Windwalker’s Chipping Journey in Pr0n0grAph1C Detail (19 Viewers)

Lil Tuna said:
First and foremost I’d like to say congratulations on acquiring such an amazing collection of some really beautiful sets, truly top notch. :tup:
After reading through this thread, it just makes me wonder what got you into the world of chipping?

I fell into it accidentally myself. I started collecting WTHCs about 10 years ago and didn’t realize that this niche even existed at the time.
I played my first hand of 5 card draw with my grandmother 41 years ago and have been hooked on poker ever since. For me poker is social, competitive and it has brought me together with many interesting people over the years.
Chipping for me has in a sense become an arm of my poker experiences and brought me together with many many wonderful new friends and people I enjoy being with. It has also given me a passion for the hobby and become a very important part of my life.

I can’t speak for others but I’m personally always interested in hearing ones ultimate goals when it comes to this hobby. Some people collect and don’t play cards. Others are just trying to put together sets that are nicer than Hoyle drugstore chips and make their home games feel closer to casino quality games. Some people may buy stuff, stick it in an old shoe box and bury it in the closet for 20 years. Everyone has different reasons.
When I started collecting my WTHCs, I was stepping up from dice chips and I loved the look of the $1 chip in that line up. At that time, I was paying about $1.10 a piece for those chips. Crazy to think it took me about 4 years to complete the set to where it works for me now. Fortunately I stumbled on to this great community of PCF folks when I realized I could no longer find my WTHCs for sale anymore. This community helped me over time finish what I started with that set and I’ve embraced this community back trying to be a good contributing member ever since. Many in this community have become more like family members to me than just that “such n such” dude on PCF, I truly love them like they were my siblings.

So after reading through your thread, it just got my curiosity up as to what this hobby is or may become to you? Do you ever think you’ll make it to a meet up? At this point what is your favorite set and why? What is your ultimate “GRAIL” set?
Will we as a community get to see these fine sets posted in some action prOn from a game you may possibly host or attend?
I always tell people new to the hobby to collect what truly “speaks” to them and you’ll never have any regrets. Based on the prOn you have posted, I don’t think you’ll ever have any regrets when it comes to chips @Windwalker.

Curious to hear your thoughts. Congratulations on acquiring some very nice sets and welcome to PCF.

Matt/LilTuna
Click to expand...

Hey Matt, as a lifelong collector, but also a former physicist who loves to know the “whys”, I’ve often asked why I (we) get obsessed about collecting certain things — it’s been that way with me since I can remember; I’ve collected stamps, coins, Pez dispensers; I still collect comic books and modern first editions; I’ve dabbled in manuscripts and maps... but I think the psychology has always been the same.

Werne Muensterberger did a well-accepted study on this behavior, titled Collecting: An Unruly Passion, Psychological Perspectives (Princeton Univ. Press, 1994 - 295 pp.) where he suggests that the psychology of collecting is often linked to childhood and object relations, namely the use of a transitional object to relieve the impact of a child’s separation from its mother. The more painful the childhood separation and related trauma, the more unruly the adult passions to collect anxiety-relieving objects. He also claims that his explanation of collecting behavior is applicable universally to all cultures throughout history. “Irrespective of individual idiosyncrasies of collectors, and no matter what or how they collect, one issue is paramount: the objects in their possession are all ultimate, often unconscious assurances against despair and loneliness.”

Do I believe that? Not sure. But, it’s telling that my deep dive into chip collecting came one night during the pandemic, when I found myself alone in a high rise apartment in the middle of a deeply COVID-impacted Los Angeles overrun with riots and angst, and every possible social outlet closed off to a newly single guy.

It started with me buying a bunch of Paulson Classics and Paulson Le Noirs from a gentleman I found on Craigslist, thinking — “I need some new chips where there are actual denominations on the chips, instead of using 100-year old Italian plaques.” My friends and I who have been playing together for over 2 decades have used this same vintage chipset, just changing the assigned denominations every time our game got bigger. I wanted to surprise them at our next game with a new chipset, and that’s how it all started.

