Looking for advice on a first set choice (1 Viewer)

[Sap]

About 3 years ago, a friend and I wanted to get a really nice set of poker chips so we could get weekly/monthly poker nights started. So naturally we bought the nicest set money could buy, a 1,000 piece Monte Carlo set off amazon for about $250.

Fast forward through the pandemic and we've probably played about a dozen times. Each time, we enjoy each other's company, but the games last 7+ hours. To fix this, I set out to find the best tournament set-up to ensure our games wouldn't go on all night. I went to youtube and found the very helpful videos of Chris Manzoni and his insistence on Pokerchipforum.com being the best place for resources poker related. And without a doubt he was correct.

The resources here are incredible for anyone beginning their poker(chip) journey. I was able to create a T25 Tourney calculator in Google Sheets for our group that allows me to put in the # of players, length of tournament, and buy-in, and the sheet does the rest. May we never run an 8 hour tournament again (unless we want to).

With all these helpful resources came an incredible history lesson on poker chips and an awesome new interest to pass the time. After visiting many forums and one too many Hobbyphilic videos, I decided the Monte Carlos were not going to cut it. I ordered samples of Tiki Kings, Majestics, & beautiful Atlantic Club Hot Stamps. I believe I'm fully prepared and have hesitated long enough that it's time to buy some chips.

I've already got the denominations and quantity set for a tournament (12/12/5/6/2) and the max I'd need for a 10 player table is about 430 (including On-TIme Bonuses & Bank). The choice is between:

- Majestics ~ $250
- Tiki Kings/DDLM ~ $405
- Atlantic Club HH Mold ~ $1,100 (for 430 chips, $1300 for 500 chips)

You may already be able to guess where my hesitation is coming from. Having just discovered this world of poker chips about a month ago, I feel as if I need to work my way up this ladder of quality, or else I won't be able to appreciate the top end. My heart wants the beautiful Atlantic Clubs to just have a (1-table) tourney set and be on my way.

I'm worried I won't be able to appreciate what I have if I jump straight to the CPC, and I know for sure the guys I play with won't appreciate it as much. But, I also don't want to waste 40% of the CPC budget on some ceramics and regret it later.

Thanks for any advice or wisdom. Have an awesome Friday.

 

[SteveEH]

We're all pretty much in the same boat here - we buy chips for ourselves and our friends don't give a crap.

If I were in your shoes I would buy some stock CPCs so I can appreciate them now, spend time (take your time and do it right the first time) designing a custom CPC set with a meaningful and personal theme, and sell the stock CPCs for a reasonable price when I get my customs.

I'd go for stock CSQ Rounders though.

Welcome!

 

[Taxi500]

I was new here like 6 months ago. Already burned through a lot of mistakes.
- Don't be afraid to take it slow. I still don't own real casino chips yet and don't mind.
- Do yourself a favor and get Tiki kings in 43mm (I own a set and my guys rave about them).
- Buy a Rjdev table topper ASAP - This is a quality of life improvement far greater than any chip set I own.

Will likely buy CPC set next. REALLY love my BR sets though (SPW & Tiki)

Current sets: Desert Heat, Super poker world, Tiki King (43mm), and Abbiati Crown Plazas. Welcome!

 

[Sneakygreek]

I started out in about 2016 with metal slugs and it served its purpose for my 5-6 player games. As my group grew larger, that set was no longer suitable.

I bought my first set of paulsons RHC in 2021 which ran me around $1400 for 1000 chips. Not a bad deal at the time!

Then I started to realize the economical problems with trying to acquire high denominations and then went a different route, CPC. I got some samples. $3000 later…

Since then I’ve sold off most of my RHC’s and then started a THC cash set of Aurora Stars. More thousands of dollars later I have this set…

Take your time, these chips come and go. Stay within your budget. Unless your friends are out of their minds like everyone in this forum, no one is going to notice whether you have premium clay chips or plastic chips.

 

[NoNamePokerGuy]

First and foremost, set your budget. You can spend a LOT on a set because it's nice. Don't have a budget of 1K and end up spending 3600$, this is a very common trap.

As far as your friends, 1) they will notice the quality upgrade, 2) they won't understand why poker chips cost several dollars per chip. Buy poker chips for your self, not others.

Be careful with what you fall in love with. There are a lot of nice sets that will take you a year or more to assemble unless you get lucky. Be prepared to have to buy more chips than you need/want and off load the extras. Okay, let's be honest you aren't going to sell the extras, you're going to keep them because "well I've already paid for them".

 

[Sap]

First and foremost, set your budget. You can spend a LOT on a set because it's nice. Don't have a budget of 1K and end up spending 3600$, this is a very common trap.

As far as your friends, 1) they will notice the quality upgrade, 2) they won't understand why poker chips cost several dollars per chip. Buy poker chips for your self, not others.

Be careful with what you fall in love with. There are a lot of nice sets that will take you a year or more to assemble unless you get lucky. Be prepared to have to buy more chips than you need/want and off load the extras. Okay, let's be honest you aren't going to sell the extras, you're going to keep them because "well I've already paid for them".

Very wise and simple advice, I love it. Sticking to a budget sounds simple, but with all the accessories and nice-to-haves that come along with this, it is not always easy to follow. The purchases would always be for myself (although I am sure showing off a little doesn't hurt...).

 

[Sap]

I started out in about 2016 with metal slugs and it served its purpose for my 5-6 player games. As my group grew larger, that set was no longer suitable.

I bought my first set of paulsons RHC in 2021 which ran me around $1400 for 1000 chips. Not a bad deal at the time!

View attachment 1101439

Then I started to realize the economical problems with trying to acquire high denominations and then went a different route, CPC. I got some samples. $3000 later…

View attachment 1101440

Since then I’ve sold off most of my RHC’s and then started a THC cash set of Aurora Stars. More thousands of dollars later I have this set…

View attachment 1101441

Take your time, these chips come and go. Stay within your budget. Unless your friends are out of their minds like everyone in this forum, no one is going to notice whether you have premium clay chips or plastic chips.

Gorgeous, Gorgeous, and Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. Something about those Aurora Yellows...

 

[MichaelBubly]

I originally started thinking a set of ceramics would be the set to stay with for a while.

Less than I year later I've bought 3x ceramic sets, a CPC set, a Paulson tournament set, a plastic set, and now a THC Paulson cash set.

That being said, this came with a good deal of patience and waiting for the right opportunities to arise. Know what you want before you buy it, and be patient. I was able to try a variety of sets at local PCFer games and was able to narrow down what I loved and didn't love.

Buying second hand sets is a great way to get into a nicer set for a good price. It can just takes a few months for the right set to pop up. Samples are the best place to start. Try everything. RHC, THC, CPC, ceramics of all kinds, and even plastic.

 

[Sap]

I originally started thinking a set of ceramics would be the set to stay with for a while.

Less than I year later I've bought 3x ceramic sets, a CPC set, a Paulson tournament set, a plastic set, and now a THC Paulson cash set.

That being said, this came with a good deal of patience and waiting for the right opportunities to arise. Know what you want before you buy it, and be patient. I was able to try a variety of sets at local PCFer games and was able to narrow down what I loved and didn't love.

Buying second hand sets is a great way to get into a nicer set for a good price. It can just takes a few months for the right set to pop up. Samples are the best place to start. Try everything. RHC, THC, CPC, ceramics of all kinds, and even plastic.

Being patient is definitely the hardest advice to take, especially when all of this is new and everything looks interesting. But finding some second hand CPC sets would be incredible and fit the bill. Maybe I lurk just a little longer before pulling the trigger, thank you.

 

[Rooster410]

I’m a year in and my progression was the following.

- started with Dice chips
- Feb 2022 China clay (custom labels on blank Royals)
- June 2022 Tina cards mold - semi custom
- Dec 2022 Tina cards mold - full custom - hired a designer

In between all those dates I’ve been buying samples of Paulson, china clay, and everything in between.

Currently considering making my first Paulson set purchase this Sunday, but now I’m leaning towards a custom CPC set.

It’s a fun journey. Enjoy it!

 

[Sap]

We're all pretty much in the same boat here - we buy chips for ourselves and our friends don't give a crap.

If I were in your shoes I would buy some stock CPCs so I can appreciate them now, spend time (take your time and do it right the first time) designing a custom CPC set with a meaningful and personal theme, and sell the stock CPCs for a reasonable price when I get my customs.

I'd go for stock CSQ Rounders though.

Welcome!

Yes, those CSQ Rounders are incredible. I think if I could find those or any Atlantic Club T25s on the classified, I'd be pouncing on it.

 

[Gunnar]

Be careful with what you fall in love with.

Gorgeous, Gorgeous, and Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. Something about those Aurora Yellows...

We are not being very supportive here guys....
But honestly budget is super important, I waited 7 years to order my CPC custom set as I wanted to be able to do it without feeling guilt or shame from spending so much on chips that only me and some other maniacs on this site truly value.

 

[MichaelBubly]

Being patient is definitely the hardest advice to take, especially when all of this is new and everything looks interesting. But finding some second hand CPC sets would be incredible and fit the bill. Maybe I lurk just a little longer before pulling the trigger, thank you.

I started with Aria Card Molds. Quickly followed by these.

I then found a great set of CPCs in the classifieds that I scooped up right away.

Got a plastic set from TCR a short while later because the price was right. Honestly a big fan of these.

Then a set I never thought I'd be able to afford popped up for an amazing deal and I couldn't say no. Sold the CPC set to make room and added the Jack Tournament set which will likely stay with me for the long run.

I've fallen down the rabbit hole, but I love the collecting and hunting as much as I love playing with them. I could have waited and only bought 1-2 sets, but I'm quite happy with my purchases so far. I've only had 2 sets (Arias and CDI Cards Molds) That I didn't love or didn't need by the time they arrived which were quickly resold to fund other purchases.

Take your time at the start though. Get samples of CPCs and Ceramics, and some other options first. Looks are a big factor, but the feel and handling of the chips has becoming very important to me which you ca only decide by holding them in your hands.

Good luck! Look forward to seeing what you choose.

 

[Jeevansluck]

I started out with posts that said things like ….

“$0.30 per chip is outrageous”

Or…

“You people are all nuts, I’ll never spend $1/chip”

Nearly 4 years have passed…where I’m at today, and they aren’t even all there…

Absolutely ridiculous! I can’t recall what the one reason was I even came to PCF. I was starting up a home game and wanted to sort of upgrade from cheap plastic chips. I did frequent the casinos quite a lot and wanted some of that in my home game. I didn’t know how badly I’d get addicted

 

[Nine_high]

Welcome!

I went from dice chips straight to custom CPC. I love the Atlantics, that's what I was going to get but I wanted $ signs so I said oh well guess I'm going custom lol.

If you already know what size/breakdown set you want, and the Atlantic are in your budget, I'd jump straight to them. You're going to buy them sooner or later anyway

 

[Sap]

I started with Aria Card Molds. Quickly followed by these.
View attachment 1101505

I then found a great set of CPCs in the classifieds that I scooped up right away.

View attachment 1101506

Got a plastic set from TCR a short while later because the price was right. Honestly a big fan of these.

View attachment 1101507

Then a set I never thought I'd be able to afford popped up for an amazing deal and I couldn't say no. Sold the CPC set to make room and added the Jack Tournament set which will likely stay with me for the long run.

View attachment 1101508

I've fallen down the rabbit hole, but I love the collecting and hunting as much as I love playing with them. I could have waited and only bought 1-2 sets, but I'm quite happy with my purchases so far. I've only had 2 sets (Arias and CDI Cards Molds) That I didn't love or didn't need by the time they arrived which were quickly resold to fund other purchases.

