Playing Cards

You can't play poker without cards. And when it comes to cards, you truly get what you pay for. You can go out and buy a deck of paper cards for a couple bucks, but they're only going last a few nights. The corners bend easily, the cards get sticky, and they discolor around the edges after use. Plus if they get spilled on, they are nothing more than garbage. The solution is to use plastic playing cards. They cost more up front, but will outlast paper cards at least 25 times.This page will list some of the plastic playing card manufacturers in the market, as well as deck costs, designs, sizes, and other features of each manufacturer.

 

Copag

Copag, made in Brazil, have been making cards since 1908. Copag cards are made of PVC. Copag cards are available in

poker size (2 1/2 x 3 1/2) and bridge size (2 1/4 x 3 1/2). Copag cards come in 3 different pip sizes: Standard, Jumbo, and Magnum. The Magnum index cards feature an extra large pips in either corner, making it easier for those with bad eyesight to see. Copag has several back designs, as well as card designs such as a 4 color deck, the rather unique EPOC, and more. The most popular design is the 1546 series. Copag cards generally come in a hard black plastic case with 2 decks. A 2 deck set up will cost around $15. We have been using Copag cards for over 2 years and they hold up very well. Copag cards have been the official cards of the World Series Of Poker for 2005 and 2006.

 

Kem

Kem, considered by many to be the "Cadillac" of playing cards, has been making cards for over 60 years. Kem cards are available in poker size (2 1/2 x 3 1/2) and bridge size (2 1/4 x 3 1/2). Kem cards come in 2 different pip sizes: Standard and Jumbo. Kem has several back designs, with the most popular being the Arrow design. Kem cards generally come in a hard black plastic case with 2 decks. A 2 deck set up will cost around $25. Kem's may cost more than other decks, but they are some of, if not, the best cards on the market. Kem's have been featured on the World Poker Tour as well as many other televised tournaments

 

Dal Negro

Dal Negro, made in Italy, make some of the finest cards in the world. Dal Negro first started making cards back in 1756, so they know how to make a quality card. Dal Negro cards are available in poker size (2 1/2 x 3 1/2) and bridge size (2 1/4 x 3 1/2). Dal Negro cards come in 2 different pip sizes: Standard and Jumbo. Dal Negro cards also come in a 2 pip or 4 pip design. Dal Negro has several back designs, with the most popular being the Torcello and Freedom. Dal Negro cards generally come in a rigid cardboard box with 2 decks. A 2 deck set up will cost around $18. Dal Negro cards are some of the most popular in Europe and are becoming more popular in the states as more retailers begin to carry them.

 

Modiano

Modiano, another Italian made card, has been making cards for over 100 years. Modiano cards are available in poker size (2 1/2 x 3 1/2) and bridge size (2 1/4 x 3 1/2). Modiano cards come in 2 different pip sizes: Standard and Jumbo. Modiano cards also come in a 2 pip or 4 pip design. Modiano has several back designs, with the most popular being the Bike Trophy. Modiano cards come in either a hard plastic case or a plastic flip up case with 2 decks. A 2 deck set up will cost around $15 - $20, depending on what case comes with the cards. The flip up case can be purchased separately for around $6. These cards, like the Dal Negro's, are some of the most popular in Europe and are becoming more popular in the states as more retailers begin to carry them.

 

 

Fournier

Fournier, made in Spain for over 135 years, have just started to enter the U.S. market. Fournier cards are available in poker size (2 1/2 x 3 1/2) and bridge size (2 1/4 x 3 1/2), although 2 deck setups are available only in bridge size. Fournier cards come in 2 different pip sizes: Standard and Jumbo. All standard index cards have 4 pips. Fournier has several back designs, with the most popular being the 2826 and 2525. Fournier cards come in a clear plastic case with 2 decks. A 2 deck set up will cost around $20. Although hard to find, these are some really nice cards.

 

Gemaco

Gemaco, made in China, supplies paper cards to many casinos worldwide. Gemaco cards are available in poker size (2 1/2 x 3 1/2) and bridge size (2 1/4 x 3 1/2). Gemaco cards come in 2 different pip sizes: Standard and Jumbo. Gemaco has several back designs, with the most popular being the Star and Sextant designs. Gemaco cards generally come in a clear plastic case with 2 decks. A 2 deck set up will cost around $16. Gemaco cards have been used for many televised poker tournaments.

 

Piatnik

Piatnik, made in Austria since 1824, is well known thru out Europe. Piatnik cards are available in poker size (2 1/2 x 3 1/2) and bridge size (2 1/4 x 3 1/2). Piatnik cards come in 2 different pip sizes: Standard and Jumbo. All standard index cards have 4 pips. Piatnik has several back designs, with the most popular being the 1360 and 2464. Kem cards generally come in a black plastic case with 2 decks. A 2 deck set up will cost around $18. Although hard to find in the U.S. they are worth the money.

 

Carta Mundi

Carta Mundi, made in Belgium, is another well known European card company just entering the U.S. market. Carta Mundi was the card supplier for the James Bond movie "Casino Royale".  Due to there scarcity in the U.S., only bridge size (2 1/4 x 3 1/2) is available, as well as Standard index. Carta Mundi come in a rigid cardboard box with 2 decks. A 2 deck set up will cost around $18. Although scarce, these cards are worth the money. Just ask James Bond!

 

DaVinci

DaVinci cards look a lot like the Modiano's, because they are made by Modiano. There are just differences. Modiano's come with 4 pips, while the DaVinci's have just 2. Also, the DaVinci's are just a bit thinner than the Modiano's. DaVinci cards come in a hard plastic case with 2 decks. A 2 deck setup will cost around $13, making these cards extremely affordable.

 

Desjgn

 

Desjgn (Pronounced J Design) are a new American design, made in Taiwan, just entering the market. Desjgn cards are available in poker size (2 1/2 x 3 1/2) and come in 2 pip sizes: Standard and Jumbo. Desjgn only has one back design, but they come in 6 different  colors. Desjgn come in cardboard tuck box with 1 deck. One deck will cost around $8