Rule of thumb for $$ to spend on poker chips? (1 Viewer)

[grantc54]

I’ve never understood the massive sets. Like you, I believe it is much more for the Internet points as opposed to “I MIGHT need this many in the next couple decades.” How many of those massive sets are still mint or unplayed? I feel bad for those that would like the chips to actually use, but won’t get a set because someone breaks out the ruler while showing them off.

I think the name for those people is hoarders.

In many cases it can be less expensive to purchase all the chips you could possibly need from the start.

That is what I do now as I know what I need to support my league for tournaments (3 tables) and like it if I can play different starting denoms and stack sizes. I realize some people hold 50+ player tournaments so therefore need a lot of chips.

For cash I don't know what the limit is. I don't normally host cash only nights but when I do it's for a single table and sets are sized for that (with a little extra top end to account for inflation). I mean, I can only sit at one table at a time, and I could always have a different set per table.

BUT at a certain point there has to be limits unless you are running a casino. When people post massive cash sets my first thought is usually "what a tool, that could be used by X many chippers" not "he's so cool".

Also don't get the concept of buying chips to show to a bunch of strangers online. Hey, I like to show off the sets I've put together, but buying to show them off is sad. I buy nice chips because they enhance my playing experience, life is short, and I can afford to.

 

[Beakertwang]

The truth is that you can get decent playable chips that will impress your non-chipping friends for about 20¢/chip. They’ll be slugged plastic, but there are a few versions of these that look ok, feel nice, and aren’t too slippery (Outlaws and Monaco Casinos from Discount Poker Shop come to mind).

China clays are great for 50-60¢/chip. The 43mm Royals are the best of these, IMO.

Cards molds (or other Tina ceramics) are a terrific value, with a lot of great designs being sold here, and absolutely the best value for fully custom sets.

From there, BR Pro and Sunfly ceramics, to used Paulson RHC’s, to premium plastics, and highly sought after Paulson sets, allow you to spend as much money as you’d like.

If I were me, I’d start with less expensive chips, and get a decent table and really nice chairs. Most players will appreciate those more than chips anyway.

 

[elemeno]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I don't really care to impress anyone. My main goal is to upgrade my group's current chipset, which is getting old and gross. The primary upgrade will be denominations. Since Cards Mold chips are cheaper than China Clays, I think they're the way to go. I'm still doing some reading on it and trying to figure out if the No Mold is actually better. Either way, I'm leaning towards a simple custom set on one of them.

 

[cpac54]

I have thoughts on this.
I bet a real percentage (maybe a large percentage) of the sets PCFers own are done for internet points. I mean who the hell really needs a 4,000 chip set? I know there’s a few PCFers who will host multiple table events like that, but probably far fewer than actual giant set owners.
And I say this through experience - I’ve definitely bought to either impress or get approval from the community, in the past. And sure, sometimes you tell yourself you’re doing it to “future proof” your set. It’s probably a fine and blurry line between future proofing and going for internet points. It took a few years, but I think I’m mostly over it.
My main set now has 60 x my favorite chip - the Dunes baccarat $20. And I’m fine with that not being a full rack. I don’t have that PCF “OCD.” Yes, the masses want to see full racks, but I rarely get more than a few in play (and that’s even before I’ve exhausted all my $5s.) So why spend and hoard for chips I’ll most likely never ever need?
Anyway, that’s just my perspective and I’m admittedly not a collector or a speculator. You do you, but try to do it for yourself and not to impress us.

I'm guilty myself (as I'm sure most of us are) of seeking out internet points, either here or elsewhere. Heck, social media was built on that innate craving for "likes."

That said, I also struggle to understand the need for absolutely massive sets (EDIT: assuming they don't see play). Whilst I did go larger than normal on my incoming CPC set, I personally find that my sweet spot is around 900 chips for a cash set (200x fracs, 300x 1s, 300x 5s, 80x 25s, 20x 100s), which works great for my typical stakes and single table setup. More fracs than I need, but I'll admit to being a bit OCD when it comes to incomplete racks.

 

[Rieguy]

Whilst I did go larger than normal on my incoming CPC set, I personally find that my sweet spot is around 900 chips for a cash set (200x fracs, 300x 1s, 300x 5s, 80x 25s, 20x 100s), which works great for my typical stakes and single table setup. More fracs than I need, but I'll admit to being a bit OCD when it comes to incomplete racks.

Custom CPC sets should be considered immune from the "gratuitous" chip-count conversation. With Paulsons, there is usually some likelihood there are more out there to obtain in the future if needed, or there is a limited amount to where hoarding behind glass to collect dust negatively impacts others with the same aims. With customs, you are literally capped at what you order and you never know how long the manufacturer will be around, may as well "future-proof" upfront. I know my CPC set will be larger than necessary when it's ordered, ignoring my usual 100-200-200/300-80-20 preference.

 

[upNdown]

If I were me, I’d start with less expensive chips, and get a decent table and really nice chairs. Most players will appreciate those more than chips anyway.

Hells yes, and in that order! They rarely appreciate chips. You’d think they might notice that their stacks aren’t constantly falling over? Nope. They might appreciate the chairs (at least their butts will.). But if you want to hear compliments and nice feedback from your players, get yourself a decent table - everybody notices that.

 

[Beakertwang]

Hells yes, and in that order! They rarely appreciate chips. You’d think they might notice that their stacks aren’t constantly falling over? Nope. They might appreciate the chairs (at least their butts will.). But if you want to hear compliments and nice feedback from your players, get yourself a decent table - everybody notices that.

And a hot dog roller, amirite?

 

[JustinInMN]

This is interesting and something I haven't thought about. I play with trusted friends. All of them had ample time to buy the same cheap set and cheat the bank, but it hasn't happened so I doubt it will.

I doubted anyone would enter our garage without me knowing it, but of course we forgot to close up one night and someone took cash from one of our cars. We have a smart door now that will close itself every evening if we forget, but it would have been smarter to do that in advance. And yes, everyone wants to trust their friends, but personalities can change, especially around gambling, and one day a loser might just get desperate enough to do the unthinkable to you. It's unlikely, but it's not zero, give yourself that piece of mind if you are playing for big money.

 

[LinkyBabe]

It's unlikely, but it's not zero, give yourself that piece of mind if you are playing for big money.

^This^

I didn't initially care one way or the other but hosting has really made me come around. As my tourneys have grown, and friends of friends can make their way into my game, I'm glad I went the custom route and I use separate sets for cash and tourney. It gives both me and the players peace of mind. The only chips I have to worry about being snuck in are the sample sets I sent out locally. But I know who has them, and should they ever attend one of my games, then I apologize in advance for the cavity search.

 

[BirdCage]

“No Limit” and “Hold ‘em” seem to sum up most PCF veterans’ strategy when it comes to budget and inventory.

This one rack was more than double the cost of my first set of 800 chips. Pr0n alert!

 

[BonScot]

I suppose one security feature is that when a chip costs more than its face value you’d have to be a real idiot to go out and buy a ton of them so you could cheat…

 

[LinkyBabe]

...when a chip costs more than its face value you’d have to be a real idiot to go out and buy a ton of them...

Hey, I don't call you names!

 

[swana]

I suppose one security feature is that when a chip costs more than its face value you’d have to be a real idiot to go out and buy a ton of them so you could cheat…

This is totally my strategy!!

 

[MeridianFC]

The truth is that you can get decent playable chips that will impress your non-chipping friends for about 20¢/chip. They’ll be slugged plastic, but there are a few versions of these that look ok, feel nice, and aren’t too slippery (Outlaws and Monaco Casinos from Discount Poker Shop come to mind).

China clays are great for 50-60¢/chip. The 43mm Royals are the best of these, IMO.

Cards molds (or other Tina ceramics) are a terrific value, with a lot of great designs being sold here, and absolutely the best value for fully custom sets.

From there, BR Pro and Sunfly ceramics, to used Paulson RHC’s, to premium plastics, and highly sought after Paulson sets, allow you to spend as much money as you’d like.

If I were me, I’d start with less expensive chips, and get a decent table and really nice chairs. Most players will appreciate those more than chips anyway.

Pretty much spot on with the very large caveat that I think most of us get quality chips not for the uneducated slobs that attend our games but for our own pleasure. If I'm going to be giving away my weekly paycheck to Pete and Susan every session at least I want to get some pleasure out of the texture and look of fine chips in play as I ship over stack after stack to someone who thinks spending real money on fake earthen and plastic money is foolish.

