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Gaming chips or tokens have been made from a wide range of
materials in an almost infinite variety of styles since man
discovered gambling and needed a simple method of keeping
track of winnings. We are limiting this work to the three most
common material types used today in the manufacture of modern
poker chips. Plastic, clay composite, and acrylic composite
are currently available for sale.
In modern reality there is no such creature as
a clay chip, what is commonly referred to as a clay chip is a
composite with some clay (some descriptions list kaolin
instead of clay, same thing) filler mixed into a durable high
impact polymer matrix. Examples of modern “clay” chips are the
popular "James Bond" style chips (which we sell when
in-stock). The clay composite chips are quite pricey and
generally in short supply due to their popularity. These chips
usually are in weight ranges between 8 grams and 11.5 grams
and are casino standard 39 mm diameter.
Actual clay chips were used in the United States during the
late 1800's; however, these easily broken chips were quickly
replaced by clay filled composites that provided much greater
durability and security. In the early part of the 1900’s chips
were commonly molded from Plaskon, an ureaformaldehyde molding
compound. In the 1930’s die cut metal foil was applied to the
chips to give unique identity and added security. Bugsy Siegel
opened the Flamingo Casino with these chips. In the 1940’s
printed centers appeared and edge spots were added for even
greater security. The 1950’s saw most casinos using the newest
chips with house designs, logos or both molded into the rim
and top of chip. Today the style and materials utilized in the
manufacture of gaming chips are unique to the particular
casino. Some have metal “coin” centers with structural plastic
outer rims. Cloth fiber reinforced polymer molded chips and a
just introduced all metal alloy poker chip that is anodized in
different brilliant colors
Composite Metal Core Chips (e.g. Dice and Suited)
The standard fare of most serious home game players. Heavy (8g
or 11.5g), very durable chips are readily available and can
usually be customized through a hot stamping or decaling
process for added security. These chips are injection molded
from a particulate filled thermoset (does not soften when
heated) plastic around an internal metal slug for that exact
“Casino” look and feel. Almost all metal core chips are
manufactured in either Taiwan or China. Our experience with
the same styles of chip indicates a major difference in
product quality between the two countries of origin. Chips
from China are, on the whole, of a lesser quality, probably
owing to the lack of quality control including less precision
in composite mixing, and imperfect dyes used in manufacturing.
We have examined Poker Chips from China that are warped, have
noticeable size variations, same lot includes several
different shades of same color and a lack of material
uniformity across the surface of the chip. Chips manufactured
in Taiwan are usually of a higher overall quality that becomes
quite evident in the general appearance and feel. There does
not appear to be any price differential between the two. A
final note, good quality chips are available from China and
“made in Taiwan” is not always a guarantee of acceptable
quality so you may want to request a sample from the lot the
seller is offering for purchase.
Casino Chips, the Gold Standard
These are, of course, the very best, especially when it comes
to security. Casino chips are produced by an extremely limited
number of bonded companies all located within the US. Each
casino has a unique secret blend composition used to mold
their chips; this is one of the primary defenses to prevent
counterfeiting. The chips are injection molded with
copyrighted designs in manufacturing facilities that have
security that rivals the US mint. Most modern casino chips are
a synthetic polymer acrylic composite with a laminated center.
The closest thing I've seen to a casino chip in quality,
design and feel are the "Fan of Cards" chips which are a metal
core composite with a laminated center. The only avenue
available to acquire real casino chips is to buy them from the
casino at face value or from a reseller that will usually
include a hefty mark-up. Casino chips vary slightly in weight,
however most weight in around 10g.
Plastic Chips
The entry level economical gaming chip that may be purchased
almost everywhere. Plastic chip quality range from the
extremely cheap chips sold at supermarkets in the toy aisle to
heavy solid plastic chips that can weight as much as 7g.
Plastic chips do not offer much in the way of security and are
easily damaged. They lack the look and heft of composite chips
and tend to tinkle when splashing the pot. We do not sell any
plastic chips on this Web Site
If you are new to poker (or other games that use markers) or
have a very limited budget then consider purchasing some
economical plastic chips. Use these for your games and when
you decide that you are serious about your weekly home game
and it is going to become a permanent event then invest in a
set of quality clay composite or composite metal core chips
(e.g. James Bond, dice, suited). For all but the most
discriminating person, metal core composite chips are the best
all around value with a good balance between "casino" feel and
cost. The chip snob will move into the clay composites such as
“James Bond” style chips. If you are considering the high-end
poker chips then you should explore purchasing actual casino
chips (you may acquire different colors if you purchase $1
chips from different casinos. Let us know since we are located
in Las Vegas.) The one dollar cast per casino chip will be
very close to stamped high-end composites and the casino chips
will have another major advantage; you can always get a full
refund by cashing the chips at the issuing casino. Buy them,
use them and still get a full refund makes casino chips quite
attractive. If you choose to go the casino chip route remember
to protect them the same as cash and continue reading the next
section on cases for your chips.
