KEM - Don't understand the hype. (1 Viewer)

[upNdown]

Curious - do u use the bridge size or Poker size?

Mostly bridge, but if it’s a top quality plastic card, I really really enjoy using both.
I have some designs and some Kings in polervsize and I really like using them from time to time. Not optimal for 4 or 5 card games, but fine for holdem.
The KEMS I had were bridge though, and they were the most exquisite feeling cards I’ve handled yet.

 

[upNdown]

LOL - kinda funny. I can just picture it. Did he bleed on your table?

No, the cards went on the floor, the blood went on the cards, the cards went in the trash, he patched himself up and I grabbed some better cards.

 

[Mikiethebull]

I appreciate everyone’s thoughts here, particularly your’s OldState, on playing poker with “blackjack” size cards. Perhaps start a new thread to poll those who use bridge size vs Poker (blackjack) size cards for Poker.

Final Test - weight:

Copag Deck - 4.55 oz
Kem Deck - 4.25 oz.

No surprise here. Although the Kems are thicker, the Copags have more density, which explains the stiffer feel that I prefer.

It will be interesting to see how the NTPs and Fourniers I have on order compare - though I’m starting to wonder if I should have order bridge size .

 

[Mikiethebull]

Mostly bridge, but if it’s a top quality plastic card, I really really enjoy using both.
I have some designs and some Kings in polervsize and I really like using them from time to time. Not optimal for 4 or 5 card games, but fine for holdem.
The KEMS I had were bridge though, and they were the most exquisite feeling cards I’ve handled yet.

What I might do is replace my Poker size kems with Bridge size.

 

[Mikiethebull]

One final point on Copags. I found two cards in my deck with what appear to be permanently mangled corners. The guys I play w are no different than any other, and none would ever try to mark a card by bending a corner. Maybe mine will be headed for the trash soon too.

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

 

[Old State]

One final point on Copags. I found two cards in my deck with what appear to be permanently mangled corners. The guys I play w are no different than any other, and none would ever try to mark a card by bending a corner. Maybe mine will be headed for the trash soon too.

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

A couple friends and myself used to host 30-40 person tournaments 7-8 times a year back when Copag and Kem were the only options. We bought many sets of bridge sized Copags because they were cheaper.

I would notice “marked” cards every once and a while but have never noticed this with Kems back then or other brands more recently. I don’t think these were marked on purpose as they were random cards, but there were small creases sometimes near the edges.

 

[Mikiethebull]

A couple friends and myself used to host 30-40 person tournaments 7-8 times a year back when Copag and Kem were the only options. We bought many sets of bridge sized Copags because they were cheaper.

I would notice “marked” cards every once and a while but have never noticed this with Kems back then or other brands more recently. I don’t think these were marked on purpose as they were random cards, but there were small creases sometimes near the edges.

Exactly what I found. One was a Queen, but the other was a 7, so I doubt intentional. I’ve only used the Copags for 4 or 5 games. Standard Bicycle 808s would likely have fared better. Looking forward to checking out the NPTs and Fourniers I have coming. Might also pick up some Modianos for good measure and give the Copags to the kids.

 

[Jambine]

Might also pick up some Modianos

I don't want to pass up an opportunity to express my displeasure with Modiano.
Not bad cards, but I will never buy another set

 

[Mikiethebull]

I played with regular index KEMs at casino 2/5 cash game last night. I must say, I actually liked, dare I say preferred, the regular index over the jumbo index the casino uses for tourneys. With a full table, it was just easier to see my hand than with the large index, which requires that you expose more of the cards. And seeing the board from the end wasn't an issue. I might not only convert to bridge size cards, but also to regular index for my home games. I must be losing it.

 

[DoubleEagle]

I played with regular index KEMs at casino 2/5 cash game last night. I must say, I actually liked, dare I say preferred, the regular index over the jumbo index the casino uses for tourneys. With a full table, it was just easier to see my hand than with the large index, which requires that you expose more of the cards. And seeing the board from the end wasn't an issue. I might not only convert to bridge size cards, but also to regular index for my home games. I must be loosing it.

I’m with you. Made the switch two years ago.

 

[Poker Zombie]

when the eyes go, you'll switch back.

 

[Jambine]

when the eyes go, you'll switch back.

Then it's settled. The Ayes have it

 

[Mikiethebull]

I dunno - I was diggin' the small index last night.

 

[DMack]

I am one of the weird ones that prefers regular index too. Regular index any day.

 

[Poker Zombie]

I used to prefer regular index. Now I have to take on and off reading glasses every single hand to peek at my cards. I have older players that needed to have the board read to them (self-dealt game) until I switched to jumbo.

Jumbo index is just being nicer to your players that are 40+ years old. If you (and your players) are below that threshold, then by all means regular index is superior because you don't have to lift the corner of a card as much. I don't mind lifting the corner more (my hands are big enough to cover a pip) it it means less effort/eyestrain/headaches/misread cards for my players.

