Copag Playing Cards: Complete Guide
The Complete Copag Playing Cards Collector's Guide
Copag is one of the most recognized names in 100% PVC plastic playing cards — known for durability, washability, and a smooth shuffle feel. Founded in Brazil in 1908 (and manufacturing playing cards since 1918), Copag is trusted by serious players worldwide and has been the official playing card provider for the World Series of Poker® since 2016 and the World Poker Tour® since November 2025. Use this guide to explore Copag's history, understand what makes 100% PVC special, compare product lines like 1546, Legacy, and WSOP, choose the right size and index, and shop the Copag lineup we carry at ClassicDecks.
Shop: Copag Brand Hub | All Copag | Copag WSOP
Not sure which plastic brand to buy? Read our KEM vs Copag vs Modiano Buyer's Guide to compare materials (acetate vs PVC), tournament pedigree, and four-color suit options.
Pick Your Copag in 20 Seconds
- Want the WSOP/tournament look? Start here: Copag WSOP
- Most "pro table" setups: Bridge Size + Regular Index
- Most customers / easiest readability: Jumbo Index (especially for larger tables)
- Prefer classic bordered backs? Look for 1546 within All Copag
- Prefer modern borderless backs or four-color suits? Start with 4-Color Suits
- Just need one deck / replacement? Single Decks
- Play regularly and rotate decks? Double Deck Sets
Quick Links (Shop Copag)
- Copag Brand Hub
- All Copag
- Copag WSOP
- Copag 4-Color Suits
- Copag Poker Size
- Copag Bridge Size
- Copag Jumbo Index
- Copag Regular Index
- Copag Single Decks
- Copag Double Deck Sets
Copag History: Founded 1908, Making Cards Since 1918
Copag's story is unusual in the playing-card world: it began in São Paulo, Brazil in 1908 as a business focused on importing playing cards and producing stationery and printing goods. In 1918, the company began manufacturing its own playing cards and adopted the name Companhia Paulista de Papéis e Artes Gráficas — the origin of the acronym C.O.P.A.G.
Over time, Copag expanded beyond Brazil and became globally known for consistent quality and long-lasting plastic cards — including the 100% PVC lines that made it a favorite for frequent play.
Key Milestones
- 1908: Founded in São Paulo, Brazil
- 1918: Begins manufacturing playing cards; adopts the name that forms the acronym C.O.P.A.G.
- 1987: New facilities in Manaus (Amazonas) begin operations, enabling major scaling and modernization
- ISO quality focus: Copag holds ISO certifications (including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001) reflecting a long-term emphasis on manufacturing controls and consistency
- 2003: Introduction of the 1546 series (Copag's most iconic modern plastic back design)
- 2016: Copag begins its current run as the official WSOP playing card provider
- 2020: Launch of Legacy (modern/borderless styling, including four-color variants)
- 2022: Cartamundi increases ownership stake to 75%; Copag expands further in Latin America (including a 50% stake in Chile's Big Bang operation)
- November 2025: Copag becomes the official card supplier for the World Poker Tour®, joining WSOP to establish dual tournament credibility across poker's two most prestigious global brands
Copag Era Timeline at a Glance
| Era | Key Milestones and Identifiers | Notable Products/Features | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1908–1918 (Origins) | Importer/printing goods; transition into manufacturing | Early distribution/import era | Very scarce: early Brazilian packaging/branding references |
| 1918–1987 (São Paulo Era) | Domestic production expands; Copag becomes Brazil's dominant card maker | Paper cards; classic Brazilian staples | "São Paulo" address lines; vintage local-market decks |
| 1987–2002 (Manaus Modernization) | Manaus facilities begin; major investment in equipment and processes | Transition toward modern lines | "Manaus" packaging indicators; increasing print consistency |
| 2003–Present (Modern PVC Era) | 1546 launches; Copag becomes a major international PVC-plastic brand | 1546 (classic), Legacy (modern), WSOP (tournament), Elite (single-deck formats) | "100% PVC" language; premium hard cases; crisp, vibrant printing |
Why Copag Feels Different: 100% PVC Construction
The main reason Copag stands apart from paper cards — and differs from cellulose acetate brands like KEM — is the material: 100% PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic. This isn't a coating or laminate; Copag cards are solid plastic throughout, creating a different playing experience.
