Playing cards are believed to have originated in China, where paper was first invented. The modern design we know today was crafted in France. While countless new decks have been created worldwide, the standard 52-card deck with four suits remains the most popular. If you’re hosting a poker game, investing in quality playing cards that can withstand arzimasks.com best-restaurants-in-marrakech.com capitalator.com cyclehousefamily.com dowdingshop.com frequent use is essential. Here are key factors to consider before buying your next set of cards.

Quantity

It’s wise to have more than one deck of cards available during a poker game, in case a card gets damaged. Professional cards typically come in sets of two decks. To ensure a smooth game:

• Have at least three sets of cards (six decks) per table.
• Superstitious players may request deck changes or even complete set-up changes, so extras are handy.
• For poker tournaments, aim for three decks per table—less than live action games due to lower odds of issues across multiple tables.

Type

There are two primary types of playing cards:

Plastic-Coated (Vinyl) Cards

• Affordable and widely available in chain stores.
• Prone to creasing, bending, and tearing.
• Suitable for occasional use, such as casual games.

100% Plastic Cards

• Durable and professional-grade, as used in casinos.
• Resistant to wear, easy to clean, and difficult to mark.
• Slide smoothly across tables and work seamlessly with automatic shuffling machines.
• Ideal for frequent home games despite higher upfront cost.

Size

The industry standard for poker cards is 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Other options include:

• Narrow Poker Deck: Approximately 2.25 x 3.4375 inches.
• Bridge Deck: Sized at 3.25 x 3.5 inches, suitable for games requiring players to hold multiple hole cards.

For most games, stick with the standard size for comfort and compatibility.

Brands

Numerous brands offer playing cards, with the US Playing Card Company leading the market. Popular lines include:

• Bicycle: Widely recognized and affordable ($1.99-$4.99 per deck).
• Bee, Hoyle, and World Poker Tour Cards: Durable and readily available.

For high-quality plastic cards, consider:

• Copag: Made of 100% PVC plastic. Priced around $15 per set, though some feel the graphics are slightly faded.
• Gemaco: Thin but durable cards available with high-quality acrylic boxes. Average cost: $15 per set.
• Kem: Premium cellulose acetate cards, widely regarded as the standard in professional poker ($22 per set).
• Modiano: Slightly thicker cards with a paper-like feel, averaging $18 per set. DaVinci, a Modiano brand, offers similar quality at a lower price.

Card Face Design

The faces of poker cards remain consistent, featuring denominations, suits, and court cards. Modern variations include:

• Standard Index: The most common design.
• Super/Jumbo Index: Larger print for easier visibility.
• Magnum Index: Extremely large print, not ideal for professional play.
• Four-Pip Index: Pips in all four corners for improved readability.
• Peek/Dual Index: Standard print with small corner pips for discreet viewing.

Stick to designs that prioritize clarity and usability.

Card Back Design

Card backs can range from simple patterns to custom graphics. When using multiple decks, choose contrasting designs (e.g., one red deck and one blue deck) to avoid mix-ups and allow players to request deck changes by color.

Care and Maintenance

To extend the lifespan of your cards:

• Store them in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight.

• Replace damaged cards by saving extras from other decks.