What can I buy brand new besides Kem Playing Cards (Bridge Size)? They always arrive warped. (1 Viewer)

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Valagnar

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Hello! I'm new here. I'm am just frustrated that I can't get a descent set of premium plastic playing cards. I just need to know if there is anything better or close to Kems that are at least not going to show up warped. I've checked out Desjgn and Dal Negro. I read that Desjgn also use Dal Negro stock, meaning they are made of PVC. I really don't know if that's bad or not. I don't really know anything about plastic playing cards at all. The last cards I used years ago were Bee. Anyway, any help will be appreciated. Thanks!
 
I've been away from games probably 12-13 years, and about that long, or longer, from this site, and I say that to say this; tonight I was cleaning stuff out of my old house getting ready to sell it and I went through a few drawers of chips, cards, dice, etc, and the set of Copag that were in their case, covered, were so faded I had to throw them away. The Desjgn were in their individual plastic case and were beautiful, well preserved. Same for the Modiano. These are all 12 year old cards, maybe older. I've been reading that some have issues with both of these brands, but, they were my favorites back then, and, still are.
 
There are some fine playing cards mentioned in this thread. Over trying different brands over the past 17 years, I've had several favorites. My advice is to give several different brands a test run to determine which you prefer.

Good luck!
 
Valagnar said:
Hello! I'm new here. I'm am just frustrated that I can't get a descent set of premium plastic playing cards. I just need to know if there is anything better or close to Kems that are at least not going to show up warped. I've checked out Desjgn and Dal Negro. I read that Desjgn also use Dal Negro stock, meaning they are made of PVC. I really don't know if that's bad or not. I don't really know anything about plastic playing cards at all. The last cards I used years ago were Bee. Anyway, any help will be appreciated. Thanks!
Click to expand...
You might be extremely unlucky.
Maybe problem is with your distributor.
I recommend Casino Circle Back, available at Spinettis

There are a number of options to choose from in USA. Try DalNegro (also available at Spinettis), great cards, durable and shuffle nicely.
Modiano Platinium are also good choice.
 
surfik said:
You might be extremely unlucky.
Maybe problem is with your distributor.
I recommend Casino Circle Back, available at Spinettis

There are a number of options to choose from in USA. Try DalNegro (also available at Spinettis), great cards, durable and shuffle nicely.
Modiano Platinium are also good choice.
Click to expand...
Agreed about Spinettis. The KEMs I ordered from them were not warped and have remained that way. My favorite cards so far.
 
In my opinion, you want acetate over pvc cards. Modiano platinum series are acetate, and the cards I have been using for years. Unfortunately they are harder to find these days because of supply chain issues. But they are out there.

How many set ups are you looking for?
 
Modiano Platinum are also poker size only. The title indicates bridge, so those aren't an option. I'm not aware of another acetate bridge size option, but Fournier 2826 and Desjgn are pretty darn good if you want bridge jumbo. Copags should also be readily available. @abby99 gave the best advice. Try a few different bands and determine which cards work best for you.
 
If you like KEM's handling, then I'd try Desjgn next. They are great cards and handle a lot like KEM. Avoid Copag for frequent use due to fading. Fournier seem like nice cards but compared the KEM they are stiff/slippery but produce a nice crisp shuffle.
 
PVC cards are fine to use, they just don’t hold up as well and crease easier.
 
DMack said:
To those that like Copags, I just have never understood it. I am a card collector as much as a chip collector, but Copags are like dice chips to me…about the only kind of each I won’t buy.
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+1, I only used them when playing with a "rough handling" group where i know my nicer cards are not going to last a couple of sessions with them

I have found several lesser known China brand Card that have better quality than Copaq but at a faction of the cost as well
 
DMack said:
To those that like Copags, I just have never understood it. I am a card collector as much as a chip collector, but Copags are like dice chips to me…about the only kind of each I won’t buy.
Click to expand...
Copaqs are made of pvc plastic. They are pretty flimsy and don’t last long IMO. if I have to use them I will but because they crease so easily the decks don’t usually make it through one night.
 
Valagnar said:
I haven't opened a deck yet but plan on it in a couple of days.
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Yes, best to let them age a little more, then you'll want to let them air out in a humidor, I set mine to a cool 62.7 degrees. When you crack it open make sure to do it slow and and take the jokers out one at a time.
 
Machine said:
Yes, best to let them age a little more, then you'll want to let them air out in a humidor, I set mine to a cool 62.7 degrees. When you crack it open make sure to do it slow and and take the jokers out one at a time.
Click to expand...
Haha! Very funny... I'd be lying to say I'm not paranoid. All the new Kems I've ordered (last three months) arrived warped. I've only ever played with paper cards, mostly Bee. Anyway, I've opened a deck, and they feel great, shuffle great, and look really good, which makes me a happy camper. These cards look better to me than they did Online even. I couldn't be happier.
 
RansomStoddard said:
My best advice is, whenever possible, take advantage of @Goldfish asking you "How many set ups are you looking for?"
Click to expand...
I'll remember that next time.

I've heard so many good things about Desjgn that I had to give them a try anyway. Man, they are beautiful. I read where they used to be made with Modiano Platinum stock. Anyway, I guess time will tell how long the Desjgn cards last. I haven't played poker in years.

I'll start asking around in here from now on. There's lots of knowledgeable people in here. That's for sure!
 

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