Plastic vs. Regular? (1 Viewer)

[Machine]

Yeah im in a technical role and work 10-14 hours a day during the week. I'm considering trying all kind of weird things to save my hand/wrist pain.

Any experience with Modiano or Cardamundi?

Modiano screwed over the community, for me that's a non starter.

Here is a post that helps show how much of a difference there is between bridge and poker

Here is what I use, family members can't use it, although I tried to get my kids to learn it instead of qwerty, went over like lead balloons - https://workmanlayout.org/

You can easily switch back to qwerty layout for others to use the computer via a 'soft button' by the clock (windows), mac has a quirk to it

Also this helps as well because you can position it where you need save you on 2 of the 3 types of carpal tunnel.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

The way I’ve heard it, poker rooms and casinos choose the bridge size mainly because of economics, less than for any usability reasons.

They are buying cards in bulk, and the bridge cards are cheaper since they use less material.

For home games any difference in price is probably marginal even at 5c/10c stakes. The savings per deck is more for businesses who are buying hundreds or thousands of them annually.

I could see, opting for bridge size if one has some physical reason to do so such as your wrist.

But absent such issues, even for Omaha or stud games with 4+ cards, I’ve never found it difficult to hold or view the cards at regular poker size. I vastly prefer the readsbility of thr bigger size with jumbo indexes, and four colors, especially as we all get older and squintier. If that is a word…

I think that physical/wrist reason is reason enough for most casinos, might as well make it easier on the dealers, eh? Remove a barrier to entry.

 

[Taghkanic]

If that were the case, I would think that they would use bridge size for every game, not just poker. Casinos that have table games and no poker room would also pinch pennies and use bridge size, especially since those games burn through decks.

They would have to change their shoes and layouts, no?

 

[BPTDirector]

I tried bridge size with my guys and heard complaints like I was playing kiddie sized cards. Plus I got a Shuffletech and poker sized is recommended.

 

[allforcharity]

They would have to change their shoes and layouts, no?

Shoes work equally well with poker and bridge size.

 

[Poker Zombie]

Modiano screwed over the community, for me that's a non starter.

Here is a post that helps show how much of a difference there is between bridge and poker

Here is what I use, family members can't use it, although I tried to get my kids to learn it instead of qwerty, went over like lead balloons - https://workmanlayout.org/

You can easily switch back to qwerty layout for others to use the computer via a 'soft button' by the clock (windows), mac has a quirk to it

Also this helps as well because you can position it where you need save you on 2 of the 3 types of carpal tunnel.

I now understand your reasoning of bridge vs Poker size.

Buy bridge Jumbo index (your poker size in that link are jumbo index)

Comparing apples to oranges, or regular index to jumbo index is a fallacious argument.

They would have to change their shoes and layouts, no?

No.

Also, layouts/felts get changed out every few years.

 

[KarateMaster72]

Ok, I am an uncultured heathen. I'm sure I'll raise some eyebrows with this. I love bullets playing cards. They make bridge size and poker size regular and jumbo index. I prefer poker size jumbo index because I'm older and I have hands like Christmas hams

 

[upNdown]

Ok, I am an uncultured heathen. I'm sure I'll raise some eyebrows with this. I love bullets playing cards. They make bridge size and poker size regular and jumbo index. I prefer poker size jumbo index because I'm older and I have hands like Christmas hams

I don’t think you’re a heathen. If you’re more comfortable holding poker size, fine for you. I’ve always leaned toward bridge, but one thing I’ve learned over the years of playing with both sizes is that bridge vs poker is the dumbest debate on PCF (outside of the hot dog sandwich issue.)

 

[KarateMaster72]

I don’t think you’re a heathen. If you’re more comfortable holding poker size, fine for you. I’ve always leaned toward bridge, but one thing I’ve learned over the years of playing with both sizes is that bridge vs poker is the dumbest debate on PCF (outside of the hot dog sandwich issue.)

