Total Chip Newbie Questions (1 Viewer)

[v1pe]

Hi all, I'm totally new around this scene and am still learning to navigate my way around china clay vs paulson clay vs custom clay vs ceramics vs anything else (my head starts to spin with all of the acronyms)...

Does anyone have good advice on how to obtain a small sampling of what might be a good representation of how each of these types of chips look and feel in real life?

I already have ordered a few sample sets of China Clay from @Apache which I love. I purchased a set of 600 Majestic's off of the classified's here to introduce into my home games and kick off this new addiction.

I have also ordered a sample set of some excess stock from Classic Poker Chips (Imperial/Emperor set: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/new-sample-sets-possible-heads-up-chips.22508/) which I thought would give a good representation of a "Paulson" type clay chip and a good sample of how these colors look and feel in real life.

Where might I go about obtaining a relatively inexpensive sample set of ~10 ceramics?

Are there other types of chips I should check out before seriously considering purchasing a set?

Is there some "Poker Chips Guide for Dummies" that might answer all my questions without having to bother you all?

 

[Pokerdweebz]

CPC is not a good representation of Paulson chips. You should try to obtain a (edit: sample) set of the following:

CPC (you having coming)
China Clay (you have a set)
Paulson RHC mold
Paulson THC mold
BCC
TRK
Ceramic
Ceramic Hybrid

 

[atomiktoaster]

I'll agree that CPC isn't a good example for Paulson chips. Getting actual Paulson RHC and THC chips is a good idea.

You can get your ceramic samples from @OldWestPokerSupplies . The store front has sample sets for a few stock sets.

BCC and TRK are both out of production. You can find them on the secondary market, but I'm not sure I'd prioritize them as a new chipper.

Your CPC samples are a good start, but if you are at all serious about the CPC route, you should get samples of the other molds to try. If you have time, getting samples of other members customs sets is a viable option, but CPC also sells a molds set directly.

 

[v1pe]

CPC is not a good representation of Paulson chips. You should try to obtain a (edit: sample) set of the following:

CPC (you having coming)
China Clay (you have a set)
Paulson RHC mold
Paulson THC mold
BCC
TRK
Ceramic
Ceramic Hybrid

China Clay's ought to be here today thanks to you! (y) :thumbsup:

Good list, I'll have to try to track these down. I'll have to learn some of the differences between the different Paulson molds.

I'll agree that CPC isn't a good example for Paulson chips. Getting actual Paulson RHC and THC chips is a good idea.

You can get your ceramic samples from @OldWestPokerSupplies . The store front has sample sets for a few stock sets.

BCC and TRK are both out of production. You can find them on the secondary market, but I'm not sure I'd prioritize them as a new chipper.

Your CPC samples are a good start, but if you are at all serious about the CPC route, you should get samples of the other molds to try. If you have time, getting samples of other members customs sets is a viable option, but CPC also sells a molds set directly.

Thanks, I'll check out that option for Ceramic's. I think I played on a set of Ceramic's last week, they had a full face "photo" and edge marks...seemed like they were almost screen printed and had a very different "Clink" sound to them. I quite enjoyed the feel of them.

By other CPC molds, that just means the different circular pattern that runs around the inlay right? Are there any differences really aside from the look?

Another question I thought of...what's the more "standard" chip size? I seem to see both 39mm and 43mm sizes primarily?

 

[v1pe]

Oh, I found the set that I played with last week. Looks like they were in fact ceramic chips:

http://www.oldwestpokersupplies.com/shop/stock-ceramic-poker-chips/nevada-jacks-skulls

 

[Pokerdweebz]

39mm is standard. 43mm is far far far less common but next most common

 

[BGinGA]

39mm is standard. 43mm is far far far less common but next most common

Well, not really.

The most common size poker chips in the world are 40mm diameter, and nearly all made in China -- ranging from cheap plastic metal-slugged junk to mid-range priced 'china clay' chips.

Of the chips most commonly used in casinos (including high-end compression-molded clays, ceramics, and high-end machined plastics), 39mm diameter chips are the most widely used. 43mm casino chips are typically reserved for special high-roller games (Baccarat) or for really high denomination chips that have extra security features.

 

[BSteck]

Another chip option to throw in the mix is the 'Ceramic Hybrid'. It's a ceramic chip like the Nevada Jacks with a regular label (like the china clays).

Sal at OWPS is currently putting together a couple group designs/buys using this chip.
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/thre...-39-and-43mm-interest-idea-thread-owps.22363/

I think currently the best (only?) way to get some samples of this type of chip would be to buy a sleeve of Ascona's at http://www.apollonchips.com/chipseries/the-ascona.html

 

[One Eyed Dollar]

I wanted to get a sample set of ceramics to check out the feel, so I ordered a set of bounty chips from OWPS. They're larger diameter than 39mm, but they gave me an idea of the feel of ceramics, and I could get a small set of something that was still useful for my games. He also has ceramic seating chips, etc. that you could check out.

 

[v1pe]

Another chip option to throw in the mix is the 'Ceramic Hybrid'. It's a ceramic chip like the Nevada Jacks with a regular label (like the china clays).

Sal at OWPS is currently putting together a couple group designs/buys using this chip.
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/thre...-39-and-43mm-interest-idea-thread-owps.22363/

I think currently the best (only?) way to get some samples of this type of chip would be to buy a sleeve of Ascona's at http://www.apollonchips.com/chipseries/the-ascona.html

Oh those Ascona chips look quite nice. I'm very interested in a set of hybrids after reading a bit more about them. I loved the sound of the ceramics but I prefer the looks of a typical clay chip with inlay.

I'll have to check out ordering a sample of those. If anyone knows a way to order 10ish hybrids as a sample feel free to let me know! I assume a sleeve means 20-25 chips?

 

[v1pe]

I wanted to get a sample set of ceramics to check out the feel, so I ordered a set of bounty chips from OWPS. They're larger diameter than 39mm, but they gave me an idea of the feel of ceramics, and I could get a small set of something that was still useful for my games. He also has ceramic seating chips, etc. that you could check out.

I looked thru their ceramic sets and quite a few of them have samples that can be had. Unfortunately I prefer a more traditional "casino" style design so I wasn't super keen on many of their designs.

 

[FDLmold]

You may also want ceramic samples from multiple places. The sources of blanks all do things a little differently.

 

[Krony]

Welcome, the available choices including molds, spot patterns and inlay shapes for CPC can be seen in this tool.
http://www.pokerchipdesigntool.com/

 

[ejot]

Oh those Ascona chips look quite nice. I'm very interested in a set of hybrids after reading a bit more about them. I loved the sound of the ceramics but I prefer the looks of a typical clay chip with inlay.

I'll have to check out ordering a sample of those. If anyone knows a way to order 10ish hybrids as a sample feel free to let me know!

My sample set of 12 Ascanas has served its purpose for me. If you just want to cover shipping I'm happy to send them your way. I can throw in a small stack of solid white Paulsons with a little staining but in basically unused condition too. Shoot me a PM if interested.

I assume a sleeve means 20-25 chips?

sleeve - 25 chips - a term most commonly used for ordering new chips that only come in whole-sleeve increments
barrel - 20 chips, a more common term in the hobby. common storage racks hold 100 chips grouped into 5 barrels
rack - 100 chips, or the (typically) plastic storage trays that hold 100 chips

 

[upNdown]

By other CPC molds, that just means the different circular pattern that runs around the inlay right? Are there any differences really aside from the look?

Yeah, the mold affects everything - look, feel, sound, stability, how the chip wears, probably other stuff I'm not thinking of. I thought they were all the same too, but they're totally not.

 

[v1pe]

Yeah, the mold affects everything - look, feel, sound, stability, how the chip wears, probably other stuff I'm not thinking of. I thought they were all the same too, but they're totally not.

Well darn, there's some more samples I need to order!

 

[upNdown]

CPC is not a good representation of Paulson chips. You should try to obtain a (edit: sample) set of the following:

CPC (you having coming)
China Clay (you have a set)
Paulson RHC mold
Paulson THC mold
BCC
TRK
Ceramic
Ceramic Hybrid

And it's worth mentioning that not all ceramics are created equal. I only have samples of a couple - Nile club and Venerati - but they both feel very different from my set of casino Chipcos. Chipco was the biggest player in casino ceramics for a while (and their chips came in at least two different finishes) and there are tons of them around, but they're no longer made.
My point is, there are lots of variables.

 

[v1pe]

My sample set of 12 Ascanas has served its purpose for me. If you just want to cover shipping I'm happy to send them your way. I can throw in a small stack of solid white Paulsons with a little staining but in basically unused condition too. Shoot me a PM if interested.

