Best Playing Cards for Poker

Matt Hansen Live Reporting Executive

Jan 18, 2024 10 min read Last updated Feb 01, 2024

Since their invention by the Chinese well over 1,000 years ago, playing cards have been a crossover hit across all cultures. Today you can find a set of cards in almost every store, and you likely have several around the house. Whether you are picking up a few decks to keep around the house or organizing a big home game, we have several options below for you to choose from when you buy your next deck.

How to Choose Poker Playing Cards?

When you are choosing a deck of cards you will want to consider what you will use them for and how long you will be using them. It’s smart to have some cheaper decks around for when you want to practice shuffling or play a game of solitaire, but you will also want a high quality set for home games and important guests. It is probably good to have a variety at your disposal if you are going to be using them a lot.

How Much Should you Spend on Poker Playing Cards?

You can expect to spend between $5-10 on a quality deck of cards, but you can get 12 decks of cheaper cards for about the same price. If you are a collector, you can expect to spend an endless amount of money chasing all of the latest designs.

Best Cheap Poker Playing Cards

You can still find quality playing cards at a low cost, especially if you are buying more than one deck. Below are a few options if you want more bang for your buck.

Value Pick – Maverick Playing Cards, 12 Pack

This set gives you a lot of value with 12 decks of cards for under $12.

PokerNews Top Pick - Bicycle Playing Cards, 12 Pack

This set of classic Bicycle playing cards comes with 12 decks, six red and six blue. With a 4.8 rating on Amazon and 4,255 reviews, it’s one of the most reliable playing card products on the market. They are instantly recognizable and they also come in the “jumbo” variety.

Best Premium Poker Playing Cards

Premium decks allow for easier shuffling and a sharper appearance for your home game guests. The high quality material feels great and stands up over time as players bend and peel the cards. Check out these decks for your premium choices.

Premium Pick – Bicycle Botania Premium Playing Cards

This classy set of cards is designed with patterns of blossoming gardens on premium card stock with copper foil. With at 4.8 rating on Amazon after over 8,000 ratings, it’s one of the best reviewed sets of playing cards on the market.

PokerNews Top Pick – Copag 1546 Design

This set of two decks from from Copag, a company known for their high quality playing cards. These durable cards feature the classic Copag design and a durable carrying case.

Best Personalized or Customized Poker Playing Cards

Whether you are promoting an event or a product, or you just want to find a unique gift, there are many ways to customize playing cards to your needs. There are lots of choices when it comes to choosing a photo to go on the back of the cards, and some decks will even allow you to customize the faces. Check out these options.

Value Pick – Custom Poker Deck

This custom set comes printed with any photo or logo its 4.6 average rating on 735 Amazon reviews makes it at reliable choice for turning around a custom order.

PokerNews Top Pick – LuckyLight Custom Playing Cards

This set allows you to customize both sides of the playing card with a photo or logo of your choice. The wide range of options make this set a great custom choice.

Best Vintage Poker Playing Cards

Vintage playing cards look cool and can be a great conversation starter. These sets are available with vintage designs or carrying cases, but a keen collector can find old decks from casinos all over the world. Check out these choices for the best vintage cards.

Premium Pick - Armear Luxury 24K Gold Foil Playing Cards

This set of gold foil trading cards comes with a wooden case and it makes a great gift for anyone that enjoys a vintage show piece.

Value Pick – 18th Century Playing Card Deck

This very cool set is modeled after playing cards from the 18th century.

PokerNews Top Pick – Fournier Bicycle Vintage Playing Cards

This classic vintage set looks great and costs under $10. The card’s back features a vintage pattern and the card faces are given a worn out look.

Cool Poker Playing Cards

Some cards just look cool. Whether you play with them or not, they’re great to look at and show off to your visitors. Check out some of these unique playing card sets.

Best Gold Playing Cards to Buy – Bicycle Aureo Gold Playing Cards

This set comes with designs inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s golden ratio illustrations. The embossed case and high quality cards make this one of the best Bicycle sets available.

Best Metallic Playing Cards to Buy – Magic Kiss Waterproof Gold and Silver Foil Playing Cards

These three decks come with silver and gold foil and a waterproof finish that will let you show them off around the pool.

