What prevents four-color decks from becoming the norm in live poker?

I have been considering why the use of four-color decks in live poker has not become standard, despite appearing to offer clear benefits. Adopting such a system could enhance game clarity and potentially simplify decision-making in various poker formats. The idea seems straightforward, almost an obvious improvement for both casual and tournament play. I wonder if there are underlying concerns or practical obstacles that have kept these decks from being widely accepted in live poker scenes.

i reckon tradition & cost issues hold back four-colr decks. folks are too used to the old style and switching means extra hassle and expenses that many are not willing to deal with.

Hey all! I’m leaning toward the idea that while four-color decks may seem like a no-brainer at first glance, the real world is a bit messier. Beyond tradition and cost considerations (which have already been mentioned), there’s also the challenge of reworking some of the established systems. Changing something as fundamental as the deck affects not only the device used by dealers but also the players, tournament organizers, and sometimes even the betting rules when everything is standardized across regions. I guess part of the hesitation is about the potential for confusion during a transition—imagine a tournament where someone accidentally brings an old deck or where dealers mix things up in the shuffle. It can really throw a wrench into the smooth flow of the game. In any case, while the idea has its perks (and I love the fresh look four-color decks could offer), it seems like the poker world isn’t quite ready to fully embrace such a fundamental change just yet. Anyone else think that maybe the devil is in the details here? :slightly_smiling_face:

the resistance to four-color decks in live poker seems to stem from a mix of regulatory concerns and practical issues that go beyond the simple aesthetic appeal. adopting a new deck involves retraining dealers, updating protocols, and ensuring that all tournament rules are adjusted accordingly. minor production errors and variations can also lead to disputes during play. in my expereince, any time a major change is implemnted in a traditional game setup, the potential for confusion and inconsistency tends to outweigh the perceived benefits, keeping the status quo intact.