A card protector is a small, plastic or cloth bag that is placed over the top of a player’s hand, usually during a hand of poker. The purpose of a card protector is to protect the cards from being marked or scuffed by other players, as well as to keep the cards clean and free from dust and other debris.
Some card protectors have pockets built into them to store additional cash or chips. Others are simply rectangular pieces of fabric with Velcro closures at one end.
Many card protectors come in different colors and styles, so they can be easily distinguished from other playing cards. .
Many professional poker players use card protectors, especially in high-stakes games where the potential for cheating is greater. Some people feel that using a card protector increases the chance of winning because it makes it more difficult for opponents to cheat by manipulating the order of their cards.
Others simply find it more comfortable to play with a card protector on hand, especially if they are a left-handed player.