Take your time at the start though. Get samples of CPCs and Ceramics, and some other options first. Looks are a big factor, but the feel and handling of the chips has becoming very important to me which you ca only decide by holding them in your hands.

Good luck! Look forward to seeing what you choose.

Damn those Cincy Jacks are beautiful! Yes the samples I have are nice and were a nice way to solidify some opinions.

One huge thing I didn't realize I'd love so much are the edge spot progressions!

Welcome!

I went from dice chips straight to custom CPC. I love the Atlantics, that's what I was going to get but I wanted $ signs so I said oh well guess I'm going custom lol.

If you already know what size/breakdown set you want, and the Atlantic are in your budget, I'd jump straight to them. You're going to buy them sooner or later anyway

Ahh, someone to tell me exactly what I want to hear! haha. I really love the Atlantic Clubs and will be on the lookout for a little before jumping on them.

 

[Sap]

Update. A little more research and diligence and I found a great deal on a set of Tiki Kings from @clapton77 . Great deal and great service from him. Excited to try them out this weekend! Maybe in the future I can try some casino chips, but I am set for the time being

 

[merkong]

Great job. Enjoy.

PSA - Steer clear of the classifieds unless you want to become like one of us.

 

[Sap]

Great job. Enjoy.

PSA - Steer clear of the classifieds unless you want to become like one of us. View attachment 1104260

I think I will be joining you guys soon enough

 

[aaron2786]

I started out with posts that said things like ….

“$0.30 per chip is outrageous”

Or…

“You people are all nuts, I’ll never spend $1/chip”

Nearly 4 years have passed…where I’m at today, and they aren’t even all there…
View attachment 1101515

Absolutely ridiculous! I can’t recall what the one reason was I even came to PCF. I was starting up a home game and wanted to sort of upgrade from cheap plastic chips. I did frequent the casinos quite a lot and wanted some of that in my home game. I didn’t know how badly I’d get addicted

@Jeevansluck , are those Matsui or Apache racks? Either way, do you prefer them to standard racks for storage?

 

[Jeevansluck]

@Jeevansluck , are those Matsui or Apache racks? Either way, do you prefer them to standard racks for storage?

All my racks are Matsui. I LOVE them.

I know some folks aren’t fans, but I’m all about Matsui. I don’t really utilize standard racks. I only use racks for transportation in a Versa case.

Otherwise, it’s about pretty displays all over my poker room. I don’t like how chips look on a shelf when racked up. I like the weight of the chips to be distributed evenly over the racks and not the chips. (I know it’s OCD and racks of chips stacked on one another can’t actually wreck the chips, but I tell myself this anyways)

 

[aaron2786]

All my racks are Matsui. I LOVE them.

I know some folks aren’t fans, but I’m all about Matsui. I don’t really utilize standard racks. I only use racks for transportation in a Versa case.

Otherwise, it’s about pretty displays all over my poker room. I don’t like how chips look on a shelf when racked up. I like the weight of the chips to be distributed evenly over the racks and not the chips. (I know it’s OCD and racks of chips stacked on one another can’t actually wreck the chips, but I tell myself this anyways)

Yeah, with the new table coming in and finally setting up a dedicated room, I think imma need to pick some up

 

[Sap]

Well, I've been part of this hobby for about 4 weeks now, and a part of these forums for a little over 3 weeks and it has been incredible.

I started to learn a ton about poker chips themselves starting with Hobbyphilic on youtube, quickly followed up by reading tons and tons on the forums.

I was able to secure some Tiki Kings in a great deal from a fellow member, and added on sufficient accessories from BrProPoker to make that set nice and complete for a T25-base STT.

Then, this past weekend, I was able to secure my first Paulson set and a BEAUTIFUL one at that. Diamond Jacks for a T5-Base STT, which I can expand to a full 2 Table Tourney set by buying an additional rack of $100s.

