Best Type Of Poker Chips

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Composite/Clay Chips At one time, poker chips were made of clay and had a much better feel than cheap plastic chips. However, modern chips are not made of clay, but a composite material meant to mimic the touch and feel of those style of chips. Clay chips were standard in saloons and card rooms in the 1800s but haven’t been used since the 1950s.

When hosting a home poker game, the quality of the poker chips can add to the experience and enjoyment of your players. Cheap plastic, low-quality chips should be avoided if at all possible. Take my advice, spend a few extra bucks, and purchase a high-end quality poker chip set.

The 3 best quality poker chip set brands

Now let’s go through each type of poker chip so that you not only know what to choose but also what to avoid.

Types of Poker Chips

The construction of the poker chip is what determines the quality and durability of a chipset. There are basically 5 types of poker chips:

  1. Ceramic poker chips are one of the best poker chips available, which are made out of ceramic. This smooth porcelain type casino gambling chip provides a pleasurable feel in the hand while holding them and also possess beautiful designs that are attractive and pleasing to the eyes of everyone at the game.
  2. Clay poker chips are the most respected type of chips available on the market because of the touch and feel of thee chips. Almost all clay chips made today are not actually 100% clay.
  1. Pure plastic – Most commonly associated with the $10 kind you might see at the corner store. Good for kids only or if you want to play tiddlywinks. There are very few cheap plastic brands that are decent.
  2. Plastic with a metal slug – Has a metal weight inserted and often very basic markings. Sellers often claim these are “casino quality.” Don’t be fooled, they are often poorly made.
  3. China clay – The entry model design for quality chips. You can find some attractive chips at this level but the durability is generally lacking.
  4. Premium clay – These are often really good chips that have a casino feel and yet an affordable price. These are a good choice if you don’t like the “slick” feel of ceramic chips.
  5. Ceramic – Usually the top choice among discerning players. Ceramic chips come with an inlay design (not a sticker). As far as quality and weight go, you can’t beat these chips. 90% of poker players will probably prefer ceramic.

The Top Poker Chip Set Brands

Type

#1. Scroll Ceramic Poker Chips

With a simple yet elegant design, these chips are my favorite choice in high-quality poker chips. While they are not as flashy or “exciting” they are also not gimmicky and are less likely to go out of style.

#2. Nile Club Ceramic Poker Chips

Nile Club poker chips are a very close second. With a denser harