New Members start here! (2 Viewers)

What are people's thoughts on using non-denoms like the starbursts as a frac in a .25/.50 game? 0.25/0.50 is my current groups comfortable blind level at the moment, but fracs are EXPENSIVE.
 
What are people's thoughts on using non-denoms like the starbursts as a frac in a .25/.50 game? 0.25/0.50 is my current groups comfortable blind level at the moment, but fracs are EXPENSIVE.
Purists might balk, but if you feel comfortable with it, it's fine. I have used the equivalent before (in the form of NCVs), and honestly like having the flexibility. Do what works for you and your games.

4dNrBZz.jpg
zHviDeO.jpg
 
Purists might balk, but if you feel comfortable with it, it's fine. I have used the equivalent before (in the form of NCVs), and honestly like having the flexibility. Do what works for you and your games.

4dNrBZz.jpg
zHviDeO.jpg
thanks for the example!
 
Is this set still available for new members? It looks incredible! View attachment 1273459

Members sell of sets from time to time, and the person responsible for the group buy / artwork said they were going to run another one a few years ago, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

You should be able to create a wanted post and get a sample!
 
Members sell of sets from time to time, and the person responsible for the group buy / artwork said they were going to run another one a few years ago, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

You should be able to create a wanted post and get a sample!
Good call, I’ll make a wanted post. Thanks!
 
Thanks for the great page. Similar to a previous poster, I was first drawn to the site based on the custom table toppers available in the vendors section.

I have 2 thoughts as a newbie:
1. Could vendors have links in their profile to quickly find out what they offer and how to order from them? For example, I was browsing for unique buttons for this side game we play (ended up discovering it's a variation of the standup game). A vendor had a great looking "nit!" chip that I wanted to look into more, and it led me down this rabbit hole where I'm suddenly on this page

2. Is there a gallery available of "standard" casino/chip designs? Maybe too big of an ask, but knowing almost nothing about chips, I find myself just browsing the classified section to see what existing designs are out there.
 
Thanks for the great page. Similar to a previous poster, I was first drawn to the site based on the custom table toppers available in the vendors section.

I have 2 thoughts as a newbie:
1. Could vendors have links in their profile to quickly find out what they offer and how to order from them? For example, I was browsing for unique buttons for this side game we play (ended up discovering it's a variation of the standup game). A vendor had a great looking "nit!" chip that I wanted to look into more, and it led me down this rabbit hole where I'm suddenly on this page

2. Is there a gallery available of "standard" casino/chip designs? Maybe too big of an ask, but knowing almost nothing about chips, I find myself just browsing the classified section to see what existing designs are out there.
If you click on Forum > Scroll down you will see a list of vendors, they are links to forum posts by the vendor
you can also get there by clicking Here
2. Is there a gallery available of "standard" casino/chip designs?
Yes actually, ChipGuide has a catalog of user photos of chips dating back to the beginning of time ... time .. time ...

PCF also has a couple of galleries, you can simply click on Media at the top of the page or you can goto Resources and then a sub menu on the left you can click on Poker Chip Hall of Fame, these are user created / voted chip sets. And there is ChipDB like the PCHoF but maybe not voted in to the HoF
 
Is something missing that would be helpful? Please let us know by adding to the post!

Help me with syntax on any / all of it, for perspicuity :sneaky:
perspicuity - an overly wordy word synonymous with 'clarity'


New members, WELCOME! and a hardy hello to you!


This is meant as a quick FAQ, all of these topics are discussed in depths you can't image, please use the search tool to dig deeper. You can think of this as a guided tour, careful dipping your toe in, its deep and it may go further than you can handle!

Why can't I send PMs!? or post auctions or do X?!

We also have site info, and our admins/mods work hard to keep the site free of spam(ers).
Take a few minutes to read through the short and concise Community Guidelines and FAQ, don't worry, I'll remind you again at the end :)


First things first, GET SAMPLES prior to making any purchases!
GET SAMPLES - GET SAMPLES - GET SAMPLES
As a community we try to recycle the samples they hold the value, from auctions, for sale, and even wanted posts. We really mean it, get samples! You'll hear it so much you'll think it's a sport chant - ROLLTIDE!


Index - In this post we'll discuss:
The types of chips and how they are made
-- Different Types of Poker Chips - for beginners / New Members
General Cost per chip
Chip break downs (cash and tournament)
Nonstandard denominations
Standard Chip Colors
Demons Denoms vs Non denoms
Cards
Chip Storage
DIY!
Lingo
Shipping
Meetups
Group Buys
Random Questions
Poker Rules
Bonus
Don't forget CG(TOS) FAQs


Don't overlook the Resource area, it has things like the design tools (links below as well), color references, card info you never thought about!
Speaking of things you never thought about, but absolutely need to run a poker game, it's here

'Search' tutorial will go here

Types of chips:

I see so many different chips online, what is the difference, can I hot stamp dice chips?
Nope!

