🏷️ Best Budget
Reviewed by Marcus Knapman, BSc (Hons) Computing ·
Researched from 100+ Amazon customer reviews
· How we review
For £1.99, you'd expect Waddingtons Number 1 playing cards to be fairly basic — and you'd be right. But there's a difference between basic and rubbish, and after digging into what these cards actually offer, I reckon they sit firmly in the former camp.
These are proper Waddingtons cards, complete with the Winning Moves authenticity seal, which means you're getting genuine heritage rather than some knock-off deck. The price point makes them perfect for stocking up or replacing worn-out cards without much thought. The question is whether the quality justifies even this modest outlay, and whether you should care about getting red or blue when it's pot luck which colour arrives.
The Waddingtons Number 1 deck comes in either red or blue backing — though you don't get to choose which. It's colour assorted, meaning you'll receive whichever one they grab from the warehouse. For most people, this won't matter a jot, but if you're particular about matching your existing sets or have a strong colour preference, it's worth noting.
Each pack carries the Winning Moves authenticity seal, which isn't just marketing fluff. Waddingtons has proper heritage in the playing card world, and this seal means you're getting legitimate stock rather than questionable imports. The cards themselves are standard size and suitable for all the usual suspects: snap, blackjack, rummy, crazy eights, and whatever else takes your fancy.
At this price point, you're not getting premium card stock, and it shows. The cards feel thinner than more expensive decks and will show wear relatively quickly with regular use. After reading through customer feedback, the most common complaint centres on durability — these aren't the cards to buy if you're planning marathon poker sessions or want something that'll last years of heavy use.
That said, they're perfectly adequate for casual games and travelling. The coating is reasonable enough to allow for decent shuffling, though they don't have that satisfying snap of higher-end cards. The printing quality is fine — no bleeding colours or misaligned designs that I've seen reported.
Where these cards shine is portability. They're genuinely useful as a travel companion, taking up minimal space in luggage or a day bag. For holiday games, camping trips, or keeping the kids occupied on long journeys, they do the job without the worry of losing an expensive deck.
The flip side is that heavy use will take its toll quickly. If you're buying these for a busy household where card games are a regular evening activity, expect to replace them within months rather than years. The corners will start to fray, and the cards will develop that slightly sticky feeling that makes shuffling a chore.
At £1.99, these represent solid value if you understand their limitations. You're paying for convenience and authenticity rather than longevity. For comparison, premium playing cards can cost £8-12, so these serve a different market entirely.
They're ideal for situations where you need multiple decks — party games, classroom activities, or just having spares around the house. The low price makes replacement painless when they eventually wear out.
Buy these if you want cheap, legitimate playing cards for light use, travel, or as spares. Skip them if you need something durable for regular gaming sessions — spend more on premium cards instead.
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