A Guide to Buying Poker Cards and Chips
The increased popularity of Poker has resulted in a proliferation of chips and card decks, of different types. If you have no experience in buying, it is important that you know the things to look for.
Poker chips, for example, come now in all sorts of types and sizes, but for the most part, there are only three kinds that you need to familiarize yourself with. If you want the best, then you should look for "clay Poker chips". These are in fact made from clay and other materials and are distinguished for their weight (usually 8-12 grams), the multiple colors and durability.
Because these are the types that are used in casinos and the large tournaments, they are also the most expensive. However, you can be sure that you will be getting your money's worth on these.
At the other end of the spectrum are the plastic Poker chips. They are very light, and most cost under $25. Most of them are actually serviceable, but to know which ones to buy, it would be a good idea to go to a review site on the Web to find out recommended buys, or at least get a sample product from the retail store.
A nice alternative between the two are metal Poker chips. These are more expensive than plastic, but not in the range of the clay composite. They are also durable,
As for the number of chips that you will require, a rough guidelines is as follows: 200 chips are good for 3-4 Poker players; 400 about six players and 800-100 are enough for a full ring game of ten.
As for choosing Poker cards, there are also basically three choices: plastic, paper and the vinyl. Whenever possible, you should go for the plastic; they are the strongest, and properly taken care of, can last for a long time. Paper Poker cards are the worst, since they will crinkle easily and get worn out after heavy usage. Vinyl are not as bad as paper, but if you are going to buy Poker cards, choose plastic.
As for the design, it is of course a matter of taste, but to avoid any cheating or misinterpretation, select a Poker card deck with a clear background and foreground design, to make it easier to read.
When buying Poker cards and chips, you should always look for the best that you can afford. The last thing that you want is to buy replacements repeatedly. As in the game itself, make sure that you will get a nice return on your investment.