 

[Old State]

I ended up with my first jumbo index when I wanted to try Fornier cards from recommendations on this forum. Amazon only had jumbo index in bridge sized. Broke them out one night with my old cash game crew (most over 40) and the bitching commenced immediately. Complaints all about having to lift up the cards too much.

That particular group also bitches when I bring out anything but Kems. “Dude, what with you and all the different cards? Just play with the damn Kems”.
My neighbors don’t care but they aren’t very serious poker players who would be fine if I used paper cards...as most of them do at their games.

Now I use them for when I play .25/.50 with my Father in laws buddies who are all 70+ years old. They do like Jumbo more because they can see the board easier. Most of them lift their cards in the air to see them

Once I confirmed Fornier are the exact same cards as the Bicycle bridge Prestige I had, I bought another set of those with jumbo off Amazon for $8.99. I use them just for those guys.

The best index size IMO is Desjgn regular index. It’s a bit bigger and bolder than your typical card but not as large as jumbo. It’s the perfect size.

 

[Mikiethebull]

Well, I figured I would check out a set of KEM Arrows - warped right out of the package, and getting worse. WTF

 

[Mikiethebull]

Old State, are you saying you confirmed that the Fournier Bridge 2826 (Jumbo Index) is the exact same as the Bicycle Bridge Presitige? Holy crap - the Bicycle Bridge Prestige cards are made in Spain just like the Fourniers.

I've now tried various decks - Modiano Bridge, NPT Poker, Fournier Poker, Copag (garbage) Poker, KEM Bridge & Poker; Faded Spade Poker; 2013 WSOP Official Tourney Cards made by Fournier for Bicycle (Bridge). I have not tried Desjgn yet - I'm having trouble getting past those Diamonds, nor the soon to be released Faded Spade Bridge Size Cards.

Best Feel - KEM, but they can have warping issues, obviously. Really nice and buttery smooth once you get used to them. As I suspected, the softness works better with the bridge size
than the poker size. NPT had a nice feel to them too, but stiffer than KEMs & Fourniers. The 2013 WSOP cards are pretty sweet, but very slick and firmer than both the KEMS a
and other Fournier cards. I like them alot though. The Faded Spade Poker size felt a bit clunky to me. Modianos are stiff but have a razor-like narrowness to them.

Best Index Size - I LOVE regular index for cards in my hands and I LOVE KEM's ridiculously large jumbo index for seeing the community cards. However, Modiano Bridge Jumbo
- larger than standard, but narrower than Fournier. It's quite nice. The KEM Jumbo index is, as noted, just ridiculous. The Fournier Jumbos are smaller, but the edge goes goes to Modiano here. I have not yet had a chance to check out Desjgn (I really struggle with the Diamonds on these things) or the soon to be released Faded Spade
Bridge Size cards.

Personally, I am somewhat torn between Jumbo vs Regular index. The cash games at Mohegan Sun where I play, are played with reg. index KEMS. The tournaments are played w Jumbo index KEMS. I haven't had a problem seeing the board in the cash games, but I do appreciate the standard index at crowded tables where less card
is required to be exposed to see your hand.

Best All Around - I have to go with Fournier 2826 Bridge Jumbo Index. The feel is not as buttery smooth as the KEMS, but take 2nd in that regard. That combined with a more moderate
Jumbo index that strikes a better balance between regular and ginormous KEMS, as well as better durability make them (and I guess the Bicycle Bridge Prestige) the best
all around deck for poker on a traditional 10 person oval table.

I will need to check out Desjgns in light of the rave reviews (if I can get past those wacky diamonds), as well as the Faded Spade Bridge decks when they come out. And I guess I'll have to pick up some Bicycle Bridge Prestige cards, rather than having the Fourniers shipped to me from Lithuania.

Oh, did I forget to mention Copags? That's because the suck. Within 3 games I had a card in each deck permanently crimped on the edges. I doubt my home game players are "marking" cards, so this was disappointed. They now belong to the kids.

 

[Mikiethebull]

For about the same price as the Bicycle Bridge Prestige, you can find the Fournier 2826 here on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...ournier+2826.TRS1&_nkw=fournier+2826&_sacat=0

Some may find them a bit more aesthetically pleasing with the yellowish color background of the inner squares as compared to just white, among other things. And yes, they are from Lithuania, but I have bought several decks, and the vendor is legit.

 

[v1pe]

For about the same price as the Bicycle Bridge Prestige, you can find the Fournier 2826 here on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...ournier+2826.TRS1&_nkw=fournier+2826&_sacat=0

Some may find them a bit more aesthetically pleasing with the yellowish color background of the inner squares as compared to just white, among other things. And yes, they are from Lithuania, but I have bought several decks, and the vendor is legit.

