Why use playmats?
Gear forum
Posted on Jan. 17, 2016, 5:09 a.m. by xavrr
The question is pretty self-explanatory...
Is it worth getting a playmat?
Yes! After I got one, my sleeves stayed much more clean in a very long time. It also reduce the chance of getting dirt into your sleeve which is crucial for your cards.
A playmat is a must.
January 17, 2016 7:19 a.m.
Depending on the type of table you are playing on, it also makes picking up and sliding around your cards a lot easier and as they said reduces a lit of wear on your sleeves. Well worth the investment
January 17, 2016 7:49 a.m.
Ohthenoises says... #5
Ok, I know it's off topic but ChiefBell: "It stops your cards and slaves..."
What you do with your slaves is your business lol.
Playmats are VERY much worth it. It keeps everything clean and prevents your stuff from getting damaged. It also has the function of acting like a toilet seat cover.
Some people in mtg card shops are... Let's be nice and say unclean... Having a playmat keeps your cards away from their cheeto stained leavings on the table.
January 17, 2016 8:30 a.m.
Epochalyptik says... #7
As far as I'm aware, there are very few types of playmats. Most are made of the same rubber composite and bonded fabric; the only real variation in construction is the thickness of the rubber. Some cloth playmats exist; they're lighter and easier to fold, but they're also less protective in my opinion because they do little to insulate against spilled liquids.
January 17, 2016 8:58 a.m.
Ohthenoises - Autocorrect has always been a problem for me.
January 17, 2016 9:02 a.m.
JakeHarlow says... #9
@ Ohthenoises:
You aren't kidding. The propensity of some of the players at my LGS to make absolute messes of the play area with their food is astounding. Furthermore, the state of dress and grooming that some of these folks are content to leave their homes in is baffling to me. There are plenty of other folks who dress and groom just fine, but some of the other ones are just astounding. If I ran an LGS, I'd enforce a reasonable dress code and hygiene policy.
But yes, OP, playmats are a total must. Your sleeves can get gross fast. Even if you double sleeve your cards, any buildup of grime will eventually threaten to dirty them. Protect your investment by always washing your hands when handling your cards, and preventing opponents with dirty hands (example: pizza eaters who refuse to wash post-meal) from touching your cards. And also use a playmat. It'll shield your cards from table dirt and absorb other bad stuff. Once it gets dirty, you can clean it easily. It's completely machine-washable on delicate setting, warm water. Hang it to air dry over night. Protect your playmat with a Monster tube.
Yes, I'm neurotic about the conditions of my things, but my policies ensure that my cards stay in pack-fresh shape despite frequent tournament play. I recommend playmats, they are well worth it.
January 17, 2016 9:07 a.m.
If you, by type, mean what brand to buy, go Ultra Pro. They are fairly cheap, really good quality and comes in a wide varity of colors/art.
January 17, 2016 9:13 a.m.
Ohthenoises says... #11
JakeHarlow I made myself a chainmaille playmat bag.
January 17, 2016 9:15 a.m.
@Ohthenoises-I'd be interested in pictures of the bag you are talking about. That sounds awesome.
January 17, 2016 10:26 a.m.
Ender666666 says... #14
I don't have a lot to add to this, but to agree with what's been said. For my, the part I care about the most is that it makes your cards a lot easier to pick up. To me they are worth it simply for that alone.
January 17, 2016 10:30 a.m.
asasinater13 says... #17
if you want your own/different art you could go with inkedplaymats, those are the alternative basically.
January 17, 2016 11:56 a.m.
logansullivan says... #18
One way to get a pretty nice playmat is if you have a go in your area pick up a playmat from one of the artists there.
January 17, 2016 1:33 p.m.
RussischerZar says... #19
I won the FRF Gameday Champion playmat (with Ugin art) and never regretted it :P
ChiefBell says... #2
It stops your cards and slaves getting grimy. I definitely value my purchase.
January 17, 2016 6:44 a.m.