Every game of poker hinges on the availability of a deck of playing cards. With your forthcoming poker game scheduled, having a couple of decks ready to go is definitely essential.
You can opt to spend a minimal amount for basic cards or invest a bit more for top-notch plastic variants. There is an abundance of choices available for your next playing cards.
This guide outlines everything you need to think about before purchasing your next deck of cards.
Quality Consideration
You might be surprised by the various options available when in search of a good playing card set. There are numerous colors, styles, and brands to select from.
Here are some important aspects to contemplate before making that purchase -
- Material and Composition – Playing cards can typically be made from either paper or plastic. Paper cards are crafted from pasteboard , a sturdy material made by layering sheets of paper together. This construction lends them a rigidness that prevents them from easily crumpling like regular paper.
- Surface and Feel – Ensure that the cards glide smoothly and are simple to manipulate during shuffling or dealing. Look for a deck that feels sleek in your hands and won’t catch on other cards or the felt surface of the table.
Higher-quality paper cards often feature a slick finish that allows for smooth gameplay. The well-known brand Bicycle promotes its cards as having an air-cushion finish to facilitate handling and shuffling. Additionally, make sure the cards you're looking at are not overly thick.
Thicker cards can become cumbersome when shuffling as they may not bend easily, leading to challenges during dealing. Players prefer to avoid misdeals or disruptions to the game's pace.
- Aesthetic Design – There are numerous card designs to choose from. Options range from playful themes featuring superheroes and dragons to more classic intricate patterns in red and blue. Many players tend to prefer a timeless style and quality in their cards. poker Collectors of playing cards have an array of options, and these cards can also serve as a point of interest. A quick internet search reveals diverse colors, both front and back, along with exceptional artistic designs.
For instance, decks featuring medieval themes, dragons, cyberpunk styles, colorful rainbows, and a variety of other imaginative artworks are available. great gift Durability and Flexibility of Quality Cards
Budget-conscious players who don't prioritize quality or durability may find decks for a low price at local dollar stores or convenience shops. You can often find packages containing 10 or 12 red and blue decks priced between $10 and $15 online.
Poker Card Types
1. Cheapo-Chuckers
The subpar quality of these cards leads to easy bending and tearing.
Playing with bent cards is not ideal. Such damaged inexpensive cards will likely need frequent replacement.
The problems? There are several.
- These cards also tend to become a bit more rigid after a night of shuffling, making them increasingly difficult to handle as their edges wear down.
- The same issue applies to the graphics on the cards.
- Thicker cards can stick together, complicating the dealing process.
- As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” and this certainly holds true for inexpensive playing cards.
- They may serve their purpose temporarily, but it's wise to have a few extra decks available for poker night.
Some paper and pasteboard cards outshine others in quality. Brands such as Bicycle and Monarch employ high-grade printing methods and coat their cards with a glossy finish.
These superior cards are built to last and are ideal for an enjoyable poker session.
2. Quality Pasteboard
Quality pasteboard cards should be easy to shuffle and resistant to bending.
- They represent the baseline expectation that many players have during a standard poker game.
- In addition to proper shuffling and dealing, these cards offer reasonable durability and reliability that surpasses that of cheaper alternatives. While they may be slightly more expensive, their value is undeniable over time compared to typical pasteboard options found at a dollar store.
- These kinds of cards can be easily purchased online or at local retailers. They may endure several poker games but are not indestructible.
They can bend, rip, or become thick from overuse. Therefore, it's advisable to purchase a couple for that evening and keep some in reserve. An alternative option could be to acquire a quality used set from a casino.
These can often be found online or at select stores. Some sets may have been marked as “defective” due to a design flaw .
Typically, these decks feature casino branding and graphics on their backs. While this can add a unique touch, ensure they remain in sound condition and that any defects are not easily visible.
For those seeking a superior playing experience, investing in plastic cards could be the key. These higher-quality cards may be crafted from polymeric plastic film or cellulose acetate polymer and can endure for years.
Many players prefer these options as they are virtually resistant to bending or tearing.
3. Plastic Deck Perfection
Choosing quality plastic cards removes the necessity of frequently replacing pasteboard ones.
- Thin sheets are produced using semisynthetic polymer and then laminated to create the cards.
- Vinyl plastics might also be utilized to manufacture this type of card.
- Several brands are renowned for their outstanding plastic cards, including Copag, Modiano, Kem, Faded Spade, among others.
- Most of their products are of exceptional quality and can typically be found online, ranging in price from $16 to $30. More premium options may be available, depending on what players prefer.
Some lower-tier plastic card options might be slightly cheaper. However, the brands mentioned are widely recognized and trusted in the industry.
888poker offers a selection of its own branded playing cards available through the 888poker Shop.
This high-quality plastic deck features a sleek black and charcoal design with the 888 logo. Made from long-lasting plastic, they are perfect for:
- Having a smooth feel, they're easy to deal and slide across the table, making them a fantastic choice for spending Gold Tokens or redeeming vouchers.
The previously mentioned cards are ideal for traditional poker setups. However, there are other intriguing varieties available – perfect for real play or just for fun. Several companies manufacture waterproof cards suitable for games at the pool or on the beach. any home game .
Your upcoming getaway to places like the Bahamas or the French Riviera might just include a poker game in paradise. There are even special decks available for these adventures!
Other Card Options
Are you interested in adding a personal touch to your playing cards? Bicycle provides players the opportunity to personalize their decks.
Using your logo or design can create something truly distinct for your poker room or home game.
- The ideal deck of cards exists for everyone, whether it's true that:
You have a generous budget and seek the finest cards.
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You are on a tighter budget and just need a basic deck for casual games with friends.
- Think about your design preferences, quality expectations, and durability requirements, and then it’s time to shuffle and deal.
- While all card decks may appear similar, distinctions can be notable. In 2012, poker professional Phil Ivey and an associate employed a
to spot minute variations in the backs of cards, which led to millions of dollars in winnings during various Baccarat and Punto Banco games. This controversy resulted in legal action from two different casinos, one in the UK and the other in the US. Their attempts to recover losses from Ivey are ongoing.
Missed Deal
Check out 888poker’s extensive guide for selecting a poker table here. process called “edge sorting” Sean Chaffin is a full-time freelance writer residing in Ruidoso, New Mexico. He covers topics related to poker, gambling, the casino industry, and much more. You can follow him on Twitter at @PokerTraditions and reach him via email at seanchaffin@sbcglobal.net.
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