What You'll Notice When You Play Copag
- Smooth shuffle feel: New Copag cards often feel very smooth right out of the box, which many players love for fast shuffling and dealing.
- Minimal break-in: Many players find Copag feels consistent from the first session (some plastics "settle in," but Copag typically feels ready quickly).
- Washable and waterproof: PVC is fully waterproof — spills can be wiped off and the cards won't swell like paper.
- Durability for frequent play: PVC holds up far longer than paper; Copag is commonly described as lasting up to ~50x longer than paper depending on conditions and care.
- Travel-friendly: PVC is forgiving for humidity swings and frequent handling, making Copag a great "daily driver" for home games and travel.
PVC vs. Cellulose Acetate: What's the Difference?
Many players assume all "plastic" cards are identical. They're not. Copag (PVC) and KEM (cellulose acetate) are two different premium materials:
| Feature | PVC Plastic (Copag) | Cellulose Acetate (KEM) |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) | Cellulose acetate |
| Handling feel | Smooth, fast, consistent | Smooth, slightly "waxy," supple |
| Break-in | Usually minimal | Some players feel it softens after a few sessions |
| Storage tolerance | Generally forgiving | Generally excellent, but benefits from stable storage conditions |
| Best for | Poker, durability, travel, all-around use | Bridge clubs, premium feel, traditional prestige |
Shop now: All Copag | WSOP Cards | 4-Color Suits
Understanding Copag Product Lines
Copag produces several distinct product lines. Knowing the basics helps you choose quickly and makes collecting easier.
1546 Series (The Classic)
1546 is Copag's signature and most recognizable back design — a traditional bordered style that became the brand's "workhorse" look for daily play.
- Design: Traditional bordered back; classic casino/poker-room aesthetic
- Best for: Players who want a traditional look with proven durability
- Sizes: Poker and Bridge
- Index options: Regular and Jumbo
- Format: Commonly double-deck sets; some single-deck options
Shop: All Copag | Bridge Size | Jumbo Index
Legacy Series (The Modern Evolution)
Legacy is Copag's modern, borderless look. It's also the line most associated with Copag's four-color suit offerings.
- Design: Borderless (edge-to-edge) backs; cleaner modern aesthetic
- Best for: Players who prefer modern styling or four-color suits
- Sizes: Poker and Bridge
- Index options: Regular and Jumbo
Shop: Copag 4-Color Suits | All Copag
WSOP Series (The Tournament Standard)
WSOP is Copag's most prestigious line — the official playing cards of the World Series of Poker® since 2016. Annual designs make WSOP decks naturally collectible.
- Design: Year-by-year variations featuring WSOP branding
- Best for: Tournament authenticity; collectors seeking year sets
- Common setup: Bridge size, regular index (tournament-style)
Shop: Copag WSOP Collection
Elite Series (Single-Deck Formats)
Elite is often found as single-deck formats — great for replacements, trying Copag for the first time, or stocking multiple colors.
- Best for: Single-deck needs, replacements, first-time buyers
- Sizes: Poker and Bridge
- Index options: Regular and Jumbo
Shop: Single Decks | All Copag
Size and Index: Choosing What's Right for Your Game
Poker Size vs. Bridge Size
Copag offers two standard sizes, and choosing correctly improves comfort and playability:
Poker Size (2.5" × 3.5"):
- Standard "wide" cards familiar to most American home games
- Great for general play and casual poker nights
- Ideal for: Poker (home games), blackjack, general play
Bridge Size (2.25" × 3.5"):
- Narrower width makes large hands easier to hold (bridge, rummy, canasta)
- Common in many poker rooms and tournament-style setups
- Ideal for: Bridge, canasta, professional-style poker setups, multi-handed games
Pro tip: If you want a "casino/poker-room feel," choose Bridge Size. If you want a classic home-game feel, choose Poker Size.