 

[MoeTremper]

rule of thumb

 

[Hotus777]

My exact concerns as I started searching a couple of weeks ago. I want a good set, but for a decent Paulson set I’m having a hard time finding anything “completed” without paying an arm and a leg. Someone just recently told me that mixing racks/sets are a thing and I can see some light. Good luck to you good sir, I hope to put something together soon myself!

 

[JamesWebbTelescope]

Still trying to figure out what my budget should be, glad to see I’m not the only indecisive one here.

 

[davislane]

Still trying to figure out what my budget should be, glad to see I’m not the only indecisive one here.

10X what ever you are uncomfortable with spending

 

[Coyote]

Still trying to figure out what my budget should be, glad to see I’m not the only indecisive one here.

Just bear in mind that what's fashionable here has lately become out of reach for any meaningful middle class.

 

[JamesWebbTelescope]

Just bear in mind that what's fashionable here has lately become out of reach for any meaningful middle class.

Interesting! I guess it makes sense there there has been a dramatic rise in chip prices as well as anything else in recent years.

 

[BearMetal]

Still trying to figure out what my budget should be, glad to see I’m not the only indecisive one here.

Take the average cost of a new JWT mirror and cut it in half.

 

[Coyote]

I 'd say read a lot and see a lot, and then order a "reasonable" CPC set, i.e. a reasonably specced brand-new Porsche (which, the more customised, the less resale-able).
Just forget about vintage Ferraris (Paulsons, TRKs etc)

 

[4SUMERZ]

One thing I quickly found out at pretty much at every one at my poker home games?
None of the players give a crap about how cheap or expensive the chips are, or for that matter, how they look. The only thing they are concerned about is playing poker with friends, having a good time...and maybe even leaving with more money than they came with.
Buy chips that are to your liking, and as mentioned, the $0.29 chips in group buys are an excellent choice for anyone that does not want to break the bank and get good looking chips.

 

[Coyote]

I 'd say read a lot and see a lot, and then order a "reasonable" CPC set, i.e. a reasonably specced brand-new Porsche (which, the more customised, the less resale-able).
Just forget about vintage Ferraris (Paulsons, TRKs etc)

Good to get some love from a top vintage Ferrari scout

 

[JustinInMN]

10X what ever you are uncomfortable with spending

/Thread

 

[abby99]

One thing I quickly found out at pretty much at every one at my poker home games?
None of the players give a crap about how cheap or expensive the chips are, or for that matter, how they look. The only thing they are concerned about is playing poker with friends, having a good time...and maybe even leaving with more money than they came with.
Buy chips that are to your liking, and as mentioned, the $0.29 chips in group buys are an excellent choice for anyone that does not want to break the bank and get good looking chips.

I have a small set of "quiet/noiseless" chips (yes, that's what they were called) that were made of pressed paper and embossed, often with a fleur-de-lis. They were my dad's chips (RIP Dad). I put them on the table for a cash game. Players' reactions were something like, "We aren't really going to play with those, are we?" We all had a good laugh!

I think the massive sets just accumulate over time. It’s been less than a year for me and I have wayyyy more than I’ll ever need. But I still browse heavy and get tempted to pick up some “better” chips. Cause, it’s my money and I want it now. Iono. Either way, best of luck to us all.

Please define 'massive.'

 

[improviseallday]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I don't really care to impress anyone. My main goal is to upgrade my group's current chipset, which is getting old and gross. The primary upgrade will be denominations. Since Cards Mold chips are cheaper than China Clays, I think they're the way to go. I'm still doing some reading on it and trying to figure out if the No Mold is actually better. Either way, I'm leaning towards a simple custom set on one of them.

CM/NM feel different to me. I don't think your players will notice but one shuffle stack of each will go a long way in telling you which you like more.

 

[Old State]

I don’t think anyone should ever strain their finances for a hobby.

I found this forum researching custom chips (actually how to clean them). I’ve never had an interest in collecting chips so that bug hasn’t bit. I stayed to view pics and other poker conversion or conversation in general.

I would say one custom cash and one custom tournament set is all anyone should ever “need”.

I bought my custom clay ASM set over 20 years ago when there was one option for $1 a chip. Even though I’m significantly better off now, financially $5 a chip is very hard for me to justify.

I went with custom ceramics for my second cash only set and if you are asking the question “how much is reasonable” I think that’s the best value for your dollar. There are some very classy design from member here that look as impressive as some custom clay chips. They are also more durable and easy to clean.