Wow, that's an awesome offer, thanks! I'll take you up on that and then pass them off to another need newbie when I'm finished with them! Thanks! (y) :thumbsup:

 

[ejot]

Sure thing... PM replied. Welcome to the forum!

 

[v1pe]

So how does GOCC work? I see nothing listed on their website as far as in-stock sets, and nothing similar to a chip designer like CPC has? Is it only fully customizable sets that they do on order?

 

[phaze12]

GOCC makes a great ceramic chip. i prefer their ceramics to all others. But that is me. You will come to your own conclusion when you have handled many different chips.

#1 rule in this hobby is GET SAMPLES!

#2 and #3 is GET SAMPLES! and GET SAMPLES!

you will not know what you like until you do. Then when you think you know what you like, you will find something else. And so on and so forth. So just remember that this hobby is a journey. hang on and enjoy the ride.


I have quite a few samples sets. If you would like to test some of them out shoot me a PM.

 

[v1pe]

GOCC makes a great ceramic chip. i prefer their ceramics to all others. But that is me. You will come to your own conclusion when you have handled many different chips.

#1 rule in this hobby is GET SAMPLES!

#2 and #3 is GET SAMPLES! and GET SAMPLES!

you will not know what you like until you do. Then when you think you know what you like, you will find something else. And so on and so forth. So just remember that this hobby is a journey. hang on and enjoy the ride.


I have quite a few samples sets. If you would like to test some of them out shoot me a PM.

I've already jumped on many a sample set for sure! There's just no comparison to actually feeling the chips and seeing how they shuffle. Plus, pictures don't always seem to do the colors justice.

So far I have a couple different CPC samples coming my way, a couple of misc Paulson and a sample of Ascona sun fly hybrids.

I'm looking into participating in the upcoming OWPS group buy off 43mm hybrids. I really like the Mayfair casino design. I've heard Ascona isn't going to be an exact example of the GB chips though. I'm also interested in reviewing a set of chipipcos so I can be prepared in case a good price opportunity comes.

 

[jayforester]

Hey v1pe, got an update for us?

I've ordered the Valentino, Ascona and CPC samples, too.

My rankings are:

Looks:
Ascona > CPC > Valentino

Stackability:
CPC > Valentino > Ascona (they are just too slippery...)

Feel:
CPC> Ascona > Valentino

Overall:
The CPCs win hands down. They just stack and stick together so much better. Second would be the Valentinos, simply because the Asconas are too slippery to really stack.

Haven't had the chance to sample Paulsons or China Clays yet.

 

[v1pe]

Yes - I have loads of samples and have procured some chips

I have samples of CPC, Paulson (SCV Fun Nite White 1's), Ascona hybrids, Rounders/Vignoble ceramics, Dunes CC, Majestic CC, Milano CC, and I have a sample of Bud Jones chips coming to me in the mail right now.

I ended up buying a tournament set of Majestic CC's from a user here, and bolstered them with a few chips from Apache. I really like this set and my players have had good feedback so far.

I also picked up a set of ASM Circle/Square chips from a Craigslist add - I'm in the process of cleaning/oiling them all and I like the way they handle. They aren't the prettiest chips, solid color with hot-stamps, but they seem like a good representation of what a fairly worn CPC/ASM set would feel like.

It's hard to rank them, but they probably go something like this:

Feel and sound (shuffling):
Paulson > CPC > (used) ASM > China Clays > Ceramics > Hybrids (Ascona 39mm) with the CCs, Ceramics, and Hybrids being ranked very close together

Looks:
CPC > Paulson > Hybrids > China Clay > Ceramics

Stackability:
CPC > Paulson > (used) ASM > Ceramics > China Clays > Hybrids

Overall:
CPC and Paulsons (with the right color combo/inlay) are my favorites so far, they look and feel amazing, the downside being that they are the most spendy. Eventually I will spring for a CPC set, they are amazing looking.

It's hard to rank them - I like something about each type of chip and each have their advantages. Ideally I will eventually collect a set or so or each type - I like variety.

My next purchase will be a cash set of 43mm Hybrids in the Sunfly Group Buy that's currently open for order. From what I understand, the 43mm hybrids stack and feel better than the 39mm Ascona, because they have the same label size and a larger "outlay" stacking surface.

You should definitely see if you can get your hands on a sample set of Paulson chips, they are generally lauded as the best for a good reason IMO. China Clay are nice looking and a good pick up for the price point, although I'd stick with either the Majestic's or the Dunes - the Milano's I wasn't very impressed with.