CrazyEddie other than being crazy (and awesome), has a three part post to get you started One, two, three (also the answer to that old Owl's question)
He also has posts about Bone and Ivory chips.


A brief highlight of 'molds'. There are quite a few, although some are significantly more popular than others, they ALL have a very intriguing and rich history. The mold refers to the outer edge of the chip and the recesses created during the chip making process. The nostalgia even makes it into ceramics as members want to honor the history!

Different molds have different feels, and sounds, you'll be surprised at level of passion and heated debates contained here in.

View attachment 854921
Photo Credit: @Eloe2000 Please check out the full images of these CSQ molds

View attachment 854927
A ceramic chip with a faux scrown honoring TRK! (and a Mapes legacy) label design by our members (@timinater)

We even have members celebrating dice chips molds :wtf:


This is a great resource for molds and spot patterns (inserts) - courtesy of our own @Jeff
Here is a post worth reading on categories of chips by @CrazyEddie

General cost per chip:

Low end plastics 0.05-0.15
Mid end plastic 0.35-0.45
Stock ceramic 0.50-0.75
Custom ceramic 0.30-1.00
Vintage clay 0.25-0.50+
High end plastic 0.75-2.50+
Stock/fantasy clay 2.00-4.00+
Casino clay 2.00-8.00 and up up up
Custom clay 3.00+ depending on complexity
(Thanks @allforcharity )

Chip break downs:

New Link to my New Member's Optimal Chip Break Down

It is typically a security issue to run cash games and tournament games off of the same set. It could cost you significant money, or players.
I want to stress this point and discuss it further, but I'm trying not to overwhelm the post, Can someone find me a good post to link here please?

To adequately define what your chip break down should be, you ought to know how many people you want to be able to provide a bank for; how much bank you should have depends on how many people will be playing and the stakes of which you plan to play with.

You ought NOT say I want XXX chips what break down should I use? You can, are welcome to and members will try to assist.

I really like this chip break down thread by Quad Johnson
for tl;dr I think most would host a .25/.50 game, so here it is

The intricacies of tournament design can be overwhelming, the dream of a huge chip stacks at the table seems amazing until you look at the duration times. How do you balance a reasonable about of time, with buy-ins and a starting stack that doesn't feel like a turbo or a luck machine simulation? I don't know! :eek:

First, I'd like to introduce the guy that might seem a little scary, he can be a little blunt and seem grumpy, he's just been awake for a little too long.

View attachment 854896

BGinGA is very diligent and has contributed so much to the community, dare I say endless information for the quality our member's tournaments.

Here are a few (one, two) threads to get you started
The tl;dr to cover 10-person minimum chip count. I would prefer higher chip count, but the focus for this post is efficiency.

Beyond threads and discussion, we have chip break down tools.

Odd Denominations (2,10,50)

Non standard denominations would include $2, $10, $50
These denoms slow the game down and are typically considered vanity and should not be in small / starter sets.
* disclaimer this is a controversial statement, and I've been called names for posting this myopic view
** it was out of passion for you to have the best information and experience
*** the above is true, but all in jest

**** some members host games with .50 / 2 / 10, we've got some odd balls!

The Story of the big bad wolf; Little pig, little pig let me in!
(a short story of how one evening went sour)
Odd denominations can cause confusion, contention and be inefficient? All in one post? No WAY!

Standard Colors

While custom chips can be of any (base) color the two primary standards are Vegas and California.

Denom
Vegas
Cali
1​
white​
blue​
5​
red​
yellow​
20​
yellow (orange)​
black​
25​
green​
purple​
100​
black​
white​
500​
purple​
grey (brown)​
1000​
orange (yellow)​
orange​

Quintessential Cali Set
Crown Plaza theme designed and commissioned by our members, offered in a group buy open to all members featuring casino quality plastics and that signature black 20 denom! - hubba hubba
photo by @RainmanTrail

While anyone can see the appeal of solid chip colors, you probably knew that edge marks/spots make it easier to see the quantity of chips in stacks.
These edge marks (inserts) have designations, here are a few of my favorites..

Inserts / edge marks can have flaws, its is part of the craftsmanship of a handmade chip

"Split Spots"
View attachment 1133888
photo by @Rhodeman77


Non-Perfect inserts CPC / Paulson

View attachment 1133889
photo by @krafticus


Denoms vs Non Denoms (its preference)

It is highly suggested to use denominations for sets, especially your first set, however non denomination chips can be useful in certain circumstances. One such situation would be for fracs (fractions of a dollar (or unit)). The case maybe you start with a .25 / .50 game, and later things change; with a non denom chip in use as a .25 chip you can now designate it as a .50 chip when the game grows / changes.

While denoms typically use currency as a unit type, we have members using other units! please don't judge us!

