New Member From Rhode Island (1 Viewer)

[AKSuited]

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to introduce myself to everyone on this forum. I’ve been a reading a ton of posts on PCF for about the past month and finally decided to join, so - hello everyone! I’ll also apologize ahead of time for the long post but I encourage you to please read! I can use some advice and some guidance! Lol!

The reason I decided to join PCF is because I’m interested in purchasing an upgrade to my current poker chip set which is "the ultimate poker set". Which I find to be rather slippery and plastic like. Most of the posts I've read this past month have been rather helpful which has led me to the purchase of a bunch of different samples. Ultimately my dream set would be any set that is the closest to the classic clay type poker chips used in casinos throughout the country. From reading the posts it seems like the closest I can get to those is through CPC but I just can’t bring myself to spend that much on a set of poker chips. I know many of you will tell me don’t waste my money on other sets if that’s what I truly want but I just can’t knowing that my next set may only get used for a few times over the next few months. The reasons being, I recently re-started a poker league that was running for years amongst friends that ran up until the pandemic but I’m unsure if this will last. Another reason is that I still want a better set than what I have regardless. Lastly, if the league does last I may not be tempted to purchase CPCs as I may like whatever ones I decide to purchase. Now that you understand my logic. Here is where I am currently.

I purchased these samples:
Milanos
Majestics from Apache
Empire from Apache
Nevada Jacks
A mixture of samples from Poker Chip Lounge
A few other samples from BR Pro Poker

Here’s how I would rank the top 3 so far. All others I’ve moved on from.
1. Majestic
2. Milano
3. Empire

My logic in the decision so far is that the empire and all the other chips felt like plastic\ceramic and similar to my ultimate poker chip set while the China Clays felt a little more like casino chips. The sound on the China Clays was much closer to the casino chips vs. all the other chips which sounded more ceramic\plastic mix.

My next steps are to receive a couple of other sample sets. I’m currently waiting for the Phoenix Card Room chips samples to come in. I also would love to try the Sun-Fly Polyclay and Polyinno chips but the cost of them including shipping is ridiculous. Perhaps someone on PCF has some samples that I can purchase?

Thanks for reading to those that made it all the way through! Any guidance would be helpful as I’m not sure if I’m missing something in my thought process or another chip type.

 

[Mushmanchuman]

First off, welcome man! Seems like you got the type of enthusiasm I like!

All your top 3 chips are doozy’s for your tourney, as long as you can get chips in the denominations you need for the structure you choose.

Another thing that will help fine tune others advice is what is your price range exactly? You UTG or on the button? Know what I’m saying? Me either.

Your best bet would be to show us your junk. I mean your poker table, man cave, food, maybe something else you bought that isn’t poker related but shows everyone something cool. All these are topics are on here and can get your posts up so you can buy stuff on here. A set might pop up right in your range!

Go to broken arrow supplies vendor page and get into a group buy and get the “empire” style china chips. The price is the best for ya..

 

[TheJestyr]

Welcome! Nice job getting samples!! That’s a huge step in figuring out what exactly you want…we all started the same way, thinking “I’ll never spend that much on chips! That’s ridiculous!”…………….yes. It is ridiculous….but it’s also a blast and once you start playing with nice chips, it’s hard to ever go back…enjoy the slippery slope that are quality chips haha

Keep engaging, keep researching, and you’ll find what you’re looking for and more There really is such an abundance of knowledge on this site! And lots of great members too After a couple of weeks you’ll have most, if not all of your questions answered and figure out more of what you’re looking for!

 

[Just1Better]

Hello and welcome!

 

[Tonysquander]

Welcome to PCF!

 

[indemans]

Welcome!

 

[Fran]

Welcome to the forum !

 

[allforcharity]

Hello and welcome!

 

[AKSuited]

First off, welcome man! Seems like you got the type of enthusiasm I like!

All your top 3 chips are doozy’s for your tourney, as long as you can get chips in the denominations you need for the structure you choose.

Another thing that will help fine tune others advice is what is your price range exactly? You UTG or on the button? Know what I’m saying? Me either.

Your best bet would be to show us your junk. I mean your poker table, man cave, food, maybe something else you bought that isn’t poker related but shows everyone something cool. All these are topics are on here and can get your posts up so you can buy stuff on here. A set might pop up right in your range!

