Poker Chips and their Design

Poker chips are effectively a substitute for money during a gambling game. Poker chips are often called clay chips but this is a misnomer and although clay is still used as a filler in a synthetic mix chip it is less commonly used because of the expense and ease with which this type of chip breaks. Clay had its chips ( Boom Boom! ) in the 1800's and they are not likely to regain their former popularity.

Modern Poker Chips are made of plastic, acrylic and clay composite. In the 1930s poker chips were decorated with metallic foil to make them distinctive and harder wearing. Over the following decades it became customary to embellish the central button  and edge with the Cardroom's and casino's own designs and logos making them intrinsically collectable.

To improve casino security against counterfeiting each casino had their own special blend of materials introduced into the chips using differing amounts of kaolin, clay, synthetic polymer acrylic composite plastic materials.

Every Casino and Cardroom now have their own design or logo on their chips which have been specially made for them by one of just a few companies in the USA.

The chips found commonly in home poker sets are plastic covered metal, usually with a design on them to give a realistic appearance and feel due to the extra weight. Ordinary plastic chips whilst less expensive and more readily available or not as durable and feel cheap. Plastic poker chips are probably better for beginners and occasional players because of the lower level of investment while metal core or even real clay chips will be the preferred choice of aficionados of the game.

Poker chips can now be bought online and some companies will send you a sample if you indicate that you are considering purchasing a full set. If you are a collector at heart you could start a collection of one dollar chips from the Casinos and Cardrooms you have visited. Generally of a very high quality they make great souvenirs or you could even play with them at home or return to the Casino and cash them in.
 

A good set of chips is a valuable piece of kit and they warrant a suitable case in which to keep them safe from accidental loss and damage. Usually a decent set of chips will automatically have a case of its own but if not you should get a strong one made of wood or metal not vinyl or plastic which is more easily damaged. You will need a strong lock or catch to prevent the chips spilling out accidentally on the floor.

If you have decided to become a regular player and want to upgrade your chip set to a higher quality buy plenty of them as you will rarely have too many and you will be able to accommodate extra players as your poker nights become a popular feature amongst your circle of friends. If you are buying your case separately and decide to buy a smaller number of chips initially with the view of buying extra chips as and when you need them consider buying a larger case with spare room for the extra chips if and when you buy them.