|
Wednesday, 05 September 2007 |
|
Poker chips are the round, colored disks used by gamblers instead of placing bets using actual cash. Although the chips are referred to as poker chips, they can be used in any game involving cash stakes including black jack and roulette. A set of poker chips contains chips of various colors. Each color poker chip representa a different cash value. In games using unmarked chips, players must determine a value for each poker chip color prior to the start of the game. Casino poker chips have the chip value marked on them.
The quality of poker chips can vary greatly. Cheap poker chips for at-home play are made from plastic and easily stored in a plastic stacker that is often included with the purchase. Inexpensive poker chips are available at discount stores and even “dollar” stores.More expensive poker chips are made of a clay composite and available in weights ranging from 7.5 grams to 13.5 grams or more. The heavier the weight of the chip, the better the quality. Higher quality poker chips are often sold as a set in a heavy-duty aluminum storage case. These composite poker chips most often have one of three standard designs stamped around the outside edge. The three standard designs are diamonds, dice or suited (hearts, diamonds, clubs and spades). Composite style poker chips are available at some discount, department and specialty stores as well as from on-line retailers. In response to the soaring interest in Texas Hold’em and other poker games, many companies have begun offering poker chips imprinted with their logo or advertising information as promotional items. These are popular among collectors of poker chips as well as memorabilia collectors. The highest quality poker chips are the professional grade chips found in casinos. These poker chips are made of a heavy weight clay composite. Casino poker chips usually have the casino logo or a picture of the casino in the center of the chip. The cash value of the chip is also printed on each of the poker chips. Casino poker chips are worth the actual cash value that is printed on the chip. The use of poker chips simplifies gambling by replacing cash with standardized chips. The range of price and quality of poker chips makes them accessible to gamblers at every level and adds a professional feel to every bet. |
