent value, so they have received a large number of positive reviews from its users. Apart from being water-resistant, they’re comparatively affordable. That’s why this product will be the right choice if you’re in search of some durable and unique cards.
Pros
- Completely waterproof design
- Flexibly designed card
- Shuffling has made easy
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not enough durable
5. Deck Of Cards By Elephant Playing Cards
The amazingly unique design of these cards has ensured a great and last entry in the list. The product is high-quality playing cards that have a different look of cool and prism shiny ink design. These are one of the best and perfect as poker cards like some other top brands and models.
Indeed, these cards’ design is not as standard as they should be. But, your guests will feel crazy when they’ll see these cards on your poker table. They’ll entirely change the poker game’s mood with a great gaming experience that everyone will like much.
No matter you’re adults or kids, these cards will make your old fashioned card games more enjoyable. Thanks to their value and unique design that have availed these cards outstanding customer reviews.
Pros
- Cool & prism shiny looks
- Loads of good customer reviews
- Unique design for night-time gaming
- Included with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Spades and Clubs are almost same to look
Conclusion
Throughout the post, we have discussed some of the best playing cards of the current time. We have reviewed the most important features and designs of the cards that will help you make things easier to choose from.
As a result, it’s your turn to get one of the above-said card brands. While choosing anyone from the above list, you’re all set in terms of quality and durability.
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:
- 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 cardsare 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.
My top 5 Playing Card Brands for Poker
Name | Price | Purchase Links |
1. KEM Playing Cards | $28 ( Pack of 2) | |
2. Copag Playing Cards | $15 ( Pack of 2) | |
3. Bee Playing Cards | $15 (Pack of 2) | |
4. Modiano Playing Cards | $15 ( Pack of 2) | |
5. Tally Ho Playing Cards | $10 ( 2 pack) |
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:
- 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
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:
- 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 playingTexas 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
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:
- 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 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:
- 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
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.
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?
Best Playing Cards Brands
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.
Best Playing Cards Ever Made
I am the owner of the site rohithebbar.com. I love playing poker and other card games.