Go to broken arrow supplies vendor page and get into a group buy and get the “empire” style china chips. The price is the best for ya.

First off, welcome man! Seems like you got the type of enthusiasm I like!

All your top 3 chips are doozy’s for your tourney, as long as you can get chips in the denominations you need for the structure you choose.

Another thing that will help fine tune others advice is what is your price range exactly? You UTG or on the button? Know what I’m saying? Me either.

Your best bet would be to show us your junk. I mean your poker table, man cave, food, maybe something else you bought that isn’t poker related but shows everyone something cool. All these are topics are on here and can get your posts up so you can buy stuff on here. A set might pop up right in your range!

Go to broken arrow supplies vendor page and get into a group buy and get the “empire” style china chips. The price is the best for ya..

Thanks for the welcome everyone! @Mushmanchuman here are the answers to your questions:

Price Range: Hoping to get around 1,000 chips for multi-use (cash and tournament). Hoping to be around or under $750.00 for a poker chip set for now.

Structure of tournament: 3,000 starting chips. Unlimited rebuys until the end of 5th round (1\2 entry fee and 1\2 stack rebuys). Blinds start at 25\50 and go up slowly. Averaging about 3 hours for tournament.

Cash games: .25\.50

I usually play at a social club that has a variety of players from all different ages. Many of the members play high\low\jack and bocce. I’m trying to get them into poker. It’s a work in progress. Right now we either use my ultimate chip set, world poker tour ones that my friend has, or some plastic ones that we bought at Target. I attached pictures of my poker chip set.

Food: We usually get some pizza or we’ll get a mixture of food. Calzones, sandwiches, chips, things like that. Many times we bring a bunch of cold cuts and make our own sandwiches.

Table: Regular cheap bar type tables. One of my friends just bought a Triton table for his house that he’s going to bring. I’ll post a pic of it when I get to the club later in the week.

Those empire chips you were referring to, are those the same ones from Apache poker? If they are I have those sample already.

One other note to add to my original post involving color of chips. My top 3.

1. Empire
2. Majestic
3. Milano

 

[AKSuited]

Welcome! Nice job getting samples!! That’s a huge step in figuring out what exactly you want…we all started the same way, thinking “I’ll never spend that much on chips! That’s ridiculous!”…………….yes. It is ridiculous….but it’s also a blast and once you start playing with nice chips, it’s hard to ever go back…enjoy the slippery slope that are quality chips haha

Keep engaging, keep researching, and you’ll find what you’re looking for and more There really is such an abundance of knowledge on this site! And lots of great members too After a couple of weeks you’ll have most, if not all of your questions answered and figure out more of what you’re looking for!

Thanks! I have a feeling that I’m going to end up spending a lot of money in the long run. lol! I’ve already spent close to 100 just on samples. I’m receiving the phoenix card room samples tomorrow.

 

[Mushmanchuman]

Thanks for the welcome everyone! @Mushmanchuman here are the answers to your questions:

Price Range: Hoping to get around 1,000 chips for multi-use (cash and tournament). Hoping to be around or under $750.00 for a poker chip set for now.

Structure of tournament: 3,000 starting chips. Unlimited rebuys until the end of 5th round (1\2 entry fee and 1\2 stack rebuys). Blinds start at 25\50 and go up slowly. Averaging about 3 hours for tournament.

Cash games: .25\.50

I usually play at a social club that has a variety of players from all different ages. Many of the members play high\low\jack and bocce. I’m trying to get them into poker. It’s a work in progress. Right now we either use my ultimate chip set, world poker tour ones that my friend has, or some plastic ones that we bought at Target. I attached pictures of my poker chip set.

Food: We usually get some pizza or we’ll get a mixture of food. Calzones, sandwiches, chips, things like that. Many times we bring a bunch of cold cuts and make our own sandwiches.

Table: Regular cheap bar type tables. One of my friends just bought a Triton table for his house that he’s going to bring. I’ll post a pic of it when I get to the club later in the week.

Those empire chips you were referring to, are those the same ones from Apache poker? If they are I have those sample already.

One other note to add to my original post involving color of chips. My top 3.

