# Best Poker Playing Card Sets
Serious poker players know equipment matters. The right cards improve readability, last through marathon sessions, and command respect at the table.
KEM cards dominate the professional circuit. Made from cellulose acetate instead of paper, they cost $8-12 per deck but handle repeated shuffles without bending. Casinos trust them. Tournament organizers stock them. The plastic composition resists moisture and creasing, meaning your cards stay crisp after hours of action. KEM's classic blue and red decks remain the standard in live poker rooms worldwide.
Copag offers a legitimate alternative at a lower price point. Their 100% plastic composition delivers durability comparable to KEM while costing $6-8 per deck. Copag cards slide smoothly across felt and fan cleanly for shuffles. Players appreciate the jumbo indices for better visibility in crowded games. Copag cards see heavy use in home games and smaller cash games where budget matters.
Bicycle cards represent the economy option. At $3-5 per deck, they're accessible but sacrifice longevity. Paper stock deteriorates quickly under heavy play. Moisture from drinks, hand sweat, and shuffling causes corners to fray within sessions. Serious players abandon Bicycles after a few hours of action. They work fine for casual games but fail in competitive settings where card quality reflects game integrity.
Readability separates casual decks from tournament-grade cards. Standard indices work for most games, but jumbo indices matter in larger games where you sit farther from the dealer. Plastic cards eliminate glare that paper decks create under bright casino lighting. Card thickness also factors in. Thicker stock resists bending and feels more substantial during shuffles.
Performance extends beyond aesthetics. Cards that slide properly prevent miscommunication during dealing. Shuffle resistance prevents