A case to protect and secure your chips, cards and dealer
button is imperative to protect your investment and provide
the necessary security for your chips. The chips will remain
safe under lock and key during play leaving you to concentrate
on your play. You can quickly determine if any chips are
missing after a playing session when you rack them into the
case. Lost or missing chips can cost you if they are removed
from the set during the penny-ante game on Tuesday and
reintroduced into the high stakes game on Friday. Poker chip
cases come in a wide variety of styles, materials and price
ranges. Choose the one that fits your needs and budget. Most
chip sellers offer complete sets with an included case.
Inexpensive, readily available plastic chips need not be
protected so the case may be as simple as a shoebox but once
you move into midrange and better casino style chips you
should definitely consider a quality lockable case.
Plastic Case
Entry level carrying case for your chips that
usually is not lockable and provides a simple method of
storing and carrying you gaming chips. Lowest cost and
shortest life of the specialized chip cases. Lack of security
requires constant vigilance of your chips during the game. (We
do not sell any of these.)
Vinyl Case
The vinyl case is a step above the plastic
listed above and provides greater protection for your poker
chipset. The case is usually constructed from wood or plastic
covered with a vinyl material. The case may be lockable but
don’t assume it to be since many are not. Our experience with
vinyl cases has not always been positive. The weight of a 500
chipset of 11.5 gram poker chips is close to twenty pounds and
places considerable stress on the carrying case and handle.
The failure mode for most vinyl cases is separation of the
handle from the case due to the weight. We have had vinyl
cases that are well constructed from heavy materials with
keyed locks, quality metal hinges and gusseting for years of
use but they are rare and may cost more than a metal case.
Metal Case
The most common and popular poker chip
carrying case. Most metal cases are constructed from
structural aluminum in a wide range of styles and price
ranges. The quality of metal cases varies considerably so keep
in mind that metal is not synonymous with desirability. Some
metal cases are not all metal and may have plastic panels and
parts in their construction. Some are not lockable. Others
have sharp corners. Exceptionally lightweight metal sheets
will not last long. The features we look for in a quality case
is medium weight all metal (aluminum preferred) construction
with added reinforcement in the critical stress areas. Keyed
locks to keep our chips secure. The style we prefer is beveled
construction with round corners and edges. The carrying handle
(most likely failure point) should be heavy and double riveted
directly to the frame. The overall appearance of the case
should be a well fitted grooved lid, uniform seams and finish.
No sharp edges or ill-fitting parts. The interior of the case
should be flocked trays that fit the chips in a snug fashion
and have card and accessory trays. When closed the chips
should be held firmly in place. The finest all metal case we
have seen was constructed from aircraft quality aluminum with
removable flocked chip trays, high security barrel locks,
machined from solid stock handle fittings and hinges. The
entire case was anodized in a high gloss black finish. Not
only did this case represent the top-of-the-line in metal
cases it also represented the top price in chip cases.
Wood Case
Our favorite poker chip case is the quality
wood case with custom brass fittings. Wood cases are available
in many styles and price ranges form the low end pine models
to the “you can’t afford it” carved exotic wood with inlayed
precious metals handmade by a master cabinet maker. Most
affordable wood cases are constructed from pine, mahogany, oak
and other hard woods. Look for the same features we listed in
the metal case description. Quality construction and finish,
heavy duty handles and hinges, keyed locks and well fitting
removable chip trays. In general, you should expect to pay
more for a good quality wood case but you can expect to
receive years of use. Remember that all wood cases are not of
an acceptable quality so, as always, ask the seller. If you
cannot locate a wood case to fill your needs and price is not
a major consideration then you should check with your local
cabinet makers for a custom made premium case but expect to
pay a premium price.
How many chips do you need? A good question
that can be answered with a couple of simple questions. How
much can you afford to pay for your chipset and how many
players will be using the chips in a game. As with most things
you pay for quality and the best advice is to buy the highest
quality you can afford. It is rare to be sorry that you opted
for a higher line of goods so buy the best your budget allows.