1. Empire
2. Majestic
3. Milano

Yes the "Empire" is exclusive to @Apache as far as I know. The mold and chip is not. It's called "cards mold" around here or CM. Made by a representative of Chinese company. She is called Tina. They are ceramic chips that I like. The CM is not my favorite though. I like the web mold and can't wait to get some customs or blanks.

You can find out everything about these chips from here. This is a group buy link. Gonna be the cheapest way to get the same type of chip as the empire, but at reduced price and the options to go full custom or pic from a different line-up of chips. And don't get me wrong I've ordered numerous chips from Apache and I think the Empire line up is dope af. Plus you can get it this week. Group buy is gonna be a few months.

I think if you get a set of ceramics to start with and skip the Majestics and Milano. Those 2 types of chips are just place holders for Paulsons or CPC's. Play it tight for a month or 2 and get a starter set at $700 and get a set that you can add on to.

Say you start with limited $5's and run more $25's. Over time you get a few more racks of the $5's as they become available. Or visa versa. Or you finally get a frac that works with the set. Then later when you are over that set you can sell it on here for minimal loss. Majestics and Milanos you'll more than likely eat some money.

Edit: you said $750 budget correct? That will get you a monster cash/tourney Tina set that will spread everything you run.
Sit on a cheap set until you get those chips. By that time you’ll be half way to getting a Paulson set if your saving.

 

[digirati]

Welcome to PCF!

 

[AKSuited]

Yes the "Empire" is exclusive to @Apache as far as I know. The mold and chip is not. It's called "cards mold" around here or CM. Made by a representative of Chinese company. She is called Tina. They are ceramic chips that I like. The CM is not my favorite though. I like the web mold and can't wait to get some customs or blanks.

You can find out everything about these chips from here. This is a group buy link. Gonna be the cheapest way to get the same type of chip as the empire, but at reduced price and the options to go full custom or pic from a different line-up of chips. And don't get me wrong I've ordered numerous chips from Apache and I think the Empire line up is dope af. Plus you can get it this week. Group buy is gonna be a few months.

I think if you get a set of ceramics to start with and skip the Majestics and Milano. Those 2 types of chips are just place holders for Paulsons or CPC's. Play it tight for a month or 2 and get a starter set at $700 and get a set that you can add on to.

Say you start with limited $5's and run more $25's. Over time you get a few more racks of the $5's as they become available. Or visa versa. Or you finally get a frac that works with the set. Then later when you are over that set you can sell it on here for minimal loss. Majestics and Milanos you'll more than likely eat some money.

Edit: you said $750 budget correct? That will get you a monster cash/tourney Tina set that will spread everything you run.
Sit on a cheap set until you get those chips. By that time you’ll be half way to getting a Paulson set if your saving.

Thank you for some of the points you’ve brought up. I haven’t really thought of it that way. Plus I’m not familiar with this whole group buy that is on PCF. I may need a for dummies guide to these purchases. Do they have CPC group buys?!?!

On another note in regards to the Empires, I do like the colors and the designs of them but I just don’t like the feel or sound. They feel slippery and the sound is a little more ceramic sounding than I would like. This is why I’m leaning more towards the Majestics. If there was a chip in-between the Majestics and the Empires that would be awesome! Do you know if the Sun-Fly ones are in-between? How can I get samples of them?

I’m actually thinking about getting a bunch of chips in different denominations for this first set. For example, Milano 5s, Empire 25s, Majestic 100s, etc. That way as we’re playing with them I can get some feedback in action. Thoughts there?

@Mushmanchuman & @TheJestyr - I see what you’re both saying now. I’m starting to get pumped up and maybe I can get some CPC over time!

 

[Mushmanchuman]

I think the price point is the same across the board at CPC. You can get their stock chips quick if they have them. But that limits the customization. Most people that want CPC’s would pony up a lil bit more money and get customs over stock design CPC.

I agree with the slippery aspect and the sound. Not a fan of either myself. I had some CM Aria’s and they clanked around pretty bad. Spinners didn’t bother me. The new web mold chips are nice. I’m can send you some samples if you want.

Might be a good idea to do a mixed set. Make sure the colors work or whatever. And I don’t reckon you’ll play with it very long so just get the minimum number of chips. Nothing about playing them in a game will change how the sound, feel or look.

If you like how a stack feels, looks and sounds, then I would get an entire set same design. Paulson rhc gonna be the best bet for your money

 

[quixotemi]

Welcome to PCF!

