Dix
3 of a Kind
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2019
- Messages
- 733
- Reaction score
- 971
They're about the cheapest you can find in a "premium" deck... hence, the popularity. But, many would put that word "premium" in quotes.Not sure if the whole site hates Copag, though I don't know why the distaste. Half of the home game photos I see here have Copags in use.
First off, they're PVC. Cellulose Acetate is more durable. Albeit, more expensive as well.
Second, they're the thinnest & softest PVC cards you can find short of the glossy finished, cheap, slicker than snot Cartamundi Classics. (Ace are only slightly better)
^^^^ THIS ^^^^100% aboard. I used to put KEMs on the table, but after some accidents caused by "guest" players who really abused them I switched to Cartamundi that I aquirede buttload off for cheap price. Now I just throw them away or donate if they not completely ruined. Other factor was that some visitors had a habit of questioning decks we played with, insinuating that they could be marked. I just unfoiled another deck with no remorse. Like I need a marked deck to bit them. We made them pay heavy toll for their hubris.
I still play KEMs in private. I have deck of Arrow's that is still in play after 8 years.
@surfik has nailed the theme here & I have a similar situation. We have a local charity tourney. Which means a lot of people shuffling/dealing/handling the decks that may not be the best at it. You know going in the cards are likely to be mistreated. Paper cards are going to barely last a half hour. If you're lucky. But, premium plastics are not in the budget. Of course, the complaint with cheap plastics is that it's like trying to shuffle the handful of smelts you just pulled out of a bait bucket.
I actually just completed a comparison of the cheap plastics I have laying around here.... so, stay tuned to the Redneck Poker Card Database for the results.
In the meantime....
I buy the cards for our local Legion Post charity tourneys, so I'm always on the lookout for less expensive plastics that aren't "too slippery". There are actually a few decks that fit the bill. Not too slippery & won't break the bank. Do they have the "quality feel" of most of what's been suggested thus far? No, obviously not. But, neither do they cost north of 8 bucks per deck for cards you know are going to see some abuse, yet will actually last more than half the tourney without getting that permanent curl to 'em that drives you nuts trying to pitch a card the length of the table.
I deal the final table. So, the Desjgn decks come out for that. However, up to that point, cheaper decks are used for the bulk of play.
There are some semi-reasonable options. I buy Marion Pro in bulk & can get 'em for around $4.75/deck. However, that's not everyone's option. So, on that note, go to Amazon & do a search for Slowplay and/or Rungood Playing Cards.
Either will run you about $12-13 for a set of two decks if you buy 2 sets of Slowplay or a set of each to qualify for the free shipping, that comes out to $6.25-6.50/deck. As a bonus, both of the above throw in a free cut card with each deck.
Slowplay Jumbo Index: https://www.amazon.com/SLOWPLAY-Flexibility-Durability-Waterproof-Professional/dp/B07RY6SVLK/
Rungood Jumbo Index: https://www.amazon.com/RUNGOOD-Playing-Plastic-Standard-Professional/dp/B07GNQY1R2
Rungood Std. Index: https://www.amazon.com/RUNGOOD-Playing-Plastic-Standard-Professional/dp/B07GNP6VFG
Personal thoughts: Slowplay are softer & easier to shuffle. However, that said, Rungood have a matte finish to the backs that makes 'em easier to deal. Plus, the back design makes them look like a more expensive deck than they really are.
There's also an unbranded "Texas Hold'Em" inexpensive set made by the same outfit as Rungood. They have more textured backs that are a dream to deal out, but they're pretty stiff. Stiffer than Faded Spade even, if you can believe that. I imagine they would be pretty robust as a result though.
At $11.00/set that also makes 'em the cheapest of this group. And, unless you're an Amazon Prime member you'd need to order 3 sets to get the free shipping & get the cost down to $5.50/deck.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KFP7GQR/
EDIT: In working up my post in the database thread, I noticed I forgot the actual price winner....
Bird 888 - Can be had for as little as $4.50/deck. Similar to Slowplay, just thinner, softer, & no free cut cards.
See this post for the info & link: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/the-redneck-poker-card-database.52229/post-1010738
Last edited: