PYSC 801: The Psychology of Chips by Dr. MeridianFC (1 Viewer)

MeridianFC

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Thank you for attending today's graduate level lecture of the Psychology of Chips/Chipping/Chipes/Cheques. I encourage any of you to challenge my assertions here. This course will give you 4 credits towards a cup of coffee at my next home game. First off let us state that the use, abuse, love, lust, and animal like acquisition of gaming tokens of any type is a recognized mental illness according to the current DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5th Edition Ed. Doyle Brunson). We can refer to this text from "The Silence of the Late Position Limper":

Hannibal Lecter : First principles, Clarice. Simplicity. Read Marcus Aurelius. Of each particular thing ask: what is it in itself? What is its nature? What does he do, this man you seek?
Clarice Starlite : He plays poker
Hannibal Lecter : No. That is incidental. What is the first and principal thing he does? What needs does he serve by playing poker?
Clarice Starlite : Anger, um, social acceptance, and, huh, sexual frustrations, sir...
Hannibal Lecter : No! He covets. That is his nature. And how do we begin to covet, Clarice? Do we seek out things to covet? Make an effort to answer now.
Clarice Starlite : No. We just...
Hannibal Lecter : No. We begin by coveting what we see every day on PCF. Don't you feel eyes moving over your poker table, Clarice? And don't your eyes seek out the things you want?

So some of you may be familiar with Maslow's Hierarchy of Need as it relates to the lesser humans pursuits.

Maslows Hiearchy of Needs.png


But if we are study more closely in the specific world of madness that is the a nature of chipping we see a different situation. What are the essential elements and how do they build on each other. I would proffer that for the majority of home game afflicted here the pyramid is built thus (though with there being a shading from one level to the next)

MeridianFC HON Finalish.png



The Visuals
While every element is important the looks is the first thing that draws us in. What colors? Do the colors appeal? Do they work together in set? What patterns (spots or designs)? What of the inlay, it's size and shape? The wrap, the view from the side? Can these visual elements be customized to reflect the needs and desires of the user?

The Physical
Is the weight appealing and appropriate (nice heft but not overbearing). Is the texture appealing? Does the texture enhance or inhibit the stacking and manipulation? How does the chip wear?

Financial
What does it cost to acquire? Is the value specific to the user? Is the value for investment or trade?

Security
How important is security (the difficulty/inability of others to obtain)? Are you running .10/.20 or $10/20? Are the assembled users largely known or unknown to the host? It should be noted that as the environment in which the chips are used becomes more fiscal and less social this strata of the pyramid would move downward (increase in importance) so that for a Casino it would be at the base and the other elements might change positions.

X Factor
The other elements that vary in importance depending on user. Availability? Future proof (add ons)? Is mixing possible? Does the origin/history/provenance/personal connection carry additional weight? Are you looking to Mack? Does the smell or lack of smell figure in?

You thesis opposing or supporting this assertion is due by winter break. I will post office hours shortly.
 
After today’s post (oh come on everyone knows what I’m talking about) I think I’m going to have to add a new level to the pyramid
 
I was chatting about chipping with another PCFer at my most recent game, when a theory hit me:

One reason why chipping is so satisfying and addicting: because receiving a shipment of barrels or racks ***feels a lot like raking a big pot.***
This bears some thought. We will discuss during this week's practicum in the lab.
 

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