KEM

Welcome to the KEM Playing Cards Collection, celebrating over 90 years of uncompromising excellence in playing card manufacturing. Since 1935, KEM has specialized exclusively in one product: premium cellulose acetate plastic playing cards trusted by casinos, bridge clubs, professional dealers, and serious card players worldwide. While other manufacturers dabble in various card types and materials, KEM's singular focus on excellence has made their name synonymous with quality, durability, and uncompromising performance.

KEM emerged during the golden age of bridge, when millions of Americans gathered around card tables to play this intellectually demanding game. The company revolutionized the playing card industry by committing to a single pursuit: creating the finest plastic playing cards possible. This dedication to specialization has allowed KEM to perfect every aspect of card production, from material sourcing to printing precision to finishing touches.

The KEM Difference:

What sets KEM apart from virtually every other playing card manufacturer is the company's use of premium cellulose acetate plastic. Unlike vinyl-based plastics used by competitors, cellulose acetate offers superior durability, a more refined feel, and performance characteristics that serious players immediately recognize and appreciate. KEM cards are substantially thicker and heavier than alternative plastic cards, providing a satisfying heft that communicates quality with every shuffle.

The material will not warp, chip, shatter, or stick together like lower-grade plastics. Players consistently report that KEM cards feel soft to the touch with a satisfying shuffle sound that only premium materials can deliver. Once you play with KEM cards, switching back to anything else feels like a downgrade. The smooth, consistent handling provides exceptional shuffle and deal performance that professional dealers demand and serious players expect.

Bridge Size Heritage:

KEM's original focus was bridge-size cards (2.25" x 3.5"), a narrow format perfectly suited for holding a full bridge hand without strain. While poker-size cards have become more common in recent decades, bridge-size remains the preferred format for traditional bridge, pinochle, canasta, and other classic card games. The bridge-size format represents a connection to card gaming's intellectual heritage and continues to be favored by serious players who appreciate the elegance of traditional play.

Timeless Designs:

KEM's card designs have evolved while maintaining classic aesthetics appreciated by generations of players. Rather than chasing trends or creating novelty designs, KEM focuses on patterns that remain beautiful and functional decades after purchase. Designs like the iconic Paisley pattern—available in red and blue—represent the timeless elegance that complements any playing environment from elegant home game rooms to professional casino tables.

The Economics of Quality:

While KEM cards require a larger initial investment than paper or vinyl alternatives, they represent the least expensive option on a per-play basis when calculated over their lifetime. Many loyal customers report purchasing their first set of KEM cards decades ago and still using the same decks in their games today. With proper care, KEM cards become lifetime companions rather than disposable products—a remarkable value proposition that rewards commitment to quality.

Worldwide Choice of Professionals:

KEM cards are the official choice of casinos, poker rooms, and bridge tournaments around the world. Professional dealers trust KEM because these cards maintain consistent performance through extended use, shuffle smoothly hand after hand, and never disappoint. Casino managers choose KEM because they understand that superior cards contribute to player satisfaction and loyalty.

Bridge clubs worldwide recognize that KEM cards make the game more enjoyable—the cards handle beautifully, shuffle smoothly, and last for years of regular play. Tournament directors specify KEM because consistency across all playing tables ensures fair, optimal competition.

Our curated KEM Collection features a selection of KEM's most popular decks in various sizes, indices, and timeless designs. Whether you're a serious bridge player seeking the perfect deck for your regular games, a casino enthusiast who appreciates professional-grade cards, or someone who simply refuses to compromise on quality, this collection provides access to the world's most desired playing cards.

Invest in cards that will serve you faithfully for decades. Experience the KEM difference—the gold standard that has earned the loyalty of professionals worldwide for over 90 years.