The 10 Best Poker Playing Cards 2,446 reviews scanned Product comparison table # Product Name Popularity Score Quality Score Sentiment Score Sales Volume; 1: Trademark Poker 24kt Gold Foil Playing.
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.
- The poker bot must take into account only the chip stacks of the players at the table, the size of the blinds, the position and the two hole cards. With the Independent Chip Model ICM he can convert the chip equities into dollar equities and determine – based on an assumption on the calling and pushing ranges of the opponents, the optimal.
- The is the best possible hand you can get in standard five-card Poker is called a royal flush. This hand consists of an: ace, king, queen, jack and 10, all of the same suit. If you have a royal flush, you'll want to bet higher because this is a hard hand to beat. Liliboas / Getty Images.
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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?
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.
I am the owner of the site rohithebbar.com. I love playing poker and other card games.
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Below is the complete guide for determining how to rank various poker hands. This article covers all poker hands, from hands in standard games of poker, to lowball, to playing with a variety of wild cards. Scroll to the end to find an in-depth ranking of suits for several countries, including many European countries and North American continental standards.
Standard Poker Rankings
A standard deck of cards has 52 in a pack. Individually cards rank, high to low:
Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2
In standard poker (in North America) there is no suit ranking. A poker hand has 5 cards total. Higher ranked hands beat lower ones, and within the same kind of hand higher value cards beat lower value cards.
#1 Straight Flush
In games without wild cards, this is the highest ranking hand. It consists of five cards in sequence of the same suit. When comparing flushes, the hand with the highest value high card wins. Example: 5-6-7-8-9, all spades, is a straight flush. A-K-Q-J-10 is the highest ranking straight flush and is called a Royal Flush. Flushes are not permitted to turn the corner, for example, 3-2-A-K-Q is not a straight flush.
#2 Four of a Kind (Quads)
A four of a kind is four cards of equal rank, for example, four jacks. The kicker, the fifth card, may be any other card. When comparing two four of a kinds, the highest value set wins. For example, 5-5-5-5-J is beat by 10-10-10-10-2. If two players happen to have a four of a kind of equal value, the player with the highest ranking kicker wins.
#3 Full House (Boat)
A full house consists of 3 cards of one rank and 2 cards of another. The three cards value determines rank within Full Houses, the player with the highest rank 3 cards wins. If the three cards are equal rank the pairs decide. Example: Q-Q-Q-3-3 beats 10-10-10-A-A BUT 10-10-10-A-A would beat 10-10-10-J-J.
#4 Flush
Any five cards of the same suit. The highest card in a flush determines its rank between other flushes. If those are equal, continue comparing the next highest cards until a winner can be determined.
#5 Straight
Five cards in sequence from different suits. The hand with the highest ranking top card wins within straights. Ace can either be a high card or low card, but not both. The wheel, or the lowest straight, is 5-4-3-2-A, where the top card is five.
#6 Three of a Kind (Triplets/Trips)
A three of a kind is three card of equal rank and two other cards (not of equal rank). The three of a kind with the highest rank wins, in the event they are equal, the high card of the two remaining cards determines the winner.
#7 Two Pairs
A pair is two cards that are equal in rank. A hand with two pairs consists of two separate pairs of different ranks. For example, K-K-3-3-6, where 6 is the odd card. The hand with the highest pair wins if there are multiple two pairs regardless of the other cards in hand. To demonstrate, K-K-5-5-2 beats Q-Q-10-10-9 because K > Q, despite 10 > 5.
#8 Pair
A hand with a single pair has two cards of equal rank and three other cards of any rank (as long as none are the same.) When comparing pairs, the one with highest value cards wins. If they are equal, compare the highest value oddball cards, if those are equal continue comparing until a win can be determined. An example hand would be: 10-10-6-3-2
#9 High Card (Nothing/No Pair)
If your hand does not conform to any of the criterion mentioned above, does not form any sort of sequence, and are at least two different suits, this hand is called high card. The highest value card, when comparing these hands, determines the winning hand.
Low Poker Hand Ranking
In Lowball or high-low games, or other poker games which lowest ranking hand wins, they are ranked accordingly.
A low hand with no combination is named by it’s highest ranking card. For example, a hand with 10-6-5-3-2 is described as “10-down” or “10-low.”
Ace to Five
The most common system for ranking low hands. Aces are always low card and straights and flushes do not count. Under Ace-to-5, 5-4-3-2-A is the best hand. As with standard poker, hands compared by the high card. So, 6-4-3-2-A beats 6-5-3-2-A AND beats 7-4-3-2-A. This is because 4 < 5 and 6 < 7.
The best hand with a pair is A-A-4-3-2, this is often referred to as California Lowball. In high-low games of poker, there is often a conditioned employed called “eight or better” which qualifies players to win part of the pot. Their hand must have an 8 or lower to be considered. The worst hand under this condition would be 8-7-6-5-4.
