People have been playing card games for the better part of 700 years, and there are literally thousands of different card games to choose from, and many variations of each. Card games have been a source of pleasure, fun, danger and intrigue for a long, long time.

If you are thinking about getting a new deck of playing cards, I would strongly advise you to buy plastic ones. Plastic playing cards are so much more durable than their cardboard counterparts, and they are much easier to shuffle and deal with. There is a surprisingly large range of types that you can choose from. 

Playing cards tend to get quite a beating when in use; they get bent, bruised, and drowned in coffee. If the games are heated enough, some even get shot at (even a durable plastic playing card isn’t going to survive that sort of treatment). Here's a quick rundown of what's available out there...

Copag is probably the most respected company that produces plastic playing cards. They are based in Brazil and distribute their cards throughout the US. The company has been around since 1908 and has been manufacturing their own cards since 1918. Their quality is superb; the cards are textured and just feel great in your hands. They even have a card replacement program, so if you lose one of your cards, you can order a new one directly from them, rather than purchasing a whole new deck.

If you are after something a little less expensive, Royals are a tried and true brand. Their surfaces tend to be more shiny and glossy than Copag cards, making them a little less easy to handle. However, at around $4 for a deck, these make a fine lower range alternative.

If Copag were the Porsches of playing cards, then Kem would be the Mercedes Benz. Kem is considered by most to be the best quality of all playing cards on the market; they are widely used throughout casinos around the United States and are made from 100% cellulose acetate plastic.

For a middle of the road alternative, I would recommend A-Plus playing cards. They are a little more expensive than Royals (at around $8 a deck, but the cards are of a thicker stock. They offer three different sizes of card; Bridge Size, Poker Size and Turbo Cards (in both green and brown)

If you are just playing for fun, why not look at playing cards with your favourite cartoon character, pin up girl, movie star or brand name on them. If you are interest in pit bikes, teddy bears, guitars, or zodiac signs, put a picture of them on there. There are literally thousands of different designs to choose from. You can even design your own with a picture of your mother in law on them.

Playing Card Collectors

If you are more interested in the aesthetic value of playing cards than the actual functionality of them, you will find a large community of people who share this interest. People have collected thousands of decks of playing cards from all over the world and from all different times in the history of card games, and these people get together to exchange, and ogle each others collections. There is Chicago Playing Card Collectors Inc, Collectors Playing Cards in the UK, the International Playing-Card Society, and many many more. Playing card collectors categorise their collections by the size of the card, the era that it was manufactured, the suits, and by specialty.

To properly care for your cards, you need to keep the following in mind...

• Cards should be stored at normal room temperature. If your cards are left in the sun they will fade, and the lesser quality cards can warp as well.
• After use, it's a good idea to place a piece of cardboard at the top of the deck before putting them back in their box, this will keep the cards flat and prevent warping.
• To clean your plastic playing card, use warm water with a mild dishwashing liquid. A little vinegar will also help to keep your cards in tip top shape. 

So while you're sitting around with your buddies on poker night, smoking your cigarrettes and drinking your beer, you can have peace of mind that the cards you are using will stand the test of time. If you follow these steps, a decent deck of playing cards should last up to seven or eight years (provided no-one shoots a hole in them).