Daphne Greene asked:


Poker chips are small, but the success of a poker game depends on this accessory. Understanding the differences between the basic types of poker chips is important because it will help you decide which type of chip is right for you. The different types of poker chips vary from plastic, composite and clay and thousands of designs are available as well. Many poker players are curious about the basic types of chips and what makes a poker chip better or worse than the rest.

Let’s start answering these questions by explaining that plastic chips are the most inexpensive ones. These functional chips are thin and can be had for about $4 for 100 chips. The styles and colors are limited and the durability is questionable but the chips made of 100% plastic are a great option if you want to organize a casual game. Besides, these poker chips are lightweight, as well as replaceable and compact, which makes them great for travel.

There was a time when stacking plastic poker chips was not possible, but now the system has been improved by brands such as Bicycle, allowing the chips to interlock. Again, using plastic poker chips will not impress your home game opponents but using them on any trip is a great idea. Some disadvantages of these types of chips are that counting them from any distance is very difficult, measuring up the stack of your opponents is almost impossible and the price of these poker chips makes cheating a lot easier.

Diamond poker chips are a significant improvement considering the small price increase compared to plastic chips. Diamond chips weigh 8 grams and add a casino feel to any game. The material of these chips is a composite resin and wider varieties of colors are available. The chips cost roughly $8-$10 for 100 chips. The quality of the diamond chips varies between distributors; most of these chips are imported into the United States, mainly from China and Taiwan. There’s practically no clay in this composite mixture, and even though the injection point of the resin is visible you will not feel it.

The textured surface of most diamond chips makes them easy to handle. Most of the brands of these chips don’t have slim and round edges but the matte finish gives a decent look to the chips, which is appreciated when trying to organize inexpensive games. The diamond poker chips are cheap and you can find them easily, which means that not too many serious poker games will use them but smaller home poker games or well monitored games can be played with these chips. The value and durability of the diamond poker chips is great, casual home poker games or dorm room games are the perfect occasions to use these chips.

The most common composite poker chips are the familiar chip designs that have been used in many home poker games across the country and in videos, book covers and marketing photos for tournaments. The composite poker chips weigh 11.5 grams and some people consider them the new plastic chip; however, the differences are more than evident: the look of the composite chips is smooth and glossy, and when these chips are stacked the edge spots make them attractive.

The composite poker chips have a wide variety of chip faces and the ability to personalize the game becomes endless because of all the customization options available. The composite poker chips are a high-quality product that facilitates heat stamping and labeling, and the $12-$15 for 100 chips price is still relatively low. These chips are made of a metal disc that is surrounded by a mixture of clay and resin.

The 11.5 gram weight comes from the metal insert, lending a feeling of quality and authenticity and giving a more distinctive sound to the chips. Unlike the textured diamond poker chips the feel of a composite chip is smooth and there’s a much more discreet injection point for the composite mixture which creates a more complete casino experience. Overall, composite poker chips are the dominant chip for home poker games because of their durability, price, chip faces and customizations available.

Clay poker chips are the most popular ones, since the look, feel and sound of these chips is inimitable. Capturing the casino experience at a home poker game without clay poker chips is impossible; however, these chips haven’t been available for home games for very long. These days imported clay poker chips are available as alternatives to the more expensive clay chips from U.S. manufacturers. These imported chips are as durable as the domestic chips but the quality of design and aesthetic is not the same.

The most common type of clay poker chip for home poker games is the 13 gram Casino Clay chip. A metal insert is used in these chips to provide a substantial weight but the disc is enveloped with clay and not resin, which results in a chip with deeper tone, richer texture and softer feel and finish - clay poker chips never lose luster. Chips used in casinos generally weigh only 10 grams and have a label with the card room’s name. Since there’s no metal insert these clay chips are usually considered “ceramic chips.”

Most clay chips are not made of pure clay anymore; this material has been replaced by composites that are known for delivering better security, economy and results in most of the largest casinos in the world, while the new materials let players enjoy the feel of clay chips. Don’t be obsessed with clay when deciding which set of poker chips is right for you, remember that clay is a common substance that can be found in the ground – it is not very valuable, it is not gold.

Some people believe that if a poker chip is not made of clay then this chip is not the best. This idea has to change: in the past 75 years not too many casinos have used true clay poker chips. Nowadays the composite materials provide more durability, strength and handling, facilitating a more vivid screening and labeling. Buying 100% clay poker chips does not necessarily mean that the person will get a superior product.



Content by. Casino and Gamblingr

Mark Etinger asked:


The first time you played poker, you were probably using plastic chips that came from the local drugstore. It didn’t really matter because you were hanging out with your friends and having a great time as you socialized over a friendly game of cards.

Then, the years went by and you got more and more serious about your poker game. Crazy gimmick games such as Night Baseball or One Card Monte gave way to No-Limit Texas Hold Em and Omaha Hi-Low. During this time you probably played your first game using genuine clay poker chips. Ah, what a day that was! There was just something so “grown-up” about it all.

And now that you have a few dollars in your pocket, you’re thinking about getting your own authentic poker chips. Here’s why it’s a must-have purchase!

1. The way they feel in your hand. They way real poker chips are weighted makes them feel great in your hands. You can shuffle your checks around with ease as you contemplate a hand, and the sounds of clicking and clacking as you rake in a another big pot is simply one of a kind.

2. They’re durable. If you care for them properly (don’t easy greasy food while you’re playing or throw the chips against a wall) your clay poker chips should provide many years of pleasure. Buy a wood poker chips case to store them safely.

3. They’re customizable. You can put also any design on customizable poker chip. Try your initials, your company logo or even the date of your wedding anniversary (just so you won’t sit down to a game on big day).

4. They stack easily. Clay poker chips are easy to stack and count out. If you’re using several generations’ worth of plastic chips, chances are they all have different weight and heights, making it harder to cash out at the end of the night.

5. They intimidate. When someone walks into your house and tries to take your money at the poker table, you need to make a statement. Pulling out your own set of customized clay casino poker chips says that you are not be trifled with when the cards come out of the deck.

6. They make play more fun. When you sit down to play with authentic poker chips, you know they game is going to “big time” and that everyone will bring that something extra to the proceeding. Real poker chips make fun viral!

7. They make a great gift. If you know a poker-lover, there’s no gift cooler than a customized set of poker chips. You can customize them with their favorite colors, sports team logo, or even their initials.

Have you been dreaming about your own set of real poker chips? Then the place to go is pokerchest. Poker chest offers an incredible selection of chips, tables, cards and other must-have poker accessories. When you’re ready to get serious about your game - visit pokerchest.



Content by. Naruto Store

Mike Versteegen asked:


Since there is poker, there are poker books. Some are good and some are pretty bad.

Here you will find the 20 best Poker Books which can be bought along with a small, but good and honest review.

Harrington on Hold’em Volume I: Strategic Play

Written by Dan Harrington, winner of the 1995 WSOP main event. Harrington has so much to say that he had to carry this over to a 2nd book, Volume II. Volume I covers the majority of topics for a No Limit Holdem Tournament player. It focuses on the earlier segments of a tournament. More advanced strategies for the end game can be found in Volume II. Aimed at players with some tournament experience, looking to take their game to a higher level. The writing style is fairly easy to digest. Harrington’s experience clearly shows through on this book. Not only does he fill the book with real live examples and how to play them, but also gives the reasons behind play. This one gives a real insight in to the mind of someone who thinks deeply and carefully about the game. One of the finest books on the subject that any serious player should keep in their library.

Harrington on Hold’em Volume II: The Endgame

While Volume I focused largely on solid play, this book gives insight on how to play the end game, in which deviations from earlier strategies can be made. It also helps in establishing moves from other players, commonly found in higher buy-in events at this stage. Short-handed and heads up are covered exceptionally well. Along with Volume I, this makes a great set for any serious tournament player.

Tournament Poker for Advanced Players by David Sklansky

For players that have a serious interest in tournament poker, this makes a great addition to your collection of material. Sklansky introduces a now well recognized principle he refers to as “The gap concept”. General tournament ideas are covered, including how to adjust your game at different levels of the event, playing with and against short and large stack, deal making, last longer bets, and much more. Although some sections could have been extended with further information, this is certainly a book that should be on your list.

Winning Poker Tournaments One Hand at a Time Volume I

Although there are numerous books out there on poker, there are not many written by primarily online successful poker players. This one comes directly from 3 top online poker players, PearlJammer, Rizen, and Apestyles, who use their own hand histories to explain concepts. The authors have been extremely careful with the hands selected for analysis, all coming from their past online play. This certainly isn’t a book for beginners. If you are looking to get great insight in to playing online mid limit tournaments, this is an amazing addition to your library.

Poker Tournament Tips from the Pros by Shane Smith

From one of the greatest writers, learn the best strategies for different stages of an event and how to avoid 26 potential tournament traps. Also gives 21 top tips for winning poker tournaments.

Arnold Snyder’s The Poker Tournament Formula

If you have read Harrington and Sklansky and still need a boost to your tournament game, this may be the addition for you. Synders strategy is predominantly focused on position, unlike Sklansky who puts more focus on your hand. Although low limit event strategies are lacking, this proves to be a very good addition for students of the game.

Arnold Snyder’s The Poker Tournament Formula 2

This book focuses on larger events with slower structures, such as the WSOP and the WPT. This is for those who wish to step up their game and enter the world wide tournament circuit and taking a stab at potentially rich rewards. Synder presents some complicated concepts in a very clear understandable manner. This is a good addition for playing looking to play in bigger events. Synder discusses some well accepted principles, as well as challenging and refuting many past strategies with provocative and compelling reasons.

Every Hand Revealed by Gus Hansen

From a player with a reputation of playing any two cards, showing wild play that seems to defy logic. This book shows the clear and logical thought process of his seemingly crazy decisions. You’ll soon learn that if you’re going to describe Gus as crazy, it’s more accurate to consider him “Crazy as a fox”. Hansen takes readers through his 5 day performance during the 2007 Aussie Millions tournament, going on to win $1.2M. The book well discusses his thoughts during key hands and stages through the event. Gus also highlights hands which he believes he may have played incorrectly, and gives the insight to this. It just goes to show even the top pro’s make mistakes. A highly rated read.

Erick Lindgren Reveals His Tournament Secrets

This book is from a well known professional who teaches you from start to finish - starting from trying to win a seat in a satellite, through to playing early stages, mid stages and approaching and reaching the final table. This is a well written book and is a great addition to your collection if you are looking to move your tournament game up a level.

Harrington on Cash Games, Volumes I & II

Straightforward writing style, coupled with real life examples, along with problems to analyze. One of two volumes, both of which are highly recommended. No serious poker player should be left without Harrington in their collection. The majority of examples are taken from a 5-10NL game. If you need to learn from start to finish on cash game, or looking to improve your cash game, you cannot afford to be without this one. A large majority of successful cash players have read this one, so you do not want to be left behind.



Content by. Mortgage bank Loans