Upgrading my Cash Game Set (1 Viewer)

[AceCase13]

Hi everyone, about 5 years ago I bought a 1200 set of Nile Clubs. Denominations ranging from 25¢ to $1k. Also got a handful of $10k and $20k plaques. It’s been great for tournament and cash game play, but I mostly just use the $1-100 denominations for cash.

A couple questions as I am looking to upgrade my set. I would like to replicate the feel of the casino as close as possible. Is it worth saving up for a 500-800 pc. Paulson set? Is it worth the trouble trying to sell the Nile Clubs? Any idea on what they go for?

 

[allforcharity]

Yes, it is worth saving up for a good set.

You might not get any value for your Nile club set, perhaps a nominal $100-150. Continue to use it or give it away while looking for a good set.

 

[Moxie Mike]

Is it worth saving up for a 500-800 pc.

It depends on what you value. Paulson chips are definitely an upgraded experience over generics but most of your players probably won't care much about the chips - nor will they notice for the most part.

If resale value matters to you, then a set of Paulsons are your best bet.

 

[AceCase13]

It depends on what you value. Paulson chips are definitely an upgraded experience over generics but most of your players probably won't care much about the chips - nor will they notice for the most part.

If resale value matters to you, then a set of Paulsons are your best bet.

What would you say is a good price on moderately used set of Paulson’s?

 

[Huskerchipper]

There's excellent condition Paulson RHC's that go for $2.00 to $2.50 per chip all of the time in the classifieds. Often times less. Stick around and read and then read some more before making a decision. My best advice is don't be impatient and make a rushed decision that you will regret later.

In the mean time figure out what stakes u want to cover and figure out how big of a bank you will need. That way when u figure out what denominations you want and of what quantity, you will know exactly what you need to purchase for chips. Best of luck and let the fun begin!

 

[Jers28]

Welcome! There’s a fantastic deal on a mint set of RHC Paulson’s in the classifieds right now, just as an example of what @Huskerchipper is referencing that are mint! You can do even better if you’re not looking for mint sets. But, patience is always a good thing!

 

[Carnth]

I would agree that Paulson are the general gold standard of chips. Not saying that Paulson is everyone's favorite brand of chip, but I will say that they are my favorite brand of chip.
They are expensive compared to what you are used to. As mentioned above, mint/new Paulson chips will start at $2. Sometimes lower. Most of the time, much higher. But they are casino chips -- made to be used in casinos 24 hours a day. So they will probably last you a lifetime.

The good news is that a 500 - 800 chip set will cover pretty much all of your needs. Something like...

200	$1
300	$5
80	$25
20	$100

600 chips

The bad news is that once you get your first set, it will already be too late and your crippling addiction would have already begun.

 

[Old State]

Are you a collector enthusiast or just want nice chips? If you are not a collector I’d skip on Paulsons. They are expensive, not made anymore, and will be found with a design and label that you didn’t make or even want. You could have them milled out and custom labels applied but that is even more money.

I actually have zero interest in premade chips and the only Paulsons I ever considered were the generic labels Noirs when they were sold to the public and still in production. I actually found this forum researching for custom chips (Actually how to clean clay custom chips).

I got myself a custom 1200 chip cash/T5 tournament set of ASMs (Now CPCs) back in 2002-3 and loved and used them for 20 years. I’d personally MUCH rather have a set of fully custom clay chips that I designed than a set of Paulsons. That said the only thing the same about CPCs now is the long wait. Now they have different label options, a myriad of edge spot designs, and are even more expensive.

What you may prefer is a full custom set of ceramics from BR Pro poker …US made, around $1 a chip depending on volume, and you get them in around 2 weeks with help from their designers and proof before they print. I did a 1200 chip cash set 4 years ago in 43mm and love them.

Recently however I design a full custom set of “Tina” chips ordered though a vendor/liaison here. I got ceramic hybrids that look very much like clay and can be had for around 50c a chip. 39mm & 43mm also available. You have to pick from pre established edge design (though their are dozens) and you don’t get art help or proofs…also they take about 2-3 months to get.