Best Themed Playing Cards to Buy – Piatnik National Parks Playing Cards

This themed deck features posters and other promotional material from national parks around the United States. The vintage posters make this a unique set for fans of the national park system.

History of the Playing Card

The history of playing cards is a fascinating journey through time, culture, and innovation. Dating back over a millennium, playing cards have evolved from their origins in ancient China to become a global phenomenon enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

The earliest known playing cards originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). These cards, known as "leaf game" cards, were likely used for various games and entertainment purposes. They featured intricate designs and were handcrafted using paper or other materials available at the time.

During the 9th century, playing cards made their way to the Islamic world, where they underwent further development and refinement. The Mamluk Sultanate in Egypt produced some of the earliest surviving playing cards, which featured intricate designs and calligraphy.

In the 14th century, playing cards arrived in Europe, likely introduced by traders and travelers from the Middle East. The earliest European cards were hand-painted and highly ornate, often depicting royalty, nobility, and religious motifs. These cards were a luxury item, primarily enjoyed by the aristocracy.

As playing cards spread throughout Europe, they underwent significant changes in design, style, and usage. The introduction of woodblock printing in the 15th century revolutionized the production of playing cards, making them more accessible to the masses. Card games became a popular form of entertainment across all levels of society.

By the 16th century, playing cards had become ubiquitous throughout Europe, with each region developing its own unique styles and designs. The French standardized the suits we recognize today—hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades—which became the standard in most Western countries.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, playing cards underwent further innovation with the advent of industrialization. Mass production techniques, such as lithography and offset printing, made cards cheaper to produce and more widely available.

In the 20th century, playing cards continued to evolve with the introduction of plastic-coated cards, making them more durable and resistant to wear and tear. Card games became an integral part of popular culture, featured in movies, literature, and art.

Today, playing cards remain a beloved pastime enjoyed by millions around the world. From casual games with friends and family to high-stakes poker tournaments, playing cards continue to captivate and entertain people of all ages, preserving a rich legacy that spans centuries.

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Best Poker Playing Cards FAQs

What makes a deck of playing cards suitable for poker?

A good poker deck typically features durable construction, standard size, and easy-to-read design elements, including clear suit symbols and ranks.

What are the most common types of playing card material used for poker decks?

The most common materials for poker cards are paper and plastic. Paper cards are affordable and widely available, while plastic cards offer durability and resistance to wear and tear.

Are plastic-coated cards better than regular paper cards for poker?

Plastic-coated cards tend to be more durable and resistant to bending and creasing, making them a popular choice for poker games where cards are frequently shuffled and handled.

What size are standard poker playing cards?

Standard poker cards are typically 2.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall, which is the standard size for most playing cards used in casinos and home games.

Can I use bridge-sized cards for poker?

While bridge-sized cards are narrower than standard poker cards, they can still be used for poker games. However, some players may find them less comfortable to handle during gameplay.

How many cards are in a standard poker deck?

A standard poker deck contains 52 cards, divided into four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Each suit consists of 13 cards, including ace through ten, and three face cards (jack, queen, king).

Are poker cards with jumbo indexes preferable for gameplay?

Poker cards with jumbo indexes feature larger suit symbols and ranks, making them easier to read from a distance. Many players prefer jumbo indexes, especially in games with larger groups or dim lighting.

Can I use specialty-themed decks for poker games?

Yes, specialty-themed decks can add fun and personality to poker games. However, ensure that the cards are still easy to read and handle for all players involved.

How do I clean and maintain my poker playing cards?

To maintain poker cards, use a soft cloth to gently wipe away dirt and debris. Avoid bending or folding cards excessively, and store them in a dry, cool place when not in use.

Are there specific brands known for producing high-quality poker playing cards?

Yes, several brands are renowned for their high-quality poker cards, including Bicycle, Copag, and Kem. These brands often use premium materials and superior printing techniques.

Can I customize poker playing cards with my own designs?

Yes, many companies offer custom printing services for poker cards, allowing you to personalize the design, color, and even add custom text or images.

Are there differences between casino-grade poker cards and standard ones?

Casino-grade cards are typically manufactured to higher standards of durability and quality to withstand the rigorous demands of professional gaming environments. They may feature unique security features and are often used in high-stakes poker tournaments.