Paper Or Plastic Poker Cards?

If you're just starting out playing poker, one of the first things you'll need to buy are a few decks of cards. Not all decks are created equal, though, and there are a few things to learn about the kinds of cards before you shuffle up and deal. Paper or plastic poker cards? This is your most important decision when choosing a deck of cards. Using plastic poker cards is a good and relatively inexpensive way to start. Not only do plastic playing cards enhance the playing experience, they are actually more cost effective than using regular paper playing cards!

While paper cards do an adequate job, they are easily soiled by dirty fingers, can be creased or bent, and last for only a night or two. Plastic cards, on the other hand, are much more durable, are easily cleaned, retain their shape better, and are harder to mark or crease. There are actually three different kinds of materials playing cards are made of: plastic, vinyl, and paper. Plastic cards are the most durable, highest quality cards and are used in almost all casinos. Vinyl cards are a good, slightly cheaper choice, though they will bend and won't last as long as the 100% plastic cards. Paper is the cheapest and least durable - the corners will fold, and you'll have to get new ones often. But in a pinch, paper cards are better than none.

However, Paper cards are infamous for not holding their shape - whether from a thousand shuffles (they start to "bow" upwards) or from players lifting up a corner to read their hole cards. Plastic poker cards, in comparison, are easier to bend (not as stiff as paper cards) and maintain their flatness better. Also, Plastic cards stay cleaner,are easier to shuffle and have a better snap back to them.

If your home game is like mine, then there will be the often drink spilled incident during the course of the night. Unfortunately, paper cards must be discarded after they get wet. On the other hand, a quick wipe of a towel and the plastic cards are good as new. Even without any spilled drinks, plastic cards can be returned to their sealed box glory with some cold water and a damp sponge. Imagine playing every game with clean and shiny cards.

For convenience sake, paper playing cards can't be beat. Need a deck? Just run to the nearest supermarket or your local Walgreens for a deck. But if you want a cards that will last 2-3 years of weekly use, then you're looking for a quality deck of plastic poker cards.

In a recent poll at a Worldwide Poker Community, 59% of people who play poker at home use plastic poker cards.

Jack Tate is a full time computer expert with a passion for life and extreme sports.