 

[raynmanas]

I just can’t bring myself to spend that much on a set of poker chips.

you'll get past this eventually. welcome to PCF.

 

[Juvalien]

Welcome to PCF!

 

[joeyshin]

Rhode Island clam chowder is my favorite clam chowder

 

[AKSuited]

I think the price point is the same across the board at CPC. You can get their stock chips quick if they have them. But that limits the customization. Most people that want CPC’s would pony up a lil bit more money and get customs over stock design CPC.

I agree with the slippery aspect and the sound. Not a fan of either myself. I had some CM Aria’s and they clanked around pretty bad. Spinners didn’t bother me. The new web mold chips are nice. I’m can send you some samples if you want.

Might be a good idea to do a mixed set. Make sure the colors work or whatever. And I don’t reckon you’ll play with it very long so just get the minimum number of chips. Nothing about playing them in a game will change how the sound, feel or look.

If you like how a stack feels, looks and sounds, then I would get an entire set same design. Paulson rhc gonna be the best bet for your money

Ah! So there is no group buy on CPC. I have to get some samples but from what I understand they seem to be the cream of the crop. I’m not to familiar with Paulson rhc but I do know Paulson.

I agree on the spinners aspect, they are the least thing I care about. I’m going for feel and sound as the most important aspects of the chips I’m looking for. I would love a sample set of the web mold but do they sound different than the Empires?

I may try a mixture like I said earlier. I’ll let you know how I make out if I do. Have you tried the Sun-fly? How do they compare?

Thanks for the responses!

 

[AKSuited]

you'll get past this eventually. welcome to PCF.

I have a feeling I will! Looks like I’m going to learn the hard way but who knows?!?!

Rhode Island clam chowder is my favorite clam chowder

Yes! It’s my favorite as well! Rhode Island is o e if the most underrated states around! Good food, good people, and good poker! Ha!

 

[Mushmanchuman]

Ah! So there is no group buy on CPC. I have to get some samples but from what I understand they seem to be the cream of the crop. I’m not to familiar with Paulson rhc but I do know Paulson.

I agree on the spinners aspect, they are the least thing I care about. I’m going for feel and sound as the most important aspects of the chips I’m looking for. I would love a sample set of the web mold but do they sound different than the Empires?

I may try a mixture like I said earlier. I’ll let you know how I make out if I do. Have you tried the Sun-fly? How do they compare?

Thanks for the responses!

They have the same sound but I think they are pretty nice and you can ala cart the colors and chips to your liking. But they still sound like ceramics. Maybe a good label on them will dull the noice. I just noticed that you can hear the chips all thru my house when we played with them.

Paulson RHC are your standard, newer casino Paulson. See indiana grand or diamond jacks. THC are paulsons but with a smaller inlay and an extra 2 rings on the chip. they are more sturdy and more sought after around here. And usually more expensive

 

[legend672]

Didn’t realize Rhode Island got the internet finally

 

[Colquhoun]

For that budget, I would do Web or Greek mold chips, by a large margin. They’re awesome for the money.
Also OP, post your breakdowns for your cash and tourney, others here on PCF may be able to help with streamlining the best amounts of chips needed, so your money will go further.

 

[KingZilla]

I agree with your opinion of the "china clay" chips. They do have the feel and sound very close to compression molded clays. HOWEVER, I got a sample set of Majestics and the stack felt slippery (even for china clays). You should try to find info on the Majestics from long term owners but my experience with china clays is that they will physically break down over time, which was very disappointing to me because I was a huge proponent of those chips when they were first introduced. I've even seen some "new old-stock" china clays that arrived already flaking because they dried out in storage. I don't know if oiling them would slow/stop that process but buyer beware.

 

[AKSuited]

For that budget, I would do Web or Greek mold chips, by a large margin. They’re awesome for the money.
Also OP, post your breakdowns for your cash and tourney, others here on PCF may be able to help with streamlining the best amounts of chips needed, so your money will go further.

I’ll have to get some samples of those molds.

For the cash games it’s just straight .25\.50. Sometimes we’ll mix up with dealer’s choice but it’s still going to be .25\.50. I figured a mix of .25, .50, 1.00, 5.00, and 10.00 for chips.