Then, I discovered this forum, and some of the amazing people on it who have now become close friends faster than you can say lickety-split, and I’ve just been going. I am aware that I probably buy too fast and too loose for anyone’s comfort, but the more I’ve thought about it, it really shouldn’t be anyone’s business what or how I buy. I love the hobby, love learning about its idiosyncrasies, and I’m figuring out new stuff every day!

As to your questions:

I’ve been posting photos as quickly as I get the chips, but I plan to definitely post some actions pics as soon as my custom table topper from @T_Chan makes its way to me.

I’m way too new to have a “grail” set, which I think only happens after enough knowledge has been acquired and experience gained with the hobby — I think my chip tastebuds are still developing, and I find what I like and don’t continually change every day. There’s definitely a little bit of “oooh that shiny object” syndrome with me, but I think it will eventually be replaced with a more informed and refined perspective that’s all my own, and not necessarily based on what others think.

I was just messaging with someone on here about which sets I’ve recently bought I’m thinking of doing a catch-and-release on, because I definitely have too many now. I was buying them based on an evolving palate, and once I get a few of the sets into play rotation, I’ll most likely be editing my collection.

I am very much looking forward to a meetup. I think this community is incredible, and most of the relationships I’ve been forging are based in an authentic love for a hobby: albeit mine being new, and theirs more experienced and refined.

Thanks for asking!
 
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I’ve wondered the “why” too. Personally my mind does not have an idle mode (and maybe there is a reason for that as you alluded to). If I’m not connecting with family, friends, busy with work or doing the daily tasks need to sustain life (the 90%) my mind is idle with one of my hobbies. There is no downtime, ever. I’ll move from one thing to next. I’m also new here and have enjoyed how this hobby fills some of the 10%. Currently working on organizing a group buy - that’s been fun. Looking forward to what’s next after that.
 
Windwalker said:
Hey Matt, as a lifelong collector, but also a former physicist who loves to know the “whys”, I’ve often asked why I (we) get obsessed about collecting certain things — it’s been that way with me since I can remember; I’ve collected stamps, coins, Pez dispensers; I still collect comic books and modern first editions; I’ve dabbled in manuscripts and maps... but I think the psychology has always been the same.

Werne Muensterberger did a well-accepted study on this behavior at Princeton, titled Collecting: An Unruly Passion, Psychological Perspectives (Princeton Univ. Press, 1994 - 295 pp.) where he suggests that the psychology of collecting is often linked to childhood and object relations, namely the use of a transitional object to relieve the impact of a child’s separation from its mother. The more painful the childhood separation and related trauma, the more unruly the adult passions to collect anxiety-relieving objects. The author, who has edited a volume on" psychoanalytic anthropology"(1970), also claims that his explanation of collecting is applicable universally to all cultures throughout history. “Irrespective of individual idiosyncrasies of collectors, and no matter what or how they collect, one issue is paramount: the objects in their possession are all ultimate, often unconscious assurances against despair and loneliness.”

Do I believe that? Not sure. But, it’s telling that my deep dive into chip collecting came one night during the pandemic, when I found myself alone in a high rise apartment in the middle of a deeply COVID-impacted Los Angeles overrun with riots and angst, and every possible social outlet closed off to a newly single guy.

It started with me buying a bunch of Paulson Classics and Paulson Le Noirs from a gentleman I found on Craigslist, thinking — “I need some new chips where there are actual denominations on the chips, instead of using 100-year old Italian plaques.” My friends and I who have been playing together for over 2 decades have used this same vintage chipset, just changing the assigned denominations every time our game got bigger. I wanted to surprise them at our next game with a new chipset, and that’s how it all started.

Then, I discovered this forum, and some of the amazing people on it who have now become close friends faster than you can say lickety-split, and I’ve just been going. I am aware that I probably buy too fast and too loose for anyone’s comfort, but the more I’ve thought about it, it really shouldn’t be anyone’s business what or how I buy. I love the hobby, love learning about its idiosyncrasies, and I’m figuring out new stuff every day!

