The Best Decks Of Cards
Board games can be fun, but they often have a limited number of players that can participate at one time. Most card games, on the other hand, only require one or two decks of cards and can provide hours of fun. If you’re looking for a set of cards for home games or travel, check out our list of the best decks below.
What to Look For
When choosing our favorite decks of cards, we looked for ones that feel easy to handle, are durably made, and offer a fantastic value for their price. Bicycle’s standard decks take our top spot, with their classic design and feel that most people are accustomed to. For a fancier option, we suggest Copag’s plastic cards, which are made from high-quality PVC for a smooth feel and waterproof durability. Keep on reading to learn more.
Bicycle Standard Face Playing Cards
The gold standard
Even if you’re not regularly playing with cards, how they feel can make a huge difference. These playing cards from Bicycle have the classic texture and flexibility you look for in a set of playing cards. They’re incredibly versatile, making them perfect for both magic tricks and playing games with friends.
Pros:
- Double-weave construction makes cards easy to hold onto and manipulate
- Very affordably priced
- The classic design makes it easy for people to identify cards and suits
Cons:
- Not considerably waterproof
LotFancy Playing Cards 12-Pack
If you find yourself quickly going through decks of cards or need a lot for a group activity, look no further than this set from LotFancy. With 12 decks, it is excellent for large gatherings or always having a spare set lying around. They’re standard-sized and have a plastic coating that helps improve their durability. And with their blue-core construction, they remain flexible without feeling too light or floppy.
Pros:
- An excellent value considering the number of decks in this set
- They don’t feel waxy despite their plastic coating
- Blue-core design maintains the shape of the cards, even with constant flexing
Cons:
- Black isn’t an option, as the decks only come in blue and red
Hoyle Waterproof Playing Cards
Pool party
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or having a picnic on a field, Hoyle’s waterproof playing cards can bring you worry-free fun. They’re made entirely from plastic, making them highly durable and easy to clean when they get dirty. Because they’re smooth and flexible, they’re very easy to shuffle without getting stuck. And if you like cards with a unique look, this deck’s clear, watery design is an easy winner.
Pros:
- Extremely easy to clean
- They dry quickly after getting wet
- Come with a convenient traveling case
Cons:
- If handled roughly, the printing on these cards can get scraped off
Copag 1546 Plastic Playing Cards
Professional quality
Paper playing cards feel great but can easily get damaged when constantly used or if they get wet. Copag’s 1546 playing cards are made from high-quality PVC plastic to maintain a soft texture while being more durable than standard cards. They’re less likely to get bent or have nicked corners, preserving their wonderful quality even if you frequently use them. Best yet, this set comes with two decks, making it easy to rotate them for poker or other games with your friends.
Pros:
- The high water resistance buys you time if they get wet
- Won’t easily crease or scuff up
- Jumbo index makes cards easy to read
Cons:
- On the pricier side, but worth it for their quality
Paladone Minecraft Playing Cards in Collector Travel Tin
From computer to paper
Minecraft has become a household name, with millions of kids playing the game each month. This officially licensed deck of cards is a great way to get your kids off the computer for a while. Each card has a different Minecraft reference printed in the middle representing a different suit or face card. Even the text is written in the classic font for added effect. And to make travel organized, it comes with a collectible travel tin, keeping all the cards safe.
Pros:
- Images on the cards are sharp and vibrant
- Suits are creatively redesigned for Minecraft references
- Includes two Joker cards on top of the standard 52
Cons:
- The travel tin can dent easily if roughly handled
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “poker-sized” cards?
Poker-sized cards are 2.5″ x 3.5″ and are the most common-sized playing cards on the market. “Bridge-sized” cards are more narrow, measuring only 2.25 inches wide, so they can be easily held in your hands. While you can play games with both sizes, most people will likely find poker-sized cards the most familiar.
Are plastic cards worth the extra cost?
Plastic cards, particularly ones that are made from PVC and are designed to mimic the feel of traditional cards, can easily be worth the cost if you frequently use them. While they may be a bit more slippery at first, after a few hands, they’ll begin to feel very similar to a paper card. But more importantly, plastic cards last significantly longer than paper ones, with more water and scratch resistance.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.