For actually preparing for gameplay and tournament directing itself, I am 10,000% more knowledgeable and our games run sooo much smoother thanks to all the incredibly helpful people answering the same beginner level questions for us again and again in a thousand different threads (Shoutout BGinGA).

Outside of poker chip collecting, my world is moving swiftly. My girlfriend (of almost 10 years) and I are about to move again for her residency, and there will be tons of upcoming expenses (not to mention the ~$350,000 in student loans we have). I've already spent close to $2,000 on this wonderful hobby and I don't see room for much more to be spent. I don't currently host any home games because all the guys I play with are about 2 hours away, and about to get much farther. I'm going to aim to get my chips felted 4 times a year, but we will see how that goes.

I know I won't be able to cold turkey this hobby, but I had this sad realization as the Diamond Jacks set arrived today that I really can't get that involved with the hobby anymore. Maybe in about 3 years when finances are much more comfortable, I'll be able to jump back in to collecting and maybe even try murdering (I can say that right?).

You guys are all awesome and I will see you around!

 

[NoNamePokerGuy]

I've already spent close to $2,000 on this wonderful hobby and I don't see room for much more to be spent.

This is the lie most of us have told our selves. No matter if we can afford it or not.

 

[TheRealTeddyKGB]

Well, I've been part of this hobby for about 4 weeks now, and a part of these forums for a little over 3 weeks and it has been incredible.

I started to learn a ton about poker chips themselves starting with Hobbyphilic on youtube, quickly followed up by reading tons and tons on the forums.

I was able to secure some Tiki Kings in a great deal from a fellow member, and added on sufficient accessories from BrProPoker to make that set nice and complete for a T25-base STT.

Then, this past weekend, I was able to secure my first Paulson set and a BEAUTIFUL one at that. Diamond Jacks for a T5-Base STT, which I can expand to a full 2 Table Tourney set by buying an additional rack of $100s.

For actually preparing for gameplay and tournament directing itself, I am 10,000% more knowledgeable and our games run sooo much smoother thanks to all the incredibly helpful people answering the same beginner level questions for us again and again in a thousand different threads (Shoutout BGinGA).

Outside of poker chip collecting, my world is moving swiftly. My girlfriend (of almost 10 years) and I are about to move again for her residency, and there will be tons of upcoming expenses (not to mention the ~$350,000 in student loans we have). I've already spent close to $2,000 on this wonderful hobby and I don't see room for much more to be spent. I don't currently host any home games because all the guys I play with are about 2 hours away, and about to get much farther. I'm going to aim to get my chips felted 4 times a year, but we will see how that goes.

I know I won't be able to cold turkey this hobby, but I had this sad realization as the Diamond Jacks set arrived today that I really can't get that involved with the hobby anymore. Maybe in about 3 years when finances are much more comfortable, I'll be able to jump back in to collecting and maybe even try murdering (I can say that right?).

You guys are all awesome and I will see you around!

I've been sick this week so that's why no invite to my weekly game. Hopefully you'll be able to make it to one before you take off.

 

[Sap]

I've been sick this week so that's why no invite to my weekly game. Hopefully you'll be able to make it to one before you take off.

I would loooove to, but I am way over in Ohio, probably moving somewhere else in the Midwest in June. I’d love to find a chill home game, trying to get better at poker and also enjoy some nice chips and friends.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

I’d love to find a chill home game, trying to get better at poker and also enjoy some nice chips and friends.

All there is to it! Congrats on getting hooked, really cool start.

 

[TheRealTeddyKGB]

I would loooove to, but I am way over in Ohio, probably moving somewhere else in the Midwest in June. I’d love to find a chill home game, trying to get better at poker and also enjoy some nice chips and friends.

Classic. I actually have good vision but thought you were SPR not SAP. Now I'm less confused!!

 

[TheRealTeddyKGB]

Classic. I actually have good vision but thought you were SPR not SAP. Now I'm less confused!!

You're still welcome if you're ever in NorCal!

 

[Sap]

You're still welcome if you're ever in NorCal!

I’d be there in a heartbeat!