Poker Cards: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Ones
Mike DHow to choose Poker Cards?
Are you looking for durable poker cards that are pleasant to handle and suited to your playing style? Whether you are a casual player or a tournament enthusiast, choosing the right deck of cards directly influences your comfort and the smoothness of your games.
Here is a complete guide to choosing your poker cards: types, materials, brands, formats, care… everything is there.
Why choosing poker cards is essential
A good poker table , chips, a case , but above all , good cards : these are the foundations of a successful game. Quality poker cards ensure smooth play, pleasant handling, and far superior durability compared to lower-end decks.
A card that is too rigid will bend, a card that is too thin will get marked, and an unsuitable material makes shuffling difficult.
The different types of poker cards
1. Laminated cardboard cards
- Affordable price, often delivered with poker cases.
- A good option for occasional use.
- Less durable: they bend or deform over time.
2. 100% plastic cards
- Used by casinos and professional clubs .
- Waterproof, flexible, washable and very durable.
- They blend perfectly.
- Slightly more expensive, but profitable in the long run.
3. Hybrid cards (plastic + paper)
- A compromise between price and durability.
- Less rigid than paper cards, but more fragile than pure plastic.
👉 Key takeaway : for regular use, opt without hesitation for 100% plastic cards .
What criteria should you use to choose your poker cards wisely?
1. The format
- Poker Size (63 × 88 mm) : the world standard.
- Bridge Size (57 × 89 mm) : narrower, suitable for small hands or fast games.
2. The index
- Standard Index : discrete numbers, preferred for fast games.
- Jumbo Index : large numbers, perfect for multiplayer games.
- 4 indexes : visible in each corner, ideal for tournaments.
3. The texture
- Smooth surface = fast gliding.
- Micro-textured surface = better grip.
- Try it out according to your preferences.
4. The brand
- Modiano : 100% plastic, exceptional flexibility, made in Italy.
- Copag : Official WSOP cards, ultra durable.
- Bicycle : retro look and American-style gliding.
- Kem: Ultra High-end card for casinos and professionals
👉 Discover our full selection:
Which card for which use?
| Use | Recommended card type | Recommended format |
| Evening with friends (occasional) | Laminated paper | Bridge or Poker Size |
| House tournament | 100% plastic, jumbo index | Poker Size |
| Poker club / association | Copag or Modiano, washable | Poker Size 4 index |
| Professional use | Kem premium cards, personalized logo | Poker Size |
🔗 Also read: How to choose the right poker table
2025 Comparison: The Best Poker Cards
| Brand | Material | Index | Main advantage | Indicative price |
Modiano Cristallo  |
100% plastic | 4 Jumbo | Flexibility and durability | €9.99 |
Bicycle Prestige
 |
treated plastic | 2 index | Finishing European | €15.99 |
Ept Fournier  |
100% plastic | 4 Jumbo | Prestigious design | € 17.99 |
Copag  |
100% plastic | 2 index | Official WSOP | €69.90 |
Kem
 |
Cellulose acetate (100% high-grade plastic) |
2 or 4 index |
Used in the biggest casinos (World Poker Tour, Bellagio) |
€79.90 |
💡 Pro tip : always keep 2 identical games to alternate between games, especially in tournaments.
Care and preservation
- Store your cards in their original case or a rigid case.
- Avoid sun, heat and humidity.
- Clean them with a soft, slightly damp cloth (never use abrasive products).
- Never fold them to “mix faster”, this breaks the internal fibers.
FAQ – Poker Cards
How many cards are in a poker deck?
A classic poker deck consists of 52 cards divided into four suits (spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs), with no jokers. This universal format is used for most of the best-known variants, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha , and Stud .
How are the cards dealt in poker?
The distribution method varies depending on the version of the game.
- In Texas Hold'em , each player receives two hole cards, then five community cards are gradually revealed in the center of the table.
- In Omaha , each participant receives four hole cards.
In all configurations, the deal proceeds clockwise , distributing one card at a time .
Do you need multiple decks of cards to play poker?
Poker is always played with a single 52-card deck . However, in professional tournaments or casinos, several identical decks may be used alternately . This rotation helps to keep the pace of the games flowing smoothly and preserve the quality of the cards .
How many cards does each player receive in poker?
The number of cards dealt depends directly on the variant being played:
- Texas Hold'em : 2 cards per player.
- Omaha : 4 maps per player.
- Stud Poker : between 5 and 7 cards depending on the version (Seven Card Stud, Five Card Stud, etc.).
What is the best brand of poker cards?
Kem, Modiano and Copag dominate the market thanks to their glide and durability.
Are the plastic cards washable?
Yes, provided you use a soft, dry cloth immediately afterwards.
What size should I choose?
The poker format (63 × 88 mm) is the universal standard.
How many packs are needed for a tournament?
Plan for 2 games per table, to ensure smooth gameplay.
Conclusion
Poker cards are not just an accessory: they influence the quality of your games, your comfort and the longevity of your equipment.
Choose them according to your frequency of play, the desired format and the materials , and always favor professional brands .
🎯 Find our entire range at:
👉 Poker Market– Professional Poker Cards