As to your questions: I’ve been posting photos as quickly as I get the chips, but I plan to definitely post some actions pics as soon as my custom table topper from @T_Chan makes it to me.

I’m way too new to have a “grail” set, which I think only happens after enough knowledge has been acquired and experience gained with the hobby — I think my chip tastebuds are still developing, and I find what I like and don’t continually change every day. There’s definitely a little bit of “oooh that shiny object” syndrome with me, but I think it will eventually be replaced with a more informed and refined perspective that’s all my own, and not necessarily based on what others think.

I was just messaging with someone on here about which sets I’ve recently bought I’m thinking of doing a catch and release on, because I definitely have too many now. I was buying them based on an evolving palate, and once I get a few of the sets into play rotation, I’ll definitely be editing my collection.

I am very much looking forward to a meetup. I think this community is incredible, and most of the relationships I’ve been forging are based in an authentic love for a hobby: albeit mine being new, and theirs more experienced and refined.

Thanks for asking!
Click to expand...
Greatly and respectfully appreciate your response @Windwalker. I very much appreciate your honesty, insight and the personableness that you have put forth in this post.
I also learned a few things about humans in general from your post and I thank you for enlightening me on those topics. I sincerely hope you didn’t take any offense at my post.

I look forward to seeing where this new journey takes you and hopefully get the chance to meet you in person someday. I would love to hear some of your insight on poker and many other topics for that matter. :)
Best to you in your chipping journey.
Sincerely,
Matt
 
Windwalker said:
Hey Matt, as a lifelong collector, but also a former physicist who loves to know the “whys”, I’ve often asked why I (we) get obsessed about collecting certain things — it’s been that way with me since I can remember; I’ve collected stamps, coins, Pez dispensers; I still collect comic books and modern first editions; I’ve dabbled in manuscripts and maps... but I think the psychology has always been the same.

Werne Muensterberger did a well-accepted study on this behavior, titled Collecting: An Unruly Passion, Psychological Perspectives (Princeton Univ. Press, 1994 - 295 pp.) where he suggests that the psychology of collecting is often linked to childhood and object relations, namely the use of a transitional object to relieve the impact of a child’s separation from its mother. The more painful the childhood separation and related trauma, the more unruly the adult passions to collect anxiety-relieving objects. He also claims that his explanation of collecting behavior is applicable universally to all cultures throughout history. “Irrespective of individual idiosyncrasies of collectors, and no matter what or how they collect, one issue is paramount: the objects in their possession are all ultimate, often unconscious assurances against despair and loneliness.”

Do I believe that? Not sure. But, it’s telling that my deep dive into chip collecting came one night during the pandemic, when I found myself alone in a high rise apartment in the middle of a deeply COVID-impacted Los Angeles overrun with riots and angst, and every possible social outlet closed off to a newly single guy.

It started with me buying a bunch of Paulson Classics and Paulson Le Noirs from a gentleman I found on Craigslist, thinking — “I need some new chips where there are actual denominations on the chips, instead of using 100-year old Italian plaques.” My friends and I who have been playing together for over 2 decades have used this same vintage chipset, just changing the assigned denominations every time our game got bigger. I wanted to surprise them at our next game with a new chipset, and that’s how it all started.

Then, I discovered this forum, and some of the amazing people on it who have now become close friends faster than you can say lickety-split, and I’ve just been going. I am aware that I probably buy too fast and too loose for anyone’s comfort, but the more I’ve thought about it, it really shouldn’t be anyone’s business what or how I buy. I love the hobby, love learning about its idiosyncrasies, and I’m figuring out new stuff every day!

As to your questions:

I’ve been posting photos as quickly as I get the chips, but I plan to definitely post some actions pics as soon as my custom table topper from @T_Chan makes its way to me.

I’m way too new to have a “grail” set, which I think only happens after enough knowledge has been acquired and experience gained with the hobby — I think my chip tastebuds are still developing, and I find what I like and don’t continually change every day. There’s definitely a little bit of “oooh that shiny object” syndrome with me, but I think it will eventually be replaced with a more informed and refined perspective that’s all my own, and not necessarily based on what others think.

I was just messaging with someone on here about which sets I’ve recently bought I’m thinking of doing a catch-and-release on, because I definitely have too many now. I was buying them based on an evolving palate, and once I get a few of the sets into play rotation, I’ll most likely be editing my collection.

I am very much looking forward to a meetup. I think this community is incredible, and most of the relationships I’ve been forging are based in an authentic love for a hobby: albeit mine being new, and theirs more experienced and refined.

Thanks for asking!
Click to expand...
Precise, measured and perspective-rich. Collecting may in many cases be hunting a feeling of filling an emotional void I think. Some kind of unsatisfied feeling from the past. Maybe the explanation from the paper isn't the only possible one, but at least there's some logic to it.
 
Parrothedd said:
Perhaps rather than filling a void, I offer connecting to happy nostalgic times?
Click to expand...

Possibly, but people collect more than things that just remind them of the past.

In the end, who knows? I think the study is an academic explanation of one possible set of reasons. But whatever one's reason, there is definitely something emotional about the notion of collecting that can't truly be explained in rational terms. Some collectors love the thrill of the hunt, and then the profit-driven release -- you only have to watch the Pawn Stars family saga to understand that. Of course, people who are just flippers aren't really collectors, they're opportunists, or businesspeople. All of which are important to a collector's ecosystem. These are the invisible cogs, pulleys and levers that make it all possible.
 
It will be interesting to see if your path leads you to a custom set. I'd like to see what a relatively unlimited budget could come up with.
I'm also interested to see if you flame out quickly. For many of us here the best part is the hunt and dealing up to get to the grail sets.

I love seeing people enjoy the fruits of their labor and/or good fortune. Best of luck and thanks for sharing!
 
I can say in my case, I grew up dirt poor... like koolaid and Ramen noodles were a treat! My mom would talk to grocery store managers and buy the food at the back door before it went in the dumpster. Not asking for any pitty party, just how I grew up.

The bad thing is I grew up on the out skirts of a community that were either rich or acted rich and those kids picked on the poor ones really bad! They had everything. New toys, clothes. Anything they wanted!

I paved my own path as an Electrican here in our nation's capitol not following the family trade of manual machinery. Never settling for what was offered and always wanting more! They day I graduated my apprenticeship I was made a foreman, I truly fought for top dollar at every review and made sure that until I was the nest highest paid in the company I wouldn't be satisfied. Far from rich but compared to my childhood... I am doing just fine!

As I made more money I had some disposable income and decided to re live my childhood in the form of every toy I couldn't afford! My largest obsession was a small figurine called Hasbro battle beast, I bought a full set of everyone ever made... then another and another... army ants, monsters in my pocket, every single space Lego set out of the late 80s and early 90s. The list goes on.

I have been told by many that I have issues when it comes to collecting! Whatever I am obsessed with at the time takes over and it's all I think of. Needless to say I should have avoided this hobby. The others including the expensive legos are nothing compared to how bad this hobby pulls you in!

Normally my obsession wears off, normally I can move on. This one is different, Brie and I are a year and a half in and if anything I am more obsessed!! I think it is because I finally found a hobby that is nearly impossible to master! As a middle class construction worker you have to pace this hobby, this is not a race but a long term dedication. For someone like me grail sets are out of the question.

Mostly the appeal is the hunt is what makes this hobby so amazing for my kind. Never knowing what's next or the feeling you will never find your chips... crossing your fingers that the mail doesn't loose them! The satisfaction of opening what might as well be a box of gold bars, each and every single time a package arrives! The way some members joke around with this hobby being the same as heroine, while I have never done drugs I can absolutely see the resemblance.

More than a hobby though as Matt said are the friendships made both in person at meet ups and also daily chatting.

I think most of us, at least the newer members. That with out PCF this hobby would be much more boring!! Thank you all for helping me in my addition!