Wish that was true, but that's $14.99 per DECK, while the Bicycle Prestige cards are $10 per SETUP here (although be warned that they DO NOT come with a case): https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Pres...rds=bicycle+prestige+playing+cards&th=1&psc=1

 

[Old State]

Old State, are you saying you confirmed that the Fournier Bridge 2826 (Jumbo Index) is the exact same as the Bicycle Bridge Presitige? Holy crap - the Bicycle Bridge Prestige cards are made in Spain just like the Fourniers.

.

Yes, the Fourniers and Prestige in my samples are identical.

As mentioned those Prestige on Amazon don’t come with a box from that vendor. I had some old Copag boxes and used them. Also, they had a drop down option to order regular index but when they came were jumbo. I contacted them and they said keep the jumbos (with no box) and they would send regular index. They did and those came with a box! Kind if a shady vendor.

In the end $10 for those jumbos (if you have a box) are a great deal. Otherwise Prestige bridge sized are priced more than Kems on the few websites that sell them. And those eBay Fournier are priced per deck.

Desjgn are the best feeling next to Kem even with their multiple card stocks. Everyone has their own taste but I feel they are hands down the best looking cards sold anywhere....and there isn’t even a close second.....or fifth for that matter. They have become the official card of the Old State Club (y) :thumbsup:

 

[Old State]

Well, I figured I would check out a set of KEM Arrows - warped right out of the package, and getting worse. WTF

Id try to return or exchange them. When Kems bow it is usually a gradual thing not immediate.

The lasted samples I have from 2011 and 2016 vitnage are still flat. But I keep them upside down in the box with dealer buttons on top of a cut cards.

 

[Poker Zombie]

Yes, the Fourniers and Prestige in my samples are identical.

As mentioned those Prestige on Amazon don’t come with a box from that vendor. I had some old Copag boxes and used them. Also, they had a drop down option to order regular index but when they came were jumbo. I contacted them and they said keep the jumbos (with no box) and they would send regular index. They did and those came with a box! Kind if a shady vendor.

They made a mistake and fixed it by sending you a free set-up, and you call them shady?

As for the boxless Bicycles, I picked up a bunch of paper tuck boxes for 50¢ each from MPC. If you want to get fancy they also have nice wooden boxes, though I haven't bought one... yet.

 

[upNdown]

They made a mistake and fixed it by sending you a free set-up, and you call them shady?

As for the boxless Bicycles, I picked up a bunch of paper tuck boxes for 50¢ each from MPC. If you want to get fancy they also have nice wooden boxes, though I haven't bought one... yet.

Right? For a while, that shady seller was selling is those setups for 7 bucks and change. I’ll take that kind of shadiness every day!!!

 

[Old State]

They made a mistake and fixed it by sending you a free set-up, and you call them shady?

As for the boxless Bicycles, I picked up a bunch of paper tuck boxes for 50¢ each from MPC. If you want to get fancy they also have nice wooden boxes, though I haven't bought one... yet.

They were selling them for a few years without boxes while they were clearly showing a box. In my conversation with them after I received the wrong cards they said they didn’t even sell regular index...despite them being on their Amazon site. Where they “found” mine is a mystery. I initially didn’t hear back from them but had to call Amazon customer service. Amazon is the reason they made good.

If they wanted to be honest they would have changed their product description much earlier. They still don’t mention there is no box. Just look at the reviews

 

[Mikiethebull]

Wish that was true, but that's $14.99 per DECK, while the Bicycle Prestige cards are $10 per SETUP here (although be warned that they DO NOT come with a case): https://www.amazon.com/Bicycle-Prestige-Playing-Cards-Narrow/dp/B00BXX95UO/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1521270440&sr=8-6&keywords=bicycle+prestige+playing+cards&th=1&psc=1

Oh, crap. You're right. I forgot I bought the red and blue decks separately. Must have been really tired last night. I might have to pick up some of those Bicycles.

 

[Gameface]

I think it's really weird people like soft cards. I like stiff cards that are thick and have great snap. KEMs don't feel all that good to me. I don't want to feel like I'm shuffling play-doh. I want texture and snap.

 

[Mikiethebull]

I ordered a unused set of pre-USPC KEMS in original packaging from eBay. I received them today - how bad is this:

 

[Gameface]

I ordered a unused set of pre-USPC KEMS in original packaging from eBay. I received them today - how bad is this:

I've had the exact same experience. "Unused" brown box casino KEMS that came in silly resealed plastic and were bowed and warped. I paid decent money for them, too.

 

[Mikiethebull]

I think it's really weird people like soft cards. I like stiff cards that are thick and have great snap. KEMs don't feel all that good to me. I don't want to feel like I'm shuffling play-doh. I want texture and snap.

I used to feel the same way, but after handling the KEMs regularly, I really started to enjoy that that soft buttery feeling. But you're right, the first time I tried to shuffle a deck of KEMs, I could barely do it. I HATED them. They felt whispy; like paper. But after handling them for several days, I started to appreciate how much less effort it takes to shuffle them, and I am a total convert. You definitely have to use a softer touch with them. But the first time I tried, I couldn't even shuffle them. It was comical. It's too bad they have so many quality control issues.