10Best.Guide

Playing Cards

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • High quality and durable.
  • Jumbo size makes it easy to read.
  • Well-made and easy-to-read.
  • Thick and don't stick together.
  • Great for regular use.
Cons
  • Slick finish makes it hard to pick up.
  • Only one joker in the deck.
Bottom Line
Bicycle cards are a high-quality and durable option for regular use, especially for those with diminished vision. However, the slick finish and packaging issues may be a concern for some buyers.
Pros
  • Easy to shuffle
  • Hold up well
  • Very readable
  • Timeless traditional design
  • Excellent cards
Cons
  • Received jumbo print instead of standard
  • Inconsistent product received
Bottom Line
Bicycle Playing Cards are an excellent choice for those who want affordable, durable, and dependable cards with a timeless traditional design. However, buyers should be cautious of inconsistent product quality and ensure they are receiving the correct type of cards.
Pros
  • High quality cards suitable for magic and games.
  • Good paper with a thin but strong gloss.
  • Perfect for card players and magicians.
  • Best cards to buy for smooth shuffling and handling.
  • Authentic Bicycle cards in perfect condition.
Cons
  • Some customers received Standard decks instead of Rider Backs.
  • Some customers did not receive the blue deck as advertised.
Bottom Line
The Bicycle playing cards are high quality and perfect for card players and magicians. However, some customers received the wrong type of deck or did not receive the blue deck as advertised.
Pros
  • Beautiful artwork on every card.
  • Professional grade cards with top-notch artwork.
  • Comfortable vibe and feel smooth.
  • Easily readable with differential colors.
  • Good for practicing the faro shuffle.
Cons
  • Cards can easily bend.
  • Print quality is not the best.
Bottom Line
These cards are perfect for those who appreciate beautiful artwork and want to play with professional-grade cards. However, they may not be the most durable and some decks may have quality control issues.
Pros
  • Durable plastic coating
  • Easy to read and handle
  • Good value for the price
  • Great for everyday play
  • High quality and easy to clean
Cons
  • Not as good as more expensive name brands
  • Some cards may tear easily
Bottom Line
These plastic coated playing cards are a great value for everyday play and are durable enough to withstand frequent use. However, they may not be as high quality as more expensive name brands and some cards may tear easily.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Playing Cards: Types, Features, and Prices

Overview

Playing cards are an essential item for game night, whether you're playing poker, bridge, or any other card game. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know which playing cards to choose. In this buying guide, we'll take a look at the different types of playing cards, key considerations when buying, important features to look for, and prices. By the end of this guide, you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and find the perfect playing cards for your next game night.

Types

- Standard deck: The most common type of playing cards, featuring 52 cards and four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades).

- Custom deck: Playing cards with unique designs, often used for collectors or special occasions.

- Plastic cards: Durable and waterproof, plastic playing cards are ideal for outdoor use or games that involve drinks or snacks.

- Paper cards: A more affordable option, paper playing cards are suitable for casual games or beginners.

- Coated cards: Cards with a coating that makes them smoother and easier to shuffle.

- Uncoated cards: Cards without a coating, which can provide a better grip for some players.

- Jumbo index: Playing cards with larger numbers and suits, which can be easier to read for some players.

- Standard index: Playing cards with standard-sized numbers and suits.

Key Considerations

- Intended use: Consider the type of games you'll be playing and the environment in which you'll be playing them.

- Material: Plastic cards are more durable, while paper cards are more affordable.

- Design: Custom decks can add a personal touch to your game night, but standard decks are more versatile.

- Size: Consider the size of the cards, especially if you have players with different hand sizes.

- Thickness: Thicker cards can be more durable, but thinner cards may be easier to shuffle.

- Finish: Coated cards are smoother, while uncoated cards provide a better grip.

Features

- Shuffleability: Look for cards that are easy to shuffle and deal.

- Durability: Consider the material and thickness of the cards to ensure they can withstand frequent use.

- Design: Choose a design that suits your personal style or game night theme.

- Brand: Look for reputable brands that have a history of producing quality playing cards.

- Price range: Determine your budget and look for cards that fit within it.

- Quality: Look for cards that are made with high-quality materials and have a consistent feel.

Prices

- Standard deck: $3-$10

- Custom deck: $10-$30

- Plastic cards: $10-$20

- Paper cards: $2-$5

- Coated cards: $5-$15

- Uncoated cards: $5-$10

- Jumbo index: $5-$15

- Standard index: $3-$10

Tips

- Consider buying multiple decks for larger game nights or tournaments.

- Store your playing cards in a dry, cool place to prevent warping or damage.

- Look for playing cards with a consistent feel and quality throughout the deck.

- Consider the size and design of the box, especially if you plan to store your cards in it.

- Experiment with different types of playing cards to find the ones that work best for you.

FAQs

Q: What size are standard playing cards?

A: Standard playing cards are typically 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

Q: What is the difference between plastic and paper playing cards?

A: Plastic playing cards are more durable and waterproof, while paper playing cards are more affordable.

Q: Can I use custom playing cards for regular games?

A: Yes, custom playing cards can be used for any game that requires a standard deck.

Q: What is the best way to shuffle playing cards?

A: There are many ways to shuffle playing cards, but the most common is the riffle shuffle or the overhand shuffle.

Q: How many cards are in a standard deck?

A: A standard deck of playing cards contains 52 cards and four suits.

Conclusion:

When it comes to buying playing cards, there are many factors to consider, from the type of games you'll be playing to the design and material of the cards. By following the tips and key considerations in this buying guide, you can find the perfect playing cards for your game night and ensure that they provide a consistent and enjoyable playing experience.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • High quality and waterproof
  • Slippery, easy to shuffle
  • Virtually indestructible
  • Beautiful and shiny
  • Solid plastic playing cards
Cons
  • Slickness makes them hard to shuffle and deal
  • Some cards have sloppy finish
Bottom Line
These cards are high quality, waterproof, and virtually indestructible. They are slippery, making them easy to shuffle, but can be difficult to handle. They look and feel expensive, but some cards may have a sloppy finish. The tuck case is not high quality and can be hard to open. Overall, these cards are great for outdoor use and are attractive to animals.
Pros
  • Beautiful design
  • Waterproof and durable
  • Easy to shuffle
  • Good weight and texture
  • Reflective print for easy visibility
Cons
  • Slippery and hard to hold
  • Black color fades quickly
Bottom Line
These cards have a beautiful design and are waterproof and durable, making them a great gift idea. However, they are slippery and the black color fades quickly. The back of the card peels easily and the plastic box is cheap. They are not as sturdy as other plastic cards, so they may not be suitable for heavy use.
Pros
  • Beautiful cards with a unique space theme.
  • Reliably decent playing cards from Bicycle.
  • Sturdy card stock that is easy to shuffle.
  • Great for collectors and as a gift.
  • Poker-sized cards.
Cons
  • White border on the back is misaligned.
  • Foil-backed cards are not as shiny as expected.
Bottom Line
These cards are a great choice for collectors or those who love a unique space theme. However, the misaligned border, lack of shine on the foil-backed cards, and difficulty reading the face of the cards may be drawbacks for some buyers.
Pros
  • Large font size
  • Sturdy cards
  • Good for moderate use
  • Individually wrapped
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Box easily damaged during shipping
  • Cards are stiff and hard to shuffle
Bottom Line
Maverick playing cards are an affordable option for those who need a large supply of cards for moderate use. However, they are not as durable or high-quality as more expensive brands and the packaging can be inconsistent.
Pros
  • Good quality
  • Easy to shuffle
  • Precisely cut
  • Suitable for any game
  • Great price
Cons
  • Font is too big
  • Cards arrived with some bent cards
Bottom Line
Bicycle playing cards are a great choice for those looking for a classic deck that is easy to shuffle and suitable for any game. The jumbo index decks are perfect for older folks or those with vision problems. However, some customers have reported issues with the font size, bent cards, and slippery texture.
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