Ben
 
Mac128k said:
It will be interesting to see if your path leads you to a custom set.
Click to expand...

That is actually how I started down the path of this forum -- I was curious about the process of a custom set, and posted about it.

Mac128k said:
I'm also interested to see if you flame out quickly.
Click to expand...

An acute amount of self-awareness leads me to grudgingly admit that this is a possibility. Which is why, elsewhere on this forum, I promised that for a minimum of 2 years, I would only release my PCF-acquired sets back into PCF at the acquired price or below.

Mac128k said:
I love seeing people enjoy the fruits of their labor and/or good fortune. Best of luck and thanks for sharing!
Click to expand...

Thank you!
 
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I tend to go in and out with my compulsion to continually visit this forum. It was one of the “out” times that caused me to miss the JACK sale. :banghead: That being said, my chips are some of my most prized possessions. In fact, this was once right across the road from my house:

99F5A3D1-3397-4467-8644-12697E754B0E.png


We were told to prepare to evacuate. Four sets of Paulsons were first in the truck. Followed by dogs (they actually can get in themselves), valuables, computer backup, & important documents.

As much as I enjoy the chips I do have, I wholeheartedly agree with many others in this community that the people make this obsession great. I very much enjoy the conversations and transactions I have had with other members, most recently with @Windwalker Most of all - the meetups!

Jim
 
Ben8257 said:
I can say in my case, I grew up dirt poor... decided to re live my childhood in the form of every toy I couldn't afford...I have been told by many that I have issues when it comes to collecting...More than a hobby though as Matt said are the friendships...
Click to expand...
^^^^^^Plus 1 here for all of this, Brother Ben.

Windwalker said:
“Irrespective of individual idiosyncrasies of collectors, and no matter what or how they collect, one issue is paramount: the objects in their possession are all ultimate, often unconscious assurances against despair and loneliness.”
Click to expand...

I am intrigued by @Windwalker's recommended reading and think it could offer some valuable insights to guys like us, Ben.
 
Ben8257 said:
I can say in my case, I grew up dirt poor... like koolaid and Ramen noodles were a treat! My mom would talk to grocery store managers and buy the food at the back door before it went in the dumpster. Not asking for any pitty party, just how I grew up.

The bad thing is I grew up on the out skirts of a community that were either rich or acted rich and those kids picked on the poor ones really bad! They had everything. New toys, clothes. Anything they wanted!

I paved my own path as an Electrican here in our nation's capitol not following the family trade of manual machinery. Never settling for what was offered and always wanting more! They day I graduated my apprenticeship I was made a foreman, I truly fought for top dollar at every review and made sure that until I was the nest highest paid in the company I wouldn't be satisfied. Far from rich but compared to my childhood... I am doing just fine!

As I made more money I had some disposable income and decided to re live my childhood in the form of every toy I couldn't afford! My largest obsession was a small figurine called Hasbro battle beast, I bought a full set of everyone ever made... then another and another... army ants, monsters in my pocket, every single space Lego set out of the late 80s and early 90s. The list goes on.

I have been told by many that I have issues when it comes to collecting! Whatever I am obsessed with at the time takes over and it's all I think of. Needless to say I should have avoided this hobby. The others including the expensive legos are nothing compared to how bad this hobby pulls you in!

Normally my obsession wears off, normally I can move on. This one is different, Brie and I are a year and a half in and if anything I am more obsessed!! I think it is because I finally found a hobby that is nearly impossible to master! As a middle class construction worker you have to pace this hobby, this is not a race but a long term dedication. For someone like me grail sets are out of the question.

Mostly the appeal is the hunt is what makes this hobby so amazing for my kind. Never knowing what's next or the feeling you will never find your chips... crossing your fingers that the mail doesn't loose them! The satisfaction of opening what might as well be a box of gold bars, each and every single time a package arrives! The way some members joke around with this hobby being the same as heroine, while I have never done drugs I can absolutely see the resemblance.

