My First Non-Paper / Non-Bicycle Playing Cards (2 Viewers)

[churlbut18]

My first poker game is right around the corner, so I had to upgrade my playing cards. After doing some research and reading through these various threads, I determined that I wanted 100% Plastic (Cellulose Acetate). What I wasn't sure of is, if I preferred poker size vs. regular size, regular index vs. jumbo index. The player/forum preferences seemed to be fairly mixed.

Given that I only own an 8-player octagon table, I went with regular index because no one will be viewing the board from too far away and I've always played with regular index. With that decision made, I ended ordering a 2-pack of Modiano Platinum poker size regular index cards and a 2-pack of KEM Red/Blue Arrow narrow size (bridge) regular index cards (post USPC era) for comparison.

They just arrived today from OWPS. I can't wait to see how they shuffle/feel as these are my first non-paper / non-Bicycle playing cards.

Let me know what you think and what you prefer, whether it's these, or another setup.

 

[Kyle]

Nice congrats and enjoy the cards.(y) :thumbsup:

 

[David O]

Modiano Platinum all the way over the newer KEMs.

 

[12thMan]

Newer kems all the way over modiano platinum for me. I like the feel and designs of the kem better.

 

[David O]

I would agree with KEM if they were pre-USPC. But it is a personal preference!

 

[David O]

Speaking of cards, thanks to @nitzilla the final table at the rumble was played with Angel Cards!!!

Very nice but very expensive!

 

[12thMan]

It most definitely is, I have pre and post uspc and personally think the difference is a little overhyped while still being able to recognize there is a slight difference. Modiano feel too plasticky for me, I like the texture of the kems pre and post.

Love kem, desijn, and bicycle prestige for most normal nights.

 

[moojersey]

I have KEM playing cards and I like them very much. Have also played with Copags which are also good considering they cost half of KEM's.

 

[CdnBeerLover]

But it is a personal preference!

^^^ This. Both of the ones you have chosen are well ahead of paper cards. But I wouldn't completely rule out the non-acetate plastics (well, I'd rule out Royal...)...there are quite a few good ones.

 

[DJ Mack]

Nonetheless if you are used to standard Bicycle cards you and your crew are in for a treat!

 

[Mental Nomad]

Nonetheless if you are used to standard Bicycle cards you and your crew are in for a treat!

When they get done complaining about how slippery they are.

 

[CHP TD]

a suggestion about the kems is to make sure they are always flat under pressure. they warp really easily. if they are left out.

but for me the modianos are my favorites. that have lasted the longest of any card i have ever played.

find what YOU like and that is the source of happiness.

Now heres a new thought. You never really want to play with really nice things things that break,bend scratch etc. so i buy cards from eBay that are fully plastic yet cheap in bulk. they are about 70% as good as name brands and if a deck is hurt chuck them out and get a new one. and you dont lose $15 for every dead deck see link below as an example.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12-Decks...399805?hash=item1e9bb5c4fd:g:luMAAOSwu4BV5WGG

 

[DJ Mack]

When they get done complaining about how slippery they are.

Righto! In my experience it takes a few orbits before everyone gets comfortable but they do. When I busted out my new CPCs I had two occasional players complain because they're used to dice which are heavier. The guys who have played for a while or have any casino experience just laughed. We took their money all the same and they can't wait to come back for next month's game.

The inexperienced dealers seem to adapt more quickly because once they figure out the light touch it is much easier to pitch without perfect technique. I've seen far fewer misdeals with quality plastic. With fiber if your technique isn't perfect you're usually pushing harder to throw (not pitch) to the far end of the table. Imperfect technique and too much force are a recipe for airborne cards doing somersaults.

Like anything else though, the cards are just part of the equation. The playing surface becomes more important too. Speedcloth or some other quality fabric with a foam back helps consistency and playability. I liken it to driving a true sports car with 87 octane gas. Vinyl and wood might work alright but you won't see the cards' full potential until you put 93 in the tank. Plastic cards and plastic folding tables are a recipe for some really interesting times!

 

[mummel]

Ive only tried Da Vinci Modianos (regular, not platinum), and Fourniers. Fourniers > Da Vincis = 1.3X better, but they come out at 2X the price.

 

[chewiematt]

I'm trying the Modiano as the set of Kem's I bought seemed to warp really fast. The first Kem deck I opened lasted a few nights and now cuts infallably to the six of clubs. I can't find any way to get that card flat again

I don't think they got damaged in a shuffle, so it was pretty annoying for a top price deck. Maybe it was just a one-off, but it left a sour taste so I hope the Modianos last a couple of years longer.

 

[David O]

Modiano platinums? Great cards but only come in poker size. If you like KEM other than the warped card you will love these. By far one of my favorites.

 

[DrStrange]

LARGE INDEX cards - - - - because eyes don't get any younger.