Regular Index vs. Jumbo Index
Index refers to the size of the corner pips (rank and suit symbols):
Regular/Standard Index:
- Traditional corner pip size
- Classic aesthetics; common tournament-style choice
Jumbo Index:
- Larger corner pips for easier reading across the table
- Great for low light, larger tables, or anyone prioritizing readability
Shop by preference: Poker Size | Bridge Size | Jumbo Index | Regular Index
The 4-Color Advantage
Copag's four-color decks replace the traditional two-color system with a unique color for each suit, which can reduce misreads and speed up play in suit-heavy games.
What is 4-Color?
Traditional playing cards use two colors:
- Red: Hearts ♥ and Diamonds ♦
- Black: Clubs ♣ and Spades ♠
Four-color decks use a unique color for each suit:
- Red: Hearts ♥
- Green: Clubs ♣
- Blue: Diamonds ♦
- Black: Spades ♠
Where 4-Color Excels
- Bridge: Instant suit recognition during bidding and play
- Trick-taking games: Euchre, Spades, Skat, etc.
- Poker (optional preference): Many online players like 4-color for faster hand reads
- Accessibility: Some players find four-color easier for suit differentiation
Shop: Copag 4-Color Suits
WSOP Tournament Card History
Copag's relationship with the WSOP is one of the most important modern playing-card stories. Collectors love WSOP decks because designs change year to year and the branding provides clear provenance.
2005–2006: Early Copag WSOP Appearances
WSOP collectors often seek out early Copag/WSOP decks from the mid-2000s. These are scarce today and can command significant premiums when sealed.
2015: A One-Year Modiano Experiment
In 2015, the WSOP used Modiano decks. That year drew heavy player attention and criticism around handling and readability, making it a notable point in WSOP card history.
2016–Present: Copag as Official WSOP Provider
Since 2016, Copag has been the official playing card provider for the World Series of Poker®. Annual designs make year sets a natural collecting goal.
Shop current WSOP: Copag WSOP Collection
WPT Partnership: Dual Tournament Dominance
In November 2025, Copag became the official card supplier for the World Poker Tour®, establishing unprecedented credibility as the only playing card brand with official partnerships across both the WSOP and WPT — poker's two most prestigious global tournament circuits.
Why the WPT Partnership Matters
- Dual tournament validation: Copag is now the only brand officially endorsed by both WSOP and WPT
- Global reach: WPT events span Asia, Europe, and North America, extending Copag's tournament presence worldwide
- Tournament-tested credibility: Official supplier status reinforces Copag's position as the professional poker standard
- Future collectibility: Watch for potential WPT co-branded Copag releases similar to the annual WSOP editions
Copag's Tournament Portfolio
Copag now holds official partnerships with three major poker tournament circuits:
| Tournament | Partnership Status | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| World Series of Poker (WSOP) | Official Playing Card Provider | 2016 |
| World Poker Tour (WPT) | Official Card Supplier | November 2025 |
| Asian Poker Tour (APT) | Official Card Supplier | July 2025 |
What this means for you: When you buy Copag, you're buying the exact same cards trusted by the world's most prestigious poker tournaments — from the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas to WPT Championship events worldwide.
Copag vs. Competitors: How It Compares
Copag vs. KEM
| Aspect | Copag | KEM |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% PVC plastic | 100% cellulose acetate |
| Feel | Smooth, fast, consistent | Smooth, supple, premium feel |
| Break-in | Often minimal | Some players feel it softens after a few sessions |
| Value | Typically strong value for frequent play | Typically higher-priced / prestige positioning |
| Best for | Poker, durability, travel, all-around use | Bridge clubs, luxury feel, traditional premium preference |
Copag vs. Modiano
| Aspect | Copag | Modiano |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 100% PVC plastic | 100% PVC plastic |
| Handling | Smooth, fast dealing and shuffling | Often thicker with more texture/grip (a preference split) |
| Best for | Most poker players; tournament-style feel | Players who prefer heavier, textured plastic |
For a deeper comparison: Read our KEM vs Copag vs Modiano Buyer's Guide
How to Date and Identify Copag Decks
Copag decks can be tricky to date precisely, but these clues help identify era, line, and authenticity.
Quick Dating Checklist
- Product line: 1546 (classic), Legacy (modern), WSOP (year designs), Elite (often single-deck)
- Size: Poker vs Bridge
- Index: Regular vs Jumbo
- Packaging style: Hard plastic case (common), special event packaging (varies)
- WSOP branding: Year and design details are typically printed on the box
Authentication: Real vs. Counterfeit
- Material feel: Authentic Copag feels consistent and smooth; fakes may feel rubbery, inconsistent, or poorly cut
- Printing quality: Authentic decks have crisp lines and clean suit icons; fakes may show fuzziness or color drift
- Packaging quality: Look for clean logos, correct spelling, and sturdy cases
- Seller reputation: Buying from established retailers reduces risk
Copag Buying Guide: What to Choose
Quick Picker (Fast Recommendations)
- Most customers: Bridge Size + Jumbo Index (easy readability, frequent-play friendly)
- WSOP authenticity: Copag WSOP
- Modern aesthetic / four-color: Copag 4-Color Suits
- Replacement / try one deck: Single Decks
Step-by-Step: Building Your First Copag Order
1) Choose your style: WSOP (tournament branding) | 1546 (classic bordered look) | Legacy (modern/borderless)
2) Choose your size: Bridge Size | Poker Size
3) Choose your index: Regular Index | Jumbo Index
4) Choose your format: Double Deck Sets | Single Decks
Care & Cleaning (Keep Your Copag Deck "Like New")
- Routine care: Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after play
- Deep cleaning: Wash gently with mild soap and lukewarm water if cards pick up oils or grime
- Dry thoroughly: Air dry completely before storing; avoid heat
- Avoid heat: Don't leave decks in hot cars or direct sunlight for long periods
- Storage: Store in the original case; keep in a cool, dry place
FAQ
What is Copag best known for? Copag is famous for its 100% PVC plastic playing cards, exceptional durability, and being the official card supplier for both the WSOP (since 2016) and WPT (since November 2025).
Are Copag cards really 100% plastic? Yes — Copag's plastic decks are 100% PVC (polyvinyl chloride), not plastic-coated paper.
Can I wash Copag cards? Yes. Use mild soap and lukewarm water, then air dry completely.
What's the best first Copag purchase? For most players: Bridge Size + Jumbo Index. If you want the WSOP look: start with Copag WSOP.
Should I buy Bridge Size or Poker Size? Bridge Size for a more "poker room" feel and easier large hands; Poker Size for a classic home-game feel.
What is 4-color and why would I want it? Four-color uses green clubs and blue diamonds (plus red hearts and black spades) to reduce suit misreads.
How long do Copag cards last? With proper care, Copag can last far longer than paper decks; many players describe PVC decks as lasting up to ~50x longer than paper under frequent play.
Where to go next
- Back to the Copag Hub
- View all Copag products
- Copag WSOP Cards
- Copag 4-Color Suits
- Compare: KEM vs Copag vs Modiano
Ready to build your Copag collection? Whether you're collecting WSOP year designs, upgrading to plastic for daily play, or dialing in the perfect size/index for your game, ClassicDecks carries a deep Copag lineup. Shop Copag or contact us if you'd like help choosing.
Sources: Cartamundi official records, WSOP partnership history, World Poker Tour partnership announcement (November 2025), The World of Playing Cards (WOPC), ClassicDecks inventory.