dbrous90
Sitting Out
First off before I go any further, I want to thank everyone for any and all responses y'all give me. I know what it's like to see this kind of post on other types of forums and it only works out if the OP has gone about it the right way and done their own research before posting which I think I have done. Most of you have forgotten more about poker chips than I will ever know myself. This is kind of the final step and want some assurance I am going about it all the right way since this is a one-time get-it-right kind of purchase. The post is semi-long but I want to make sure I include all relevant information so that no additional questions need to be answered and it is helpful to anyone else in a situation similar to mine.
Been playing poker off and on casually with buddies since middle school and now that I am 32 I find my buddies wanting to play about 10ish times a year whether it's at the camp, guy's weekend, or just a random Saturday night at one of our houses (usually no one has a set so we don't play). I've never owned my own set but have played with real casino chips down to dice slugs enough to know the major differences in everything. I am the type of person who likes to do a lot of research and then spend my money on a quality functional item that I can have for a long time and be proud of. I've read the beginners guide on here and went to every link. I've read about 100 threads. I've looked at classifieds. I've looked at chip sites and reviewed videos. I've gotten samples (Milanos, Niles, Nevada Jacks). I loved the Nile artwork but comparing them side by side to Nevada Jacks I just love everything about the NJ more and have read not great things about the Nile quality. Small imperfections and differences won't bother me but I want something that will last and looks good. I am trying to narrow down all of that information now as I finally feel like I am running in circles with the information I have.
Game type: Cash game with about 90%+ of the games being $0.25/$0.50 up to $1/$2 with people's total buyins anywhere from $20/$100 per person after rebuys. Probably max 10 people.
Chip set budget: Looking to be around $300 but max $400.
Chip set type (taking budget into account): China Clays or Ceramics. The majority of what I read lean ceramics and I think I do too after comparing Nevada Jacks to Milanos (i know its a lower-end china clay). China Clays I looked at online were dunes, pharoahs, milanos, majestic, and royals. Ceramics I looked at were niles, scrolls, and NJ's. I looked at others too on the various sites mentioned here but don't know enough about them (Apache, ABC, Sunfly, etc.) to go further. Out of all of these options, I am leaning toward the NJ skulls.
Chip Set Denoms Guess (depending if the seller sells in 20 or 25 counts):
500 Chips (probably makes more sense but open to 600. American gaming supply has NJ skulls w/ case at 500 chips for $289 which seems good. I assume that's a reputable site?):
120/125 x 25c
200x $1
160/150 x $5
20/25 x $25
600 Chips:
120/125 x 25c
220/225 x $1
200 x $5
60/50 x $25
Case: Will take whatever it comes with otherwise open to suggestions to buy one. I like the birdcage look but read it's bad to travel with and these will travel sometimes.
Cards: I know nothing about cards so would love a recommendation on the best value set of cards. Not looking to spend much here.
Custom chips: I wouldn't even know where to start although I think that is really cool. I assume this is out of my budget and not an option for this set.
Classifieds: While I would love a set of Paulson's/old casino chips, I honestly have no idea what any of that is worth or where to even start. If not Paulsons, is it worth posting on classifieds what I am looking for once this thread is sorted out, or should I just buy stock on a website as I mentioned above? If anyone has a set they think would suit me that they are looking to pass on, I am open to it.
Group buys: Ive seen a bit of these as well and don't know much more about them besides they happen and help lower the cost of pricier chips. Open to this route to if yall say its an option.
I appreciate everyone who read it through and offer their thoughts. I am excited to finally pull the trigger on my first set.
Been playing poker off and on casually with buddies since middle school and now that I am 32 I find my buddies wanting to play about 10ish times a year whether it's at the camp, guy's weekend, or just a random Saturday night at one of our houses (usually no one has a set so we don't play). I've never owned my own set but have played with real casino chips down to dice slugs enough to know the major differences in everything. I am the type of person who likes to do a lot of research and then spend my money on a quality functional item that I can have for a long time and be proud of. I've read the beginners guide on here and went to every link. I've read about 100 threads. I've looked at classifieds. I've looked at chip sites and reviewed videos. I've gotten samples (Milanos, Niles, Nevada Jacks). I loved the Nile artwork but comparing them side by side to Nevada Jacks I just love everything about the NJ more and have read not great things about the Nile quality. Small imperfections and differences won't bother me but I want something that will last and looks good. I am trying to narrow down all of that information now as I finally feel like I am running in circles with the information I have.
Game type: Cash game with about 90%+ of the games being $0.25/$0.50 up to $1/$2 with people's total buyins anywhere from $20/$100 per person after rebuys. Probably max 10 people.
Chip set budget: Looking to be around $300 but max $400.
Chip set type (taking budget into account): China Clays or Ceramics. The majority of what I read lean ceramics and I think I do too after comparing Nevada Jacks to Milanos (i know its a lower-end china clay). China Clays I looked at online were dunes, pharoahs, milanos, majestic, and royals. Ceramics I looked at were niles, scrolls, and NJ's. I looked at others too on the various sites mentioned here but don't know enough about them (Apache, ABC, Sunfly, etc.) to go further. Out of all of these options, I am leaning toward the NJ skulls.
Chip Set Denoms Guess (depending if the seller sells in 20 or 25 counts):
500 Chips (probably makes more sense but open to 600. American gaming supply has NJ skulls w/ case at 500 chips for $289 which seems good. I assume that's a reputable site?):
120/125 x 25c
200x $1
160/150 x $5
20/25 x $25
600 Chips:
120/125 x 25c
220/225 x $1
200 x $5
60/50 x $25
Case: Will take whatever it comes with otherwise open to suggestions to buy one. I like the birdcage look but read it's bad to travel with and these will travel sometimes.
Cards: I know nothing about cards so would love a recommendation on the best value set of cards. Not looking to spend much here.
Custom chips: I wouldn't even know where to start although I think that is really cool. I assume this is out of my budget and not an option for this set.
Classifieds: While I would love a set of Paulson's/old casino chips, I honestly have no idea what any of that is worth or where to even start. If not Paulsons, is it worth posting on classifieds what I am looking for once this thread is sorted out, or should I just buy stock on a website as I mentioned above? If anyone has a set they think would suit me that they are looking to pass on, I am open to it.
Group buys: Ive seen a bit of these as well and don't know much more about them besides they happen and help lower the cost of pricier chips. Open to this route to if yall say its an option.
I appreciate everyone who read it through and offer their thoughts. I am excited to finally pull the trigger on my first set.