Do you need a playmat?
A playmat is not required, but it protects your cards and makes playing more comfortable. Here is when a playmat is worth it.
In this article
- A playmat is not required, but it protects your cards and makes playing more comfortable. Here is when a playmat is worth it.
You can play Pokémon cards perfectly fine on a regular table. Yet sooner or later, almost every player ends up with a playmat. Is it mostly for the looks, or does a mat actually earn its place? Let's break it down so you can decide for yourself.
What is a playmat exactly?
A playmat is a play surface of roughly 61 by 35 centimetres. The top is smooth fabric that cards glide over easily. The bottom is non-slip rubber, so the mat stays put while you play. Your deck, your active Pokémon and your bench all get a fixed spot, and nothing slides away mid-game.
Playmats come in countless designs, from official Pokémon artwork to plain colours. That also makes them popular as collectibles. Some collectors even hang them on the wall.
What does a playmat do for your cards?
Tables are rougher than you think. Crumbs, dust and tiny bumps scratch the backs of your cards, especially if you play without sleeves. Sleeves are protective covers that go around each card. A playmat adds a clean, soft layer between your cards and the table.
A mat also makes picking up cards much easier. On a slick table you sometimes have to slide a card to the edge to grab it. On a playmat you lift it straight off, without bending the corners. A small thing, but a big difference if you play often.
When is a playmat worth it?
Do you play regularly, say weekly with friends or at league nights? Then a playmat quickly pays for itself in comfort and card protection. It is also great for kids playing at the kitchen table: the play area is clearly marked, and the cards stay away from crumbs and spills.
Mostly opening packs and collecting? Then a playmat is not a must, but it is a nice surface for safely inspecting and sorting cards. And if you love great artwork, some mats are worth buying purely for display.
Only play the occasional game? You can skip it for now. Start with sleeves instead, they protect your cards everywhere.
What to look for when choosing one
Pick a mat with a non-slip rubber base, otherwise everything still slides around. Check the edges too: stitched edges are sewn borders that will not fray, keeping the mat looking good far longer. Standard size is fine for Pokémon, you do not need an oversized mat.
Store your mat rolled up, never folded. A crease is very hard to get out.
In short
You do not need a playmat, but you will be glad you have one. For anyone who plays often, it is one of the cheapest upgrades for both your comfort and your cards. Check out our playmats below, shipped with bpost from Belgium.