How many will you need? A good rule of thumb for quantity
follows:
-
3-4 Players 300 chipset is usually enough
-
4-6 Players 400-500 chipset will suffice
-
6-8 Players 500-650 chipset is required
-
8-10+ Players 1000+ chips depending on numbers
The above guide is a suggested number only.
Remember that you cannot really have too many chips, only too
few so buy all you can afford. We maintain an open stock of
chips so you can purchase more as you need them. Add a good
lockable case to protect the chips and you are ready to enjoy
Americas favorite past time, Poker.
Here are the traditional colors used by
casinos. You can order chips with blank colors and set your
own denominations.
|
White,
Blue & Beige |
$1.00 |
|
Red |
$5.00 |
|
Green |
$25.00 |
|
Black |
$100.00 |
No, non-clay chips have their place. They are
a great low cost alternative if you're a beginner or if you
require an extraordinary large amount of chips (ie: you're
sponsoring casino night). As with anything else, it's usually
just a good idea to be be aware of what you are purchasing.
Most non-clay chips are either pure plastic or consist of a
metal insert (added for weight) surrounded by either ABS plastic
or a plastic resin composite material.
In Nevada, the Gaming Commission requires them
to be destroyed.
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| ORDERING &
SHIPPING |
Q: What shipping methods are available?
A: We currently ship USPS and UPS. For other shipping options and
prices, please email us
Q: Is international shipping available?
A: Yes. Please select the Send Payment option and we will email
you the details on your options for shipping.
Q: What forms of payment are accepted?
A: 1) Credit Card - We currently accept Paypal and all
major credit cards via Paypal. Getting a Paypal account is very easy and
secure.
2) Send Payment: We accept personal checks,
money orders, cashier's checks, or certified bank checks denominated in
U.S. dollars as payment for all orders. All check types must be received
by us and funds must clear before the order can be shipped (typically,
15 business days after the check is received). Checks must be drawn on a
U.S. bank and have the customer's name and address imprinted on the
check front with a valid nine-digit bank routing number (ABA code)
located at the bottom of the check. "Temporary" or counter
checks are not acceptable. Payment must be made to BestPokerStuff.
Q: How do I know when my order has been received?
A: Once your order has been received, you will receive an e-mail from
us. This e-mail confirms that we have received your order and it
includes your order number. Keep this e-mail for your records.
Q: How do I know when my order has been shipped?
A: Once your order has been shipped, you will receive an e-mail from us.
This e-mail confirms that your order or part of your order has shipped.
You may receive multiple e-mails depending on the items you selected.
Q: Can I cancel my order?
A: After you have submitted your order you cannot make any
online changes to your order. To change or cancel your order prior to
shipment, you must e-mail to our
Customer Service.
Please note that most orders process quickly and can enter the shipping
process within 24-48 hours. If your order has already entered the
shipping process, it cannot be changed or canceled.
Q: What is your Warranty policy?
A: BestPokerStuff.com provides a 30-day money-back
guarantee on all products. In addition, many products in our store
carry a manufacturer's warranty. Please
email us
if you have any specific warranty questions.
Q: What is your Refund Policy?
A: If your item is damaged or found to be defective, please
contact our Customer Service Department immediately.
Email us. We can process refunds for items purchased
within 7 days of receipt of item. For all other types of
refund requests, please email us and we will reply with your options.
Refunds will be given via the same method as original payment.
Q: Are the product images on your site photographs of the
actual merchandise?
A: Yes, all of the product images on BestPokerStuff.com are images of
our actual merchandise.
Q: Are the product images on your site exactly match with the
actual merchandise color and size?
We have attempted to accurately depict the colors of the
products offered on this site. However, because the color you see is
dependent on your computer monitor, we cannot guarantee that the color
you see will be accurate. The products also may appear larger or smaller
than their actual size depending on your monitor. All photographs of
merchandise have been enlarged to show detail. Please see the product
descriptions for the actual size of the products.
Q: Do I have to pay sales tax on my online purchase?
A: Since BestPokerStuff.com is based in Nevada, state law requires that
we charge sales tax on orders shipped to customers residing in Nevada.
Q: Can I get a catalog of your products?
A: Currently we do not print any catalogs. You can only view the
BestPokerStuff.com products online at our web store.
Q: Can I get a data sheet on Customized Art Work Submission specifications?
A:
Click Here for
BestPokerStuff Custom Art Work Submission documentation.
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