As an avid card player and game enthusiast, I often wondered – what stock are playing cards actually printed on?
The material that playing cards are printed on plays a huge role in their overall quality, durability, and handling. Most casual players probably don’t think much about card stock. But as someone who handles cards all the time, I can definitely notice and appreciate the difference between a cheap deck and a premium one.
So in this post, as a professional custom playing card printing manufacturer, I wanted to break down the key types of card stock that playing cards are commonly printed on. My goal is to help card players, collectors, designers, and anyone else better understand this surprisingly complex topic.
An Overview of Playing Card Stock
Playing cards are printed on a type of thick paper known as “cardstock”. The cardstock used is specifically designed to be durable enough for repeated shuffling and handling.
Some key attributes that manufacturers and designers look for in quality playing card stock include:
- Thickness – Measured in points (thousandths of an inch) or grams per square meter. Thicker cardstock tends to be more durable.
- Stiffness – Prevents bending and creasing during use.
- Opacity – Prevents cards from being see-through.
- Texture – Linen or “air cushion” textures affect handling.
- Coatings – Protect cards and affect glossiness.
Now let’s explore some of the most common specific types of card stock used for playing cards.
Common Types of Card Stock Used for Playing Cards
Blue Core Card Stock
Blue core cardstock is the standard for most mass market playing cards like those from Bicycle, Bee, and Copag. Blue core refers to the blue-colored laminate layer in the center of the cardstock.
Key Attributes:
- Thickness – Typically around 310 gsm (grams per square meter).
- Texture – Smooth “calendared” surface texture. Linen-textured versions available as well.
- Opacity – The blue core prevents the cards from being see-through, but not to casino security standards.
- Handling – Good snap and flexibility that stays consistent through repeated use.
Major card brands like Bicycle and Bee source their cards from massive playing card specific mills. This highly specialized equipment allows them to efficiently produce excellent quality cards at scale – all with a blue core center.
Black Core Card Stock
Black core card stock contains, as you might guess, a black central laminate layer rather than blue. It exceeds blue core in certain aspects like opacity and durability.
For this reason, black core card stock is often referred to as “casino grade”. The darker core prevents even subtle markings or blocked IR signals from penetrating the cards. This higher security and longevity comes at a premium cost though.
Key Attributes:
- Thickness – 330 gsm or higher
- Texture – Smooth with higher varnish levels
- Opacity – Completely prevents card transparency
- Handling – Crisp and snappy feeling
Black core card stock is almost exclusively used for casino playing cards where longevity, security, and consistent handling are paramount throughout thousands of shuffles.
For custom orders though, upgraded black core stock is available to give a casino-like look, feel, and handling – albeit at a higher cost.
Linen Card Stock
Linen cardstock has a distinctive lightly textured finish that provides some key benefits for handling and playability. Tiny grooves are embossed onto one or both card faces during production.
Key Attributes:
- Texture – Light horizontal and vertical groove patterning
- Handling – Allows cards to slide easily and “breathe”
- Finish – Only compatible with matte/satin coatings
This linen “air cushion” finish creates additional airflow and reduces surface contact between cards. The resulting shuffle feel and card mechanics are beloved by card handlers, flourishers, magicians, and cardists alike.
Cards printed with a linen finish may cost 10-15% more than smooth finish cards – but handle far better for most applications. The only downside is that full graphic designs can be slightly obscured or disrupted by the texture.
Other Specialty Card Stock
While blue core, black core, and linen stocks cover most playing card needs, there are a few other specialty options out there:
Plastic Cards: Durable plastic cards last essentially forever. They offer unparalleled longevity for cards printed for permanent tabletop games. Cost is higher but so is lifespan.
Printable Magnetic Stock: Printable magnet sheets allow for playing cards that stick together or to surfaces. Great for educational games and applications requiring card adhesion.
Thicker Oversize Stock: Oversized board game cards stand up to more abuse and thrive with extra thickness. 360 gsm and above cardstock better handles larger format cards.
Choosing Card Stock for Your Playing Cards
Here are some things to consider when selecting card stock for your particular application:
Where will your cards be used? Home games can use standard smooth stock. Public/commercial use demands extra durability.
What card formats/sizes are in your game? Thinner stock works for small cards, while larger formats demand thicker stock.
What’s your budget? Specialty stock costs more. Find savings in finish rather than thickness when possible.
What coating works best? Matte is ideal for most games. Linen enhances handling but reduces graphic clarity.
Prioritizing opacity, thickness, texture, and printability will lead you toward the optimal paper stock choice. Just keep application, handling, and budget firmly in mind.
Some real-world examples: poker cards thrive on smooth 310 gsm blue core stock, while oversized party game cards might use premium 360 gsm black core stock for superior handling and markings resistance.
There is definitely both an art and a science to choosing playing card stock – but arm yourself with the core knowledge from this post and you’ll be well equipped to make durable, playable card decks for years of gameplay!