KEM Cards began production of playing cards during the first half of the 1930s. The company’s proprietary manufacturing methods gave KEM cards the enviable title of the first mass produced plastic playing card. Made of cellulose acetate, KEM cards were bendable, washable, and retained their shape long after paper based cards had withered and died. KEM’s unique polymer gave KEM cards their distinctive texture, snap, and handle. Unlike other cards, KEM cards were able to withstand the occasional spilled beer, making them an instant hit with seasoned poker players.
KEM cards gained substantial popularity during the Second World War as troops gathered together in barracks across Europe to play stud, draw, and other poker games. The cards could withstand the humidity of jungle weather, and were less effected desert sand and grit.
KEM cards set the standard for poker card design with the release of the KEM Arrow Back. Arguably the most well known of KEM’s card designs, The Arrow Back has become the icon for poker card known world round. This design was seen in the movie “Rounders” as Matt Damon battled John Malkovich in an underground cardroom in NYC.
For 70 years, Kem cards ruled the plastic playing card industry. The company experienced great success through the 1950s and 60s. After many years of success, and having produced countless decks of their patented plastic playing cards, KEM cards sold their plants and copyrighted artwork to the US Playing Card Company in 2004. This historic corporate purchase left the industry with a shortage of plastic playing cards. Finally, after almost a year of silence, the presses have started churning, and the US Playing Card Company has begun re-releasing KEM’s vintage Arrow and Paisley designs (available here).
