Playing Card Paper: Top 7 Choices for Game Enthusiasts

Whether you enjoy a friendly poker game or you're a magician who uses cards for professional magic tricks and illusions, finding the right custom playing cards printing service is important. You want cards that are durable, have a smooth texture, and display attractive colors. There are several options available, ranging from standard card stock to specially-formulated playing card paper. Below are the top 7 paper options for playing cards based on quality and particular uses.

Bicycle Standard Playing Cards

The ubiquitous Bicycle playing cards set the standard for quality. Bicycle uses top-grade card stock paper made from 100% crushed linen fibers. This creates a durable card with an attractive design. Bicycle playing cards were first created in 1885, but this American brand is still the top choice for card enthusiasts in 2025.

Key features:

100% specially-formulated linen paper

High-quality paper perfect for most card games

Standard air cushion finish for durability

Numerous design options

Copag Plastic Playing Cards

Maybe you play card games outside where a little rain or spilled drinks can damage paper cards. Copag playing cards have a plastic card option. The plastic cards are made from patented polymer plastic that is resistant to bending and water. If you want playing cards that can stand up to heavy outdoor use by the pool or hot tub, Copag plastic cards are a top choice.

Key features:

100% polypropylene plastic material

Resists wear and damage from water and humidity

Textured plastic finish provides excellent grip

Available in wide variety of colors and designs

Kem Playing Cards

The casino industry has relied on Kem brand playing cards for generations. Kem cards use 100% cellulose acetate, which provides a glossy, plasticized feel. Casinos need cards that withstand constant shuffling. Kem playing cards have proprietary finishes that minimize adhesion when cards slide over one another during shuffling and dealing. If you want the same long-lasting cards used in Las Vegas casinos, get a deck of Kem cards.

Key features:

Made from 100% cellulose acetate

Air-float finish allows for smooth use during shuffling/dealing

Advanced designs and use specialty inks/colors

Albino Dragon Playing Cards

Albino Dragon playing cards were designed with cardistry and magic tricks in mind. If you're an illusionist or you enjoy card flourishes and fancy one-handed cuts, Albino Dragon cards move smoothly. The card faces display custom artwork and designs, making these cards stand out. The card stock also has an enhanced flexibility, allowing for effortless springing and flourishes.

Key features:

Printed on German blackcore cardstock

Air cushion stock eases cardistry moves

Custom artwork suitable for illusions and magic

Designed to spring from the deck smoothly

Bicycle Prestige Playing Cards

Bicycle also offers their Prestige line, which has a premium black core card stock. The matte, soft-touch finish provides an exceptional smoothness. Unlike the glossy finish of casino cards, the Prestige cards have a pleasantly soft feel. Even though the black-core cards are darker, the colors stand out thanks to a unique finishing process. If you want a soft but durable card that offers vibrant colors, the Bicycle Prestige cards should fit the bill.

Key features:

High-grade crushed black-core cardstock

Soft-touch, velvety matte finish

Clear, vivid colors stand out on black background

Air-cushion finish for superior durability

Phoenix Playing Cards

Phoenix playing cards are fashioned from beechwood fiber sourced from sustainable Belgian forests. Not only does the FSC wood pulp make for a quality card, you can enjoy an eco-friendly deck sourced from a replanted forest. Phoenix playing cards have a signature air cushion finish and striking designs. This brand also makes novelty playing cards with missing pips, colorful pips, or mirrored card faces. If a unique and eco-friendly card is on your list, Phoenix playing cards check both boxes.

Key features:

Made with FSC-certified wood fibers

Forest-friendly and biodegradable

Choose standard or novelty decks

Smooth, protective varnish layers

Dan and Dave Playing Cards

Dan and Dave are celebrated illusionists who teamed up with the Bicycle brand to create their own custom playing cards geared toward magicians and cardistry artists. This collaboration resulted in high-quality playing cards with striking custom designs ideal for magic shows. The cards themselves have a snappy feel, springing smoothly from deck to hand. The card stock itself is thicker than standard Bicycle cards, resulting in added durability. If you want a stylish deck with extra thickness for performing magic tricks, get yourself some Dan and Dave playing cards.

Key features:

Designed with magicians and cardistry artists in mind

Enhanced flexibility with snappy spring factor

Unique designs and patterns on every card face

Made with thicker card stock than standard Bicycle cards

Finding playing card paper best suited to your needs comes down to your reason for purchasing specialty cards. Whether you want cards for serious poker playing, casual fun during backyard barbecues, performing elaborate magic tricks, or mastering smooth card flourishes, one of the paper options above should fit the bill nicely. Enjoy creating miracles or winning poker pots with your new custom cards! Curious about what makes playing cards durable and smooth to shuffle? Let’s dive into the question: What Kind of Paper Are Playing Cards Printed On?