Just got the deck, and was disappointed to find that 4 of the cards had significant defects in the paint. The 4 cards had paint flakes on them that can’t be washed or scrubbed off, and were rough to touch, screwing up the smoothness/flatness of the cards.

Also, a number of other cards had small stain lines in the white background, but this was ok since it didn’t screw up the flatness of the cards.

Go with Copags. Cheaper and better quality control.
Rating: 2 / 5

I use Copag, Modiano, and Dal Negro plastic cards and decided to give these KEMs a try. I’ve never seen such bad quality control as these have. There were several cards in one deck which were badly scratched across the back rendering one deck unplayable.

I received no response from ChipandGames so I sent the deck back to USPC in Cincinnati (fingers crossed). We’ll see what happens.

Long story short. . . don’t buy KEM cards. I’ve used a TON of plastic cards for poker over the years and while KEM cards do have a nice feel to them (about as nice as Copag) they are simply too fragile and easily marked.

At nearly twice the price of Copag these KEM cards are absolutely laughable to me. I consider them and the entire USPC a joke. How can they expect to compete with oversees companies who produce a far better product for half the money?

Buy Copag. . . end of story.
Rating: 2 / 5

1. They are easy to play with. I have found that they in fact do stick together. You know how you shuffle your hole cards in Hold’Em? It doesn’t feel right when you do it. And checking your cards at the corners is awkward as well. You have to press down awkwardly in order to get a peek. And since they do retain their shape, it’ll be that way for good.

2. They are durable/break resistant. Don’t believe the hype. Yes, they retain their shape well, but you over bend it, and believe me it will crease.

Basketball Analogy: You know how the NBA introduced a rubber basketball but the players hated it and they switched back? That’s how I feel about these. It’s a nice idea but in execution it doesn’t work. Just like a rubber basketball, it feels weird/chafes the hand and the cards remove part of the experience that is part of poker. It’s like playing with lightweight chips – it doesn’t feel right.

My Recommendation: Suck it up and buy paper cards. If you’re a casual player then using paper cards will be just as or more cost-effective, plus you’ll have a better experience. If you play a lot then you don’t need my review and you can suck up the cost of paying to replace decks (if you’re decent and if not then why keep playing?)

Oh, and the case is bad – cheap plastic with no latch – keep it level!
Rating: 3 / 5

1. They are easy to play with. I have found that they in fact do stick together. You know how you shuffle your hole cards in Hold’Em? It doesn’t feel right when you do it. And checking your cards at the corners is awkward as well. You have to press down awkwardly in order to get a peek. And since they do retain their shape, it’ll be that way for good.

2. They are durable/break resistant. Don’t believe the hype. Yes, they retain their shape well, but you over bend it, and believe me it will crease.

Basketball Analogy: You know how the NBA introduced a rubber basketball but the players hated it and they switched back? That’s how I feel about these. It’s a nice idea but in execution it doesn’t work. Just like a rubber basketball, it feels weird/chafes the hand and the cards remove part of the experience that is part of poker. It’s like playing with lightweight chips – it doesn’t feel right.

My Recommendation: Suck it up and buy paper cards. If you’re a casual player then using paper cards will be just as or more cost-effective, plus you’ll have a better experience. If you play a lot then you don’t need my review and you can suck up the cost of paying to replace decks (if you’re decent and if not then why keep playing?)
Rating: 3 / 5