Welcome to the forum
@heeyuck ! Awesome first post and definitely off to a good start! In my opinion most will say get samples of everything so you can figure out what you like. But for those that join in an area with other chippers I think the best advice is to reach out and try to get a seat in their game.
> many chippers are experienced host, I'm sure we have all been to "Bob and Betty's" game down the street that is more like happy hour than a decent poker game.
> personally a quality "set up" is more important than chips will ever be! Remember 95% of your players will not give two craps about the quality of your chips! Most inexperienced folks will prefer heavy slugged cheapos over a quality clay chip... just the way it is. But a beautiful table with decent lighting, comfortable chairs and fun atmosphere they will remember and keep coming back for more! Again something that an experienced host already knows and likely has infused into their game.
> lastly the chips them selves. Again back to the "buy samples" which especially on a budget will get expensive quickly, and one you find the chips you are happy with, now all of those other samples just sit around. Sure it's cool to let you buddies check out some of the cheaper stuff, heck a couple may even say "dude these are awesome, I want to get a set!" But rarely dies it ever happen... why? Because why buy a boat when your friend down the street already has one! Lol so all of those samples that you paid a couple hundred bucks for now just sit and collect dust.
BUT! Again an experienced chipper likely has lots of sample sets laying around (they have already been through this phase) along with actual sets of chips that you can check out full barrels, shuffle chips and really get the feel for them, while the chipper likely can explain the pros and cons of each.
With all of that being said, I hope I am not overstepping my bounds here but one couple come to mind. Two of the best Hosts on the forum and extremely experienced chippers
@Poker Zombie and
@Mrs Poker Zombie are not terribly far from your location. No idea if they have openings or not, my guess is like in MD. When you host the "best game in town" often there is a wait list to get in. But if at all possible this is the game I would try to check out in person.
Best of luck on your chipping journey, and if I can ever be of assistance feel free to reach out anytime!
Fellow Chipper Ben