Cards
Poker or Bridge - Typically if you use a card shuffler Poker, if you hand shuffle Bridge. Holdem is Jumbo, 4+ cards some prefer standard. There are a ton of threads you can search for recommendations and in resources there is a card database with lots of info! Most people don't like 4 color pips on the table, only on the screen. Here is a visual size difference and here is another thread.

Chip Storage
We have dedicated sub forums for Poker Chip Racks, Cases and Storage. Solutions vary depending on your needs.

Members that travel for local games or across country to meetups typically use a more mobile solution, check out our @Ben8257's 'Luggage'

20210826_184107-jpg.820038

Another fan fav, okay MY favorite long term solution is @darthEez's Chip Vault (we do have member storing them in an actual safes hidden in basements too!)



DIY!
There are so many great posts on building tables, here is an index thread brought to us by @Irish!


Design Services
Looking for help on designing custom chips? Check the Mock up and Design subforum, or maybe commission a design from a current member.
Just want to play around with chips and colors? CPC Design tool or Paulson's tool or Matsui tool
Need help or tips on using these tools? @Irish provide one of the best tips!

Lingo:
What is scrown vs CSQ, and why is TRK's insert better than any IHC? Finding it hard to read? we've got a Glossary (actually 3, Chips, Forum, and Poker!)
I caught a fish and it was this :7c::2d: big!
I got caught by a fish and it was this :jc::4h: big! Do you even emoji bro?

Shipping advise:
As you become more seasoned you may look for help on shipping! we got that!

Meetups:
Want to meet up with people getting drunk and throwing axes? How about local celbs featured on streaming casino games? Middle of nowhere lodges, with giant lakes, or frozen oasis that take snowmobiles to get to in actual Alaska?! YOU CAN! right here! (for security there are restrictions due to tenure)

Group buys:
We try to take advantage of buying in bulk to lower costs for everyone, join us in some amazing chip or plaque purchases. We even have private group buys (referred to as NAGB), while not open to the public or all members they do end up bettering our experience and our overall chip agenda to get beautiful sets onto the table!

Are you just here because you're looking how / where to order Super Poker World Chips?

We also seem to have a growing community of 3D printer enthusiasts, with niche offerings and crazy ideals, here's one from @BearMetal

Random questions:
We seem to love random or not so random questions. How many shuffles does it take to randomize a spaded deck? @RainmanTrail has written a paper on it!

There are two magic numbers 7 and 12, read the post / paper for a more in-depth understanding

Poker Rules:
Where can I find comprehensive set of rules for poker?!

Learned behavior from other forums would prevent me from 'necroing' old threads, basically commenting on a post that is a year or two old, if you see something and want to add to it, we enjoy that here. Get involved, its a blast, our off topic threads will have you posting pictures of beer, whiskey, guns, and even your lawn! Here is my latest contribution to the Most Recent Purchase thread

Its been a long post, thinking of food? Getting hungry, what are you thinking about for dinner? :cool

Here's to you and flopping the nuts (unless you're playing PLO),
Cheers!
- Machine (DeusEx)


If you've come this far, maybe you're willing to come a little further.
- @chipinla

I recently found this beautiful post by @k9dr

There is an endless amount of information about poker chips (or so it seems), before taking another sip from the fire-hydrant take a few minutes on the foundation we've used to have built such a great community.

This menu is often overlooked (top of the page) but houses important information,
like the 'Links' button's Community Guidelines

View attachment 1063714
Thank you, great starting post, only found it after 3 months!
 
Last edited:
This was really useful information, especially the optimal chip breakdown. Been thinking of how to minimize how many chips I need to buy for a set..
 
That is an Apache 4800 holding 1200 chips. The chips are in racks.

The foam in the case is "pick and pluck". You remove what you need to, then use PlastiDip to seal up the remains. Works great.
Is there a description/tutorial of what this all entails?
 
This is amazing info, I wish I had read it before buying a crap set from eBay.

Now I’m between a set of Tina’s from group buys or a Día de los muertos set, living in Mexico I think makes a lot of sense haha.
 
I am looking to buy denominations in a particular color
10$ denomination in pink
20$ denomination in yellow
100$ denomination in purple please let me know where I can find these
 
Thats the one I used, you have click on the 'Spoiler' button and then it opens up, thats the one I like too!

This linked post has terrible suggestions for higher stakes like 2/5. I believe even the OP has sworn off those suggestions.

Otherwise, great thread. It can get a little exhausting for people to answer the same newbie questions over and over again.
 
I am looking to buy denominations in a particular color
10$ denomination in pink
20$ denomination in yellow
100$ denomination in purple please let me know where I can find these
Once you meet the requirements you can post or look through the Classifieds

Before you buy anything but especially $10 chips you might dig into more info, like why you shouldn't buy $10 chips ;) Happy chipping!
 

Create an account or login to comment

You must be a member in order to leave a comment

Create account

Create an account and join our community. It's easy!

Log in

Already have an account? Log in here.

Back
Top Bottom