For tournament the starting amount is 3,000 with unlimited 1/2 stack rebuys up until the end of the fifth round. Blind structure is:
25\50
50\100
75\150
100\200
125\250
200\400
300\600
400\800
500\1,000
600\1,200
1,000\2,000
1,500\3,000
2,000\4,000
3,000\6,000 and so on…
I figure a set of 25, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000 for tournament.

 

[AKSuited]

I agree with your opinion of the "china clay" chips. They do have the feel and sound very close to compression molded clays. HOWEVER, I got a sample set of Majestics and the stack felt slippery (even for china clays). You should try to find info on the Majestics from long term owners but my experience with china clays is that they will physically break down over time, which was very disappointing to me because I was a huge proponent of those chips when they were first introduced. I've even seen some "new old-stock" china clays that arrived already flaking because they dried out in storage. I don't know if oiling them would slow/stop that process but buyer beware.

Good to know! I’m sure I can find someone that posted about this on PCF.

 

[Colquhoun]

I’ll have to get some samples of those molds.

For the cash games it’s just straight .25\.50. Sometimes we’ll mix up with dealer’s choice but it’s still going to be .25\.50. I figured a mix of .25, .50, 1.00, 5.00, and 10.00 for chips.

For tournament the starting amount is 3,000 with unlimited 1/2 stack rebuys up until the end of the fifth round. Blind structure is:
25\50
50\100
75\150
100\200
125\250
200\400
300\600
400\800
500\1,000
600\1,200
1,000\2,000
1,500\3,000
2,000\4,000
3,000\6,000 and so on…
I figure a set of 25, 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000 for tournament.

For efficiency, there’s no need for a 50c or $10 chip in your setup. Generally, the denomination increments should be 4x-5x of the previous denomination. Having to bet with two 25c chips is fine instead of one 50c chip. It will save you from spending money on unnecessary chips, your game will run smoother, and cashouts will be easier.
You could also skip the $10 and go with a few $20 chips, makes it easy when people re-buy with $20 bills. That way, you can have a separate 25 chip for your tournaments.

What amount of each of the 25/100/500/1k/5k were you thinking?

Also, you may find 10k starting stacks work better in T25-based tournaments. In fact, 10k is usually the lowest folks use, sometimes their T25 tournaments are 15K or 20K to start.

 

[AKSuited]

For efficiency, there’s no need for a 50c or $10 chip in your setup. Generally, the denomination increments should be 4x-5x of the previous denomination. Having to bet with two 25c chips is fine instead of one 50c chip. It will save you from spending money on unnecessary chips, your game will run smoother, and cashouts will be easier.
You could also skip the $10 and go with a few $20 chips, makes it easy when people re-buy with $20 bills. That way, you can have a separate 25 chip for your tournaments.

What amount of each of the 25/100/500/1k/5k were you thinking?

Also, you may find 10k starting stacks work better in T25-based tournaments. In fact, 10k is usually the lowest folks use, sometimes their T25 tournaments are 15K or 20K to start.

This is what I was thinking for cash:
.25 x 150
.50 x 150
1.00 x 125
5.00 x 50
10.00 x 25

Tournament
25.00 x 150
100.00 x 150
500.00 x 125
1,000 x 50
5,000 x 25

Any suggestions for these? What should I change?

Also, for the T25 with starting stacks of 10k, 15k, or 20k - what are the blind increments?

 

[Colquhoun]

Maybe I missed it, but how many players are we talking about?
I still think the 50c and $10 are unnecessary. Also, 300 fracs in a .25/.50 is way too much imo. Any raises are going to be the $1 chips.

For tournaments, there's lots of T25 tournament breakdown posts, I would search them out.
Your setup looks like almost the amounts for a 2-table tournament, but there's not enough high denom chips.
A better T25 tournament breakdown can be found in this discussion:
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/thre...wn-for-t25-tournament-set.57225/#post-1107661

And here's a great video from one of PCF's own:

Just trying prevent buying too many unnecessary chips.

 

[AKSuited]

Right now the last time we played I had 8 people in the tourney and 8 for cash. Long term goal is for me to get a poker league going. The tourney had 4 re-buys. I’m thinking if everything goes right I’ll probably have around 14 in tournaments. Any help here for chip set counts would be helpful!