You can also get traditional ceramic chips even cheaper as well as pre designed hybrids…like tribute to the Mirage…etc . BR Pro also has pre designed chips with themed as does CPC for that matter….but I personally would go custom. Form me only custom chips are interesting

Those are your best options IMO

 

[AceCase13]

I would agree that Paulson are the general gold standard of chips. Not saying that Paulson is everyone's favorite brand of chip, but I will say that they are my favorite brand of chip.
They are expensive compared to what you are used to. As mentioned above, mint/new Paulson chips will start at $2. Sometimes lower. Most of the time, much higher. But they are casino chips -- made to be used in casinos 24 hours a day. So they will probably last you a lifetime.

The good news is that a 500 - 800 chip set will cover pretty much all of your needs. Something like...

200	$1
300	$5
80	$25
20	$100

600 chips

The bad news is that once you get your first set, it will already be too late and your crippling addiction would have already begun.

Thank you for all the info. I like your breakdown here. In your opinion, is it work patiently building a mixed set of uncirculated or mint quality THC/RHC? I’ve seen a few 500-600 pc sets but they were in casino use for 5+ years so pretty worn… plus I’m seeing only a couple cents more a chip for uncirculated

 

[AceCase13]

Are you a collector enthusiast or just want nice chips? If you are not a collector I’d skip on Paulsons. They are expensive, not made anymore, and will be found with a design and label that you didn’t make or even want. You could have them milled out and custom labels applied but that is even more money.

I actually have zero interest in premade chips and the only Paulsons I ever considered were the generic labels Noirs when they were sold to the public and still in production. I actually found this forum researching for custom chips (Actually how to clean clay custom chips).

I got myself a custom 1200 chip cash/T5 tournament set of ASMs (Now CPCs) back in 2002-3 and loved and used them for 20 years. I’d personally MUCH rather have a set of fully custom clay chips that I designed than a set of Paulsons. That said the only thing the same about CPCs now is the long wait. Now they have different label options, a myriad of edge spot designs, and are even more expensive.

What you may prefer is a full custom set of ceramics from BR Pro poker …US made, around $1 a chip depending on volume, and you get them in around 2 weeks with help from their designers and proof before they print. I did a 1200 chip cash set 4 years ago in 43mm and love them.

Recently however I design a full custom set of “Tina” chips ordered though a vendor/liaison here. I got ceramic hybrids that look very much like clay and can be had for around 50c a chip. 39mm & 43mm also available. You have to pick from pre established edge design (though their are dozens) and you don’t get art help or proofs…also they take about 2-3 months to get.

You can also get traditional ceramic chips even cheaper as well as pre designed hybrids…like tribute to the Mirage…etc . BR Pro also has pre designed chips with themed as does CPC for that matter….but I personally would go custom. Form me only custom chips are interesting

Those are your best options

I would consider myself a collector in training lol

I have debated that. Custom chips would be cool, and I’ve seen many posts about “Tina”. I have been eyeing sets of Paulsons for a couple years now, so that is a goal of mine to have a set of those. On the other hand, a custom set at a fraction of the price would be just as neat to add to the game.

Questions about “Tina” quality - is the print quality solid? My biggest complaint on the ceramic chips I have now are faded colors and inconsistent quality. I have a big set of Nile Clubs… and was very underwhelmed with the quality out of the box

 

[Old State]

I would consider myself a collector in training lol

I have debated that. Custom chips would be cool, and I’ve seen many posts about “Tina”. I have been eyeing sets of Paulsons for a couple years now, so that is a goal of mine to have a set of those. On the other hand, a custom set at a fraction of the price would be just as neat to add to the game.

Questions about “Tina” quality - is the print quality solid? My biggest complaint on the ceramic chips I have now are faded colors and inconsistent quality. I have a big set of Nile Clubs… and was very underwhelmed with the quality out of the box

Her print quality was fine for the hybrids I just got…though the labels printed a shade darker. It was noticeable on my design because my background was grey vs just white or black

 

[TheChipVault]

Hi everyone, about 5 years ago I bought a 1200 set of Nile Clubs. Denominations ranging from 25¢ to $1k. Also got a handful of $10k and $20k plaques. It’s been great for tournament and cash game play, but I mostly just use the $1-100 denominations for cash.