More than a hobby though as Matt said are the friendships made both in person at meet ups and also daily chatting.

I think most of us, at least the newer members. That with out PCF this hobby would be much more boring!! Thank you all for helping me in my addition!

Ben
Click to expand...

tltr....as soon as I saw 73 paragraphs I knew it was from Ben :)
 
Windwalker said:
Hey Matt, as a lifelong collector, but also a former physicist who loves to know the “whys”, I’ve often asked why I (we) get obsessed about collecting certain things — it’s been that way with me since I can remember; I’ve collected stamps, coins, Pez dispensers; I still collect comic books and modern first editions; I’ve dabbled in manuscripts and maps... but I think the psychology has always been the same.

Werne Muensterberger did a well-accepted study on this behavior, titled Collecting: An Unruly Passion, Psychological Perspectives (Princeton Univ. Press, 1994 - 295 pp.) where he suggests that the psychology of collecting is often linked to childhood and object relations, namely the use of a transitional object to relieve the impact of a child’s separation from its mother. The more painful the childhood separation and related trauma, the more unruly the adult passions to collect anxiety-relieving objects. He also claims that his explanation of collecting behavior is applicable universally to all cultures throughout history. “Irrespective of individual idiosyncrasies of collectors, and no matter what or how they collect, one issue is paramount: the objects in their possession are all ultimate, often unconscious assurances against despair and loneliness.”

Do I believe that? Not sure. But, it’s telling that my deep dive into chip collecting came one night during the pandemic, when I found myself alone in a high rise apartment in the middle of a deeply COVID-impacted Los Angeles overrun with riots and angst, and every possible social outlet closed off to a newly single guy.

It started with me buying a bunch of Paulson Classics and Paulson Le Noirs from a gentleman I found on Craigslist, thinking — “I need some new chips where there are actual denominations on the chips, instead of using 100-year old Italian plaques.” My friends and I who have been playing together for over 2 decades have used this same vintage chipset, just changing the assigned denominations every time our game got bigger. I wanted to surprise them at our next game with a new chipset, and that’s how it all started.

Then, I discovered this forum, and some of the amazing people on it who have now become close friends faster than you can say lickety-split, and I’ve just been going. I am aware that I probably buy too fast and too loose for anyone’s comfort, but the more I’ve thought about it, it really shouldn’t be anyone’s business what or how I buy. I love the hobby, love learning about its idiosyncrasies, and I’m figuring out new stuff every day!

As to your questions:

I’ve been posting photos as quickly as I get the chips, but I plan to definitely post some actions pics as soon as my custom table topper from @T_Chan makes its way to me.

I’m way too new to have a “grail” set, which I think only happens after enough knowledge has been acquired and experience gained with the hobby — I think my chip tastebuds are still developing, and I find what I like and don’t continually change every day. There’s definitely a little bit of “oooh that shiny object” syndrome with me, but I think it will eventually be replaced with a more informed and refined perspective that’s all my own, and not necessarily based on what others think.

I was just messaging with someone on here about which sets I’ve recently bought I’m thinking of doing a catch-and-release on, because I definitely have too many now. I was buying them based on an evolving palate, and once I get a few of the sets into play rotation, I’ll most likely be editing my collection.

I am very much looking forward to a meetup. I think this community is incredible, and most of the relationships I’ve been forging are based in an authentic love for a hobby: albeit mine being new, and theirs more experienced and refined.

Thanks for asking!
Click to expand...
I've often wondered about the "why" as well, because I don't have the "collecting" bug AT ALL. The closest I've ever come is my 120 board game collection. But I've played all of them more than 3 times at least. And I have no qualms about selling games I either don't LOVE or that get very little play, even if I like them.

Always makes me feel a little odd on this site. I'm much more about the practicality. I want a single tournament set and a single cash set. And I don't think upgrading what I currently have beyond an RHC set is really worth the money to me. And even that is a hard sell for me given how infrequently I get to play live. I just don't see utility in things I don't put to use.

But I do love seeing everyone's chips!
 
Last edited:

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