Duece to Seven
The hands under this system rank almost the same as in standard poker. It includes straights and flushes, lowest hand wins. However, this system always considers aces as high cards (A-2-3-4-5 is not a straight.) Under this system, the best hand is 7-5-4-3-2 (in mixed suits), a reference to its namesake. As always, highest card is compared first. In duece-to-7, the best hand with a pair is 2-2-5-4-3, although is beat by A-K-Q-J-9, the worst hand with high cards. This is sometimes referred to as “Kansas City Lowball.”
Ace to Six
This is the system often used in home poker games, straights and flushes count, and aces are low cards. Under Ace-to-6, 5-4-3-2-A is a bad hand because it is a straight. The best low hand is 6-4-3-2-A. Since aces are low, A-K-Q-J-10 is not a straight and is considered king-down (or king-low). Ace is low card so K-Q-J-10-A is lower than K-Q-J-10-2. A pair of aces also beats a pair of twos.
In games with more than five cards, players can choose to not use their highest value cards in order to assemble the lowest hand possible.
Hand Rankings with Wild Cards
Wild cards may be used to substitute any card a player may need to make a particular hand. Jokers are often used as wild cards and are added to the deck (making the game played with 54 as opposed to 52 cards). If players choose to stick with a standard deck, 1+ cards may be determined at the start as wild cards. For example, all the twos in the deck (deuces wild) or the “one-eyed jacks” (the jacks of hearts and spades).
Wild cards can be used to:
- substitute any card not in a player’s hand OR
- make a special “five of a kind”
Five of a Kind
Five of a Kind is the highest hand of all and beats a Royal Flush. When comparing five of a kinds, the highest value five cards win. Aces are the highest card of all.
The Bug
Some poker games, most notably five card draw, are played with the bug. The bug is an added joker which functions as a limited wild card. It may only be used as an ace or a card needed to complete a straight or a flush. Under this system, the highest hand is a five of a kind of aces, but no other five of a kind is legal. In a hand, with any other four of a kind the joker counts as an ace kicker.
Wild Cards – Low Poker
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During a low poker game, the wild card is a “fitter,” a card used to complete a hand which is of lowest value in the low hand ranking system used. In standard poker, 6-5-3-2-joker would be considered 6-6-5-3-2. In ace-to-five, the wild card would be an ace, and deuce-to-seven the wild card would be a 7.
Lowest Card Wild
Home poker games may play with player’s lowest, or lowest concealed card, as a wild card. This applies to the card of lowest value during the showdown. Aces are considered high and two low under this variant.
Double Ace Flush
This variant allows the wild card to be ANY card, including one already held by a player. This allows for the opportunity to have a double ace flush.
Natural Hand v. Wild Hand
There is a house rule which says a “natural hand” beats a hand that is equal to it with wild cards. Hands with more wild cards may be considered “more wild” and therefore beat by a less wild hand with only one wild card. This rule must be agreed upon before the deal begins.
Incomplete Hands
If you are comparing hands in a variant of poker which there are less than five cards, there are no straights, flushes, or full houses. There is only four of a kind, three of a kind, pairs (2 pairs and single pairs), and high card. If the hand has an even number of cards there may not be a kicker.
Examples of scoring incomplete hands:
10-10-K beats 10-10-6-2 because K > 6. However, 10-10-6 is beat by 10-10-6-2 because of the fourth card. Also, a 10 alone will beat 9-6. But, 9-6 beats 9-5-3, and that beats 9-5, which beats 9.
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Ranking Suits
In standard poker, suits are NOT ranked. If there are equal hands the pot is split. However, depending on the variant of poker, there are situations when cards must be ranked by suits. For example:
- Drawing cards to pick player’s seats
- Determining the first better in stud poker
- In the event an uneven pot is to be split, determining who gets the odd chip.
Typically in North America (or for English speakers), suits are ranked in reverse alphabetical order.
- Spades (highest suit), Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs (lowest suit)
Suits are ranked differently in other countries/ parts of the world:
- Spades (high suit), Diamonds, Clubs, Hearts (low suit)
- Hearts (high suit), Spades, Diamonds, Clubs (low suit) – Greece and Turkey
- Hearts (high suit), Diamonds, Spades, Clubs (low suit) – Austria and Sweden
- Hearts (high suit), Diamonds, Clubs, Spades (low suit) – Italy
- Diamonds (high suit), Spades, Hearts, Clubs (low suit) – Brazil
- Clubs (high suit), Spades, Hearts, Diamonds (low suit) – Germany
REFERENCES:
http://www.cardplayer.com/rules-of-poker/hand-rankings
https://www.pagat.com/poker/rules/ranking.html
https://www.partypoker.com/how-to-play/hand-rankings.html