A couple questions as I am looking to upgrade my set. I would like to replicate the feel of the casino as close as possible. Is it worth saving up for a 500-800 pc. Paulson set? Is it worth the trouble trying to sell the Nile Clubs? Any idea on what they go for?

I have a 900pc Terribles Paulon set on my website.. see link in my signature. But I also have a 500 pc Double Down Saloon Paulson set that I haven't listed that will go for under $2 a chip if you are interested.

 

[Moxie Mike]

What would you say is a good price on moderately used set of Paulson’s?

You can expect to pay anywhere from $1.50 to $10 per chip depending on a few factors.

Generally, the price is dictated by their availability. Scarcity and condition drives the market - along with factors such as desirability. A quick example would be the Jack Detroit Secondary $25 chips (known around these parts as 'watermelons'). They were available in mint condition in large quantities but people hoarded them because they are so pretty. So now they're pretty difficult to find and they fetch a premium when they do hit the classifieds.

I think the best thing you can do at this stage of your buying process is figure out what you like. Do you have a mold preference? What about inlay size? Do you mind a mixed set or do you want them all to be from the same casino?

So if you wanted to assemble a budget-conscious set and didn't mind mixing molds and casinos, you could probably find some large-inlay RHCs for a decent price. You'd probably need to piece it together - which is part of the fun. Generally speaking, the pickier you are, the more you're going to spend.

 

[Carnth]

Thank you for all the info. I like your breakdown here.

You're welcome!

In your opinion, is it work patiently building a mixed set of uncirculated or mint quality THC/RHC? I’ve seen a few 500-600 pc sets but they were in casino use for 5+ years so pretty worn… plus I’m seeing only a couple cents more a chip for uncirculated

I'm reading between the lines here and it looks like you've already made up your mind. I think you're going to want mint/new chips and if you get used ones... even at a discount, you'll end up unhappy.
"Chipping" is a luxury hobby. You already have chips that "get the job done." But you're here to get something better and "more authentic."

THC vs RHC.
First, they are both made of the same clay stuff, but THC generally has more "clay on clay" action when they are stacked together. And THC tends to wear down in casinos slower, so THC is generally preferred.
Even so, some of my favorite sets are RHC (DiamondJacks, Jack Casino). And again, in a home game, even RHC chips will last you a lifetime. But I would recommend that you stay away from any set that has "giant" sized inlays (where the inlay is big enough that it goes into the hats and canes in the mold).

As far as Tina and other chip brands are concerned, look around and get samples.
Get a barrel (20 chips) from each manufacturer.
Handle them for yourself to get a feel. Shuffle them, drop them in your hands to here them "plink" against each other. See how easy they are to break down from the full barrel down to stacks of 5, or even just stacks of 2. Then put them back into the full barrel. See if they "stack like bricks" or if they feel like butter, slip off each other and the stack easily falls over. Do this several times—figure out which you prefer.

Looking back, your first post said that you were looking for an authentic casino experience with your chips... Playback the clip please ...

Hi everyone, about 5 years ago

No, not that one! That clip is to early.

Any idea on what they go for?

That clip is at the end... Just get the right clip please.

I would like to replicate the feel of the casino as close as possible.

Yeah, that's the clip.
Anyway....
Why replicate when you can get actual casino chips?

My advice based on being in this exact position a few years ago:
Save up and get yourself some Paulson chips.

But if you want to shop around and try other chips, go for it. But, get sample barrels to "test run." Samples are a good way to test without breaking the bank. Just put up a wanted ad that you are new and looking for samples of Paulson THC, RHC, Tina, and others. I'm sure you'll get plenty of help.

 

[Rakrul]

TheChipRoom will probably have a black friday sale with affordable Paulson. Buy some samples before that.

 

[spivy]

TheChipRoom will probably have a black friday sale with affordable Paulson. Buy some samples before that.

I will probably buy that