RAW Classic Playing cards

RAW Classic Playing Cards are a deck of playing cards carrying the RAW name, a label many people know from rolling papers and smoking accessories. Express Highs lists them in its smoking accessories range, alongside the small everyday items that tend to end up on a table or in a bag.

What it is for

A deck of cards is one of the most versatile things you can own. It covers rummy, poker, whist, patience and countless other games, and it also suits card tricks and casual shuffling while you talk. A branded deck like this one also appeals to people who like to collect merchandise from labels they follow, or who want something recognisable for a games night.

Choosing a deck

If you are comparing playing cards in general, a few points make the biggest difference to how a deck feels in use:

• Size: poker-size cards are the common standard, while bridge-size cards are slightly narrower and easier to hold in large hands of cards.
• Finish: a smooth finish shuffles easily, whereas a textured or linen finish grips better and deals more predictably.
• Index and artwork: clear corner indices make a deck easier to read at a glance, which matters for fast-paced games.
• Case: a sturdy box keeps the deck together and protects the edges between sessions.

Care and storage

Paper-based cards respond badly to damp and heat, so keep the deck somewhere cool and dry, and return it to its box after play. Store it flat or upright rather than under heavy items, which can bend the cards. Wash and dry your hands before a long session, since grease and moisture are the main reasons cards become sticky and wear at the edges. Shuffle gently and avoid bending the cards sharply, and a deck will stay usable for a long time.

Compact and easy to carry, RAW Classic Playing Cards suit anyone who wants a straightforward deck for games, practice or display.