I agree 100% What I really thought was going to get some blowback was the fact that I think bullet cards are really good. I like them way better than Copag. I haven't played with Kems for probably 10 years or more I should get a deck. And I haven't pulled the trigger on faded spade yet. I have two decks of older Gemaco cards. Probably from around 2005 or 2007. I need to track those down and pull them out. I always liked them

 

[upNdown]

I agree 100% What I really thought was going to get some blowback was the fact that I think bullet cards are really good. I like them way better than Copag. I haven't played with Kems for probably 10 years or more I should get a deck. And I haven't pulled the trigger on faded spade yet. I have two decks of older Gemaco cards. Probably from around 2005 or 2007. I need to track those down and pull them out. I always liked them

I recently bought the Lot Fancy cards on Amazon - setup costs $10 or $11. They felt great, so I ordered another four setups - no shame!
Then the first night I actually played them, I lost a big pot because I confused a spade for a club. So those cards are in the doghouse. Not because they’re cheap, but because my eyes are old.
But aside from my need for big clear pips, I say play what works. If they shuffle and they pitch and they gather, who cares about the brand name?

 

[KarateMaster72]

I recently bought the Lot Fancy cards on Amazon - setup costs $10 or $11. They felt great, so I ordered another four setups - no shame!
Then the first night I actually played them, I lost a big pot because I confused a spade for a club. So those cards are in the doghouse. Not because they’re cheap, but because my eyes are old.
But aside from my need for big clear pips, I say play what works. If they shuffle and they pitch and they gather, who cares about the brand name?

That is another reason why I like bullets. They are very clear. Have you ever tried them? They have sort of a textured back. They actually feel like a thicker paper. Once you break them in. They are amazing.

 

[KarateMaster72]

Sorry for the lighting. I hang out in the dark a lot lol

 

[upNdown]

That is another reason why I like bullets. They are very clear. Have you ever tried them? They have sort of a textured back. They actually feel like a thicker paper. Once you break them in. They are amazing.

Nah. I’ve read they’re pretty thick and stiff - not my preference.

 

[KarateMaster72]

Nah. I’ve read they’re pretty thick and stiff - not my preference.

I've had thicker. They are a little stiff when they are new. Once you shuffle them a good bit they get really nice. When I get bored I deal out 10 positions just to see how the cards fall. And I did that for about 20 minutes today to a half hour. They are so smooth now

 

[Old State]

The way I’ve heard it, poker rooms and casinos choose the bridge size mainly because of economics, less than for any usability reasons.

They are buying cards in bulk, and the bridge cards are cheaper since they use less material.

For home games any difference in price is probably marginal even at 5c/10c stakes. The savings per deck is more for businesses who are buying hundreds or thousands of them annually.

I could see opting for bridge size if one has some physical reason to do so such as your wrist.

But absent such issues, even for Omaha or stud games with 4+ cards, I’ve never found it difficult to hold or view the cards at regular poker size. I vastly prefer the readsbility of thr bigger size with jumbo indexes, and four colors, especially as we all get older and squintier. If that is a word…

Casinos and card rooms do not use bridge cards to save money. Bridge cards are simply much more comfortable to hold and deal. All poker rooms use plastic cards. Games like blackjack that are dealt from a shoe are always paper and wide “poker” sized.

I’ve never been in any poker room in AC, PA, or Vegas that used “poker sized” cards but I’ve seen a few smaller clubs use them on poker vlogs. Almost all major casinos use plastic bridge size.

Almost all the large (famous) casinos use Kems. A distant second is Gemaco Superflex. If you watch poker vlogs you will see some smaller casinos and poker only card clubs in TX, etc use Copags , Faded Spade, and a brand called “Queens”….and I’m sure a few others. Final TV tables for tournaments will often use poker sized jumbo index (for visibility on TV) from whatever card company payed for the product placement. They usually use bridge sized cards for all the other tables.

To the OP - I’ve tried almost every cards made….I always recommend these to start. They are simply the best bang for the buck I’ve found.

https://www.amazon.com/Cartamundi-1...-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[Old State]

Sorry for the lighting. I hang out in the dark a lot lol

View attachment 1182930View attachment 1182931View attachment 1182932

I play in a “sandlot” type monthly tournament hosted by some older guys. After a year me and another guy convinced them to try plastics cards.
He bought some of these Bullets and they are totally fine. I’d take them any day over Faded Spade

 

[Machine]

I now understand your reasoning of bridge vs Poker size.

Buy bridge Jumbo index (your poker size in that link are jumbo index)

Comparing apples to oranges, or regular index to jumbo index is a fallacious argument.


No.

Also, layouts/felts get changed out every few years.

So if you’re referring to the photo it was to show the difference in card size, not the index size.

 

[Poker Zombie]

So if you’re referring to the photo it was to show the difference in card size, not the index size.

I see. The post you linked to stated:

2) You're crusty old dude that can't see shit and need jumbo poker
3) You play 5 and 6 card games and you have woman like hands and have 20/20 vison and want bridge cards.

Those two lines seem to indicate that the poker size cards are easier to read, and the photo showed poker jumbo vs bridge regular.

If you want to say jumbo index is easier to read, then I agree 100%, especially in self-dealt games where the community cards may be on the opposite end of the table.

If you meant to say that somehow poker size in better - in any logical form, you are incorrect. You (and about 1 on 3 chippers) prefer poker size based on personal preference. 2/3 prefer bridge size because of personal preference, hand issues, storage considerations, wanting to replicate a quality poker room in their home game, and ease of playing multi-card games.

I have both, and try to keep both in circulation, but I will not put Poker size on the main table, because that usually gets me dealing, and as I mentioned previously, that extra 1/4 inch causes real fatigue with my beat-up hand.

 

[Taghkanic]

Serious question: Is there anyone on this board who buys decks by the thousands?

The largest quantity I can find online, and mostly for non-quality brands, is a gross (144). It’s also hard to find apples to apples comparisons (exact same design, material, index) in bulk.

For individual decks/setups, it does seem the poker and bridge sizes now sell for about the same amount for most brands. It may even be that with bridge size having become more popular, that has collapsed any price differences. But I’d like to see actual price lists for large bulk ordering. Buying one deck (or shirt, or shoes, or car, etc.) is different than buying hundreds.

As far as comfort, I find poker size more comfortable to pitch and shuffle and peek at. If I had smaller hands, I might find bridge size more comfortable. Assertions of some absolute advantage of one size over the other don’t pass the sniff test. I’ve had cards dealt to me by 6’7” guys and 4’10” gals and there is no way the same size works better for both.

 

[flippyflop89]

To the OP - I’ve tried almost every cards made….I always recommend these to start. They are simply the best bang for the buck I’ve found.

Yeah I came across those. I would definitely give them a shot with that price point, and I like the back design. Is there a website that might sell more of a variety of colors?

I ordered a Copag set, and the Broken Arrow misprints from the forum. Going to compare those against my bicycle ones and see which ones I like the most.

Basically from all the responses it seems that so much of it ends up being personal preference. Other than making a short list I might just order a few decks and try them all out.

 

[abby99]

I don’t think you’re a heathen. If you’re more comfortable holding poker size, fine for you. I’ve always leaned toward bridge, but one thing I’ve learned over the years of playing with both sizes is that bridge vs poker is the dumbest debate on PCF (outside of the hot dog sandwich issue.)

Well, in my book, hot dogs are sandwiches. Oops! Wrong thread.

My sweet spot is plastic bridge-size cards with jumbo index, and a round table. Because circus games.

 

[Andrew Marks]

Definitely a personal perference re brand, size and index. For our game, poker size, jumbo index. We have tried Modiano, Copag and recently Chips and Games (https://chipsandgames.com/collectio...-plastic-playing-cards-poker-size-large-index as well as on Amazon). The Modiano Platinum Acetates are my personal favorite. The rest of the Modianos -- meh. The Chips and Games deck felt a little stiff compared to the Modianos which were a little stiffer than the Copags. All were fine. If card slide on your table is at all an issue I would lean towards Copag or Chips and Games. Obvously there are other brands (Fournier, DaVinci, Kem, Faded Spade, etc) that also might work for you. You really have to try each and do a head to head comparison to figure out which you like best.

 

[flippyflop89]

Definitely a personal perference re brand, size and index. For our game, poker size, jumbo index. We have tried Modiano, Copag and recently Chips and Games (https://chipsandgames.com/collectio...-plastic-playing-cards-poker-size-large-index as well as on Amazon). The Modiano Platinum Acetates are my personal favorite. The rest of the Modianos -- meh. The Chips and Games deck felt a little stiff compared to the Modianos which were a little stiffer than the Copags. All were fine. If card slide on your table is at all an issue I would lean towards Copag or Chips and Games. Obvously there are other brands (Fournier, DaVinci, Kem, Faded Spade, etc) that also might work for you. You really have to try each and do a head to head comparison to figure out which you like best.

Super helpful, thanks!

Yeah I have a wood table but just ordered a table topper from the forum. So should be a decent card slide surface. I do really like some of the Fournier designs though.

 

[Old State]

Yeah I came across those. I would definitely give them a shot with that price point, and I like the back design. Is there a website that might sell more of a variety of colors?

I ordered a Copag set, and the Broken Arrow misprints from the forum. Going to compare those against my bicycle ones and see which ones I like the most.

Basically from all the responses it seems that so much of it ends up being personal preference. Other than making a short list I might just order a few decks and try them all out.

Yes it is preference. I’ve tried almost every card manufacturer out there and the only one I don’t recommend is Faded Spade…but there are people that like them. They are simply way too stiff and aesthetically not my style. I also don’t like their marketing.

That said 90% of all plastic cards feel more the same than different. IMO, outside of FS, they are all acceptable. Kems are a very unique feel and are my absolute favorite by a long shot. But you need to be careful with them (as has been discussed ad nauseam here). I have been fine with modified storage technique for the last 18 years but I usually don’t recommend them to the casual player who just want a set of plastic cards.

Fournier have a decent feel to them but are hard to source in the US currently. They are the second best feeling non acetate card IMO next to Cartamundi CCP.

I recently just picked up these DaVinci’s and they are pretty nice. I’m picking up more jumbo index because because my poker friends are getting older. I used to despite jumbo. These are nice looking with beige background on A though 10 for a classier look.

https://www.amazon.com/Italian-Plas...keywords=davinci+bridge&qid=1692658301&sr=8-9

I’m a HUGE fan of Desjgn. They are aesthetically the best cards ever made and I like most of his card stocks he has used. I own every design he has made in bridge and will buy any others he releases

 

[DuckFat]

I probably play poker more than most people here. From that experience I can tell you that I don't have a bridge or poker size preference and most players don't care either. Bridge size is preferred by those who shuffle a lot or have smaller hands. Jumbo index is preferable for all players to see. So bridge size, jumbo index, best to suit most players. I highly recommend the Broken Arrow misprint, I ordered 18 (9 of each color) and have no regrets. Draw the missing club on the 4 if you want.

As for brands other than Broken Arrow, I like Copags. I must have old production high quality Copags because mine have no fading or ink flaking as reported with newer decks, been used for quite a while and washed several times when it got sticky. Most people I know prefer Copags because it's cheap, good quality in our experience, variety of colors, and very bendy. Stiffer cards wear down your thumbs on long sessions.

I only know one person who likes Faded Spade because it's super stiff and feels great when pitching.

KEM, Angel, Fournier, etc. all not worth the price or effort to find them.

 

[Old State]

I probably play poker more than most people here. From that experience I can tell you that I don't have a bridge or poker size preference and most players don't care either. Bridge size is preferred by those who shuffle a lot or have smaller hands. Jumbo index is preferable for all players to see. So bridge size, jumbo index, best to suit most players. I highly recommend the Broken Arrow misprint, I ordered 18 (9 of each color) and have no regrets. Draw the missing club on the 4 if you want.

As for brands other than Broken Arrow, I like Copags. I must have old production high quality Copags because mine have no fading or ink flaking as reported with newer decks, been used for quite a while and washed several times when it got sticky. Most people I know prefer Copags because it's cheap, good quality in our experience, variety of colors, and very bendy. Stiffer cards wear down your thumbs on long sessions.

I only know one person who likes Faded Spade because it's super stiff and feels great when pitching.

KEM, Angel, Fournier, etc. all not worth the price or effort to find them.

Not sure how old your decks are but my group started first using Copags in about 2004. We had used only Kems but were looking for an alternative and Copag was about the only one out there. We used them a lot…like one night a week and 12 -16 hour long tournament days every other month.
I noticed the fading about a year into each deck at that rate. When I put a few old decks away for a couple years and reopened them they had all bled ink

 

[Machine]

I see. The post you linked to stated:

Those two lines seem to indicate that the poker size cards are easier to read, and the photo showed poker jumbo vs bridge regular.

If you want to say jumbo index is easier to read, then I agree 100%, especially in self-dealt games where the community cards may be on the opposite end of the table.

If you meant to say that somehow poker size in better - in any logical form, you are incorrect. You (and about 1 on 3 chippers) prefer poker size based on personal preference. 2/3 prefer bridge size because of personal preference, hand issues, storage considerations, wanting to replicate a quality poker room in their home game, and ease of playing multi-card games.

I have both, and try to keep both in circulation, but I will not put Poker size on the main table, because that usually gets me dealing, and as I mentioned previously, that extra 1/4 inch causes real fatigue with my beat-up hand.

So poker size cards are better … if you have a shuffler as the shuffle tech boxes the bridge size cards. Bridge size are better if you have to hand shuffle or are playing 5+ card games or have tiny child size hands. If I didn’t have a shuffler I’d only use bridge, and the point I’m making to the op is don’t shuffle buy a shuffler .

Jumbo poker vs jumbo bridge should have the same readability. The point in the other post was to highlight the size of card diff and to show why 5+ card games can be easier to have regular index if sight isn’t an issue.

 

[DuckFat]

Not sure how old your decks are but my group started first using Copags in about 2004. We had used only Kems but were looking for an alternative and Copag was about the only one out there. We used them a lot…like one night a week and 12 -16 hour long tournament days every other month.
I noticed the fading about a year into each deck at that rate. When I put a few old decks away for a couple years and reopened them they had all bled ink

No idea how old they are or how frequently it was used before, I'm the 3rd owner of this set. It's the black/gold design you can find in production today but it's been used once a week for about a year, 8-12 hour sessions. It's always the starting set but there is often a deck change requested by someone who is card dead so 1-3 other sets often come into play.

 

[Poker Zombie]

So poker size cards are better … if you have a shuffler as the shuffle tech boxes the bridge size cards. Bridge size are better if you have to hand shuffle or are playing 5+ card games or have tiny child size hands. If I didn’t have a shuffler I’d only use bridge, and the point I’m making to the op is don’t shuffle buy a shuffler .

Jumbo poker vs jumbo bridge should have the same readability. The point in the other post was to highlight the size of card diff and to show why 5+ card games can be easier to have regular index if sight isn’t an issue.

Something tells me that a guy asking the difference between plastic and "regular" probably doesn't have a shuffletech.

But my reads are often way off.

 

[flippyflop89]

Something tells me that a guy asking the difference between plastic and "regular" probably doesn't have a shuffletech.

But my reads are often way off.

Ha I definitely do not. I have wrist problems but generally enjoy shuffling. Just something fidget spinner about it.