If, like most people, you think all playing cards are essentially the same, you’ve got a lot to learn. The difference between a paper cards, vinyl, plastic, and all the way up to cellulose acetate cards is quite striking when you actually take the trouble to compare them.

The difference in price is also quite different. The first time someone hears that KEM cards are $30 per 2-pack, they are a bit shocked. Then, after playing with them for a while and witnessing the dramatic difference in playability and durability, they come to understand that they’re actually a far better value than spending $5 per 2-pack on paper cards. Ever heard the saying, “[Someone] is too poor to buy cheap”? The difference between paper cards and KEM cards are a prime example.

KEM cards are made from 100% Cellulose Acetate plastic, which makes them similar to plastic playing cards, but even better. The cellulose acetate construction means these cards can not easily be marked or creased, and they always spring back to their natural flat shape after being shuffled or temporarily bent during play. And if they get something spilled on them, you can even clean them. Try that with paper cards.