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Whether you're a serious poker player, host regular game nights, like to play solitaire once in a while, participate in the occasional drinking game, or are trying to fine-tune a few magic tricks, you should have at least one quality deck of cards in your arsenal. Playing cards take up hardly any space, they're easy to take on the road, and there are nearly endless things you can do with them.
Even if you're not big on games or card tricks, it's nice to have a deck on hand in case the occasion arises. For some, it's about the material—water resistance, thickness, ease of shuffling, or overall feel. For others, design is of the essence, whether it's the artwork, text, or dimensions. And in many cases, a set of two decks is ideal.
The intended use of your deck of cards is key, according to William Kalush, executive director of Expert Playing Cards. Poker players or magicians may need a higher quality deck than recreational players of Go Fish.
Without further ado, here are the best playing cards you can buy today.
Best Overall
KEM Poker Arrow Red and Blue Standard Index Playing Cards (Pack of 2)
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Amazon
Pack of two
Standard size
Washable
Somewhat pricey
A gold standard in casinos and poker tournaments, KEM is known for making the best playing cards in the industry. The brand's signature Arrow standard-size deck comes in a sturdy two-pack box. Each card is made of 100 percent cellulose acetate, a naturally sourced plastic (aka bioplastic).
The material is ultra-strong yet flexible and resistant to cracks, tears, and scuffs. Not only that, but these cards are conveniently washable. You can rinse them off in the sink or wipe them down if they get a little sticky or grimy during a boisterous card game.
Material: Cellulose acetate | Amount: 106 cards | Player Level: Adult
Best Budget
Bicycle Standard Playing Cards 2 Pack
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Amazon
Budget-friendly
Standard size
Easy to shuffle
Prone to water damage
Bicycle is arguably the most well-known brand of playing cards—and not just because they're budget-friendly. Featuring the iconic winged bicyclist design, these classic paper cards have a nice texture and are easy to shuffle. We also like that they come in packs of two decks, one red and one blue.
Material: Paper | Amount: 104 cards | Player Level: All
Best Plastic
Copag 1546 Design 100% Plastic Playing Cards Double Deck
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Amazon
Washable
Long-lasting
Pack of two
Mild plastic smell
Made of extra-durable thermoplastic (aka polyvinyl chloride or PVC), Copag's 1546 Playing Cards are sturdy, water-resistant, and easy to clean. If you think this means they won't shuffle as easily as paper decks, think again. The surprisingly flexible material boasts smooth-as-butter shuffling without losing its shape.
Material: Thermoplastic | Amount: 104 cards | Player Level: All
Best Design
TTC Games Art Deco Style Playing Cards
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Etsy
Unique design
Handmade
Prone to water damage
Only one deck
If you're drawn to cards with unique graphics, we think you'll love the Art Deco deck from the Etsy shop TTCamazingcrafts. The backs of these paper playing cards flaunt a chic, luxurious gold-pressed design, and the fronts feature historical figures. With a thoughtful, handmade aesthetic, they're perfect for a gift or tossing in your bag for on-the-go games.
Material: Paper | Amount: 54 cards | Player Level: Adult
Best Two-Player
Bullets Standard Index Plastic Playing Cards
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Amazon
Standard size
Waterproof
Pack of two
Relatively stiff
This dual pack of Bullets Playing Cards is ideal for two-person card games. Each standard-size deck has 52 cards, plus two jokers, so you can play games like slapjack, speed, double solitaire, blackjack, or gin rummy. Made of 100 percent plastic, we also appreciate that they're waterproof, washable, and long-lasting.
Material: Plastic | Amount: 108 cards | Player Level: All
Best Single-Player
Misc. Goods Co. Quality Playing Cards Deck
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Amazon
Unique imagery
Luxury design
Multiple colors available
Prone to water damage
Only one deck
What began as a highly successful Kickstarter campaign in 2012 is now a widely beloved deck of luxury cards. Misc. Goods Co.'s Quality Playing Cards are made of sturdy cardstock with gorgeously detailed illustrations on the fronts and metallic pressed foil on the backs. We also like that they come in a range of cool colors, including black, ivory, marigold, and sandstone.
Material: Cardstock | Amount: 56 cards | Player Level: All
Best for Poker
Maverick Standard Playing Cards 12 Pack
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Amazon
Standard size
Pack of 12
Great value
Quality could be better
If you play a lot of poker, you're wise to keep several decks of cards on hand. That's why we recommend this wallet-friendly 12-pack from Maverick. Each standard-size deck comes with 52 cards and two jokers, all made of paper with a water-resistant plastic coating. We also like that the traditional red and blue designs lend to a classic, no-nonsense appeal.
Material: Plastic-coated paper | Amount: 648 cards | Player Level: Adult
Best Large-Print
MaxiAids Marinoff Large Print Playing Cards
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Amazon
Large print
Standard size
Washable
Only one deck
Marinoff Large Print Playing Cards are ideal for kids, seniors, and anyone else who may have trouble reading smaller numbers. The sizable text is 1.5 inches tall, and the graphics are bold for easy recognition. We also appreciate that the cards are made of durable, washable plastic.
Material: Plastic | Amount: 52 cards | Player Level: All
Best Jumbo
Midway Monsters Mega Playing Cards Jumbo Deck
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Amazon
Jumbo size
Water resistant
Good for all ages
Tricky to shuffle
Measuring 7 x 4.5 inches, these jumbo playing cards are twice as big as a standard-size deck. While they're not ideal for poker and are a little tricky to shuffle, they're sure to be a hit at your next family game night. The playful, almost comical size is also great for a coffee table or even decoration for a themed party.
Material: Plastic-coated paper | Amount: 54 | Player Level: All
Best Gift
Mark & Graham Double Deck Playing Cards
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Mark & Graham
Customizable
Pack of two
Acrylic box
Relatively pricey
If you're gifting playing cards, you should definitely check out this set from Mark & Graham. You can choose from five color combinations and opt for a foil-stamped monogram or custom text on the backs. The pack is housed in a durable acrylic case and comes with two decks, each made of high-quality cardstock.
Material: Cardstock | Amount: 104 cards | Player Level: All
Best for Kids
Fredericks & Mae Playing Cards
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Coming Soon New York
Rainbow colors
Legible print
Sturdy box
Prone to water damage
If you're shopping for a kid, we suggest this charming deck from the Brooklyn-based design studio Fredericks & Mae. The fronts of the cards feature a brilliant rainbow-colored sequence with legible white and black lettering. While the paper won't stand up to moisture damage as well as a plastic deck, this is a great starter set for kiddos.
Material: Paper | Amount: 52 cards | Player Level: All
The best playing cards overall are KEM Poker Arrow Red and Blue Playing Cards (view at Amazon). We appreciate that the set comes with two standard-size decks and that each card is made of durable, flexible, and washable cellulose acetate. However, if you're on a budget, you really can't go wrong with a double-deck of Bicycle Standard Playing Cards (view at Amazon).
What to Look For in a Deck of Playing Cards
Material
Traditionally, cards have been made of cardstock or another type of flexible yet sturdy paper. Paper is prone to moisture damage, but some options are coated with a water-resistant plastic film.
Nowadays, you'll also find lots of plastic playing cards, which might be noted as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), thermoplastic, or cellulose acetate in the product description. Plastic decks are typically washable and long-lasting, though they don't always shuffle as easily as paper.
"Plastic cards tend to be at least twice as expensive as plastic-coated cards," notes Mike Kilbert owner of The Compleat Strategist in New York City. As the decks become higher quality, the price will increase.
William Kalush, executive director of Expert Playing Cards, recommends spending between $5-10 for a quality deck of cards. He mentions, however, that this can greatly increase for collectors who are willing to spend more money to add to their stash.
Amount
A standard deck of playing cards includes 52 cards, sometimes with the addition of one or two jokers. This is enough for solitaire and some multiplayer games, but many card games call for two decks. Fortunately for this reason, lots of sets come with two decks.
Design
"You want the faces of the cards to be readable," reminds Kalush. Cheaper decks may fade more quickly, making it difficult to differentiate between the numbers or suits.
If you're playing with kids, seniors, or anyone with vision issues, you may want to get a deck with large text. "If your deck is for children, you should probably choose the least expensive deck you can find," says Kilbert. They will probably either lose some of the cards or they will nick the corners or spill drinks on them. Generally, think of the deck as a one-time use for the younger set."
Intended Use
Recreational cards players can opt for a slightly less expensive and lower quality set for everyday use. Casinos, poker players, and magicians who may be using their decks more often look for ones that won't fade quickly and are thick and durable. "If you're a magician, you want the cards to be very high quality with excellent edges to shuffle easily," says Kalush.
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How many playing cards do you need for most games?
There are lots of games you can play with a standard 52-card deck, including solitaire and several two-, three-, and four-person games, like rummy, baccarat, blackjack, bridge, spades, and hearts. However, you may need two decks when you play these games with more people. Also, some games specifically call for two decks, such as double solitaire and gin rummy.
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What is the best way to store playing cards?
The best place to store playing cards is in a cool and dry area, whether it's a game closet, cupboard, or drawer. Basements, attics, and other spaces prone to condensation aren't ideal, as the moisture could damage the material.
Cards will come in an outer box often covered by cellophane. "You want a box that won't just wear out as soon as you start using the deck," says Kalush. According to Kalush, the best way to do this is to keep the cellophane wrap on your cards until you are ready to use them to avoid any humidity coming through.
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When is it necessary to purchase a new deck?
If they're no longer easy to shuffle or stick together, it's probably best to get a fresh deck. And of course, if you're missing any cards, you should definitely buy a new pack.
"Basically when they get too dirty to use, you have to change them out," says Kalush. This could include the edges getting too dark or spotting on the cards that make it hard to see the number or suit.
Routinely freshening up your cards can help them last long, says Kilbert. "Plastic cards should last for years as long as you refresh them periodically by dropping them a a solution of dishwashing liquid and drying them thoroughly," Kilbert says. Kilbert also recommends owning two decks to switch between.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce and The Spruce Crafts, covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, crafts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, expert-focused articles, and more.
Expert advice was provided by William Kalush, executive director of Expert Playing Cards and Mike Kilbert owner of The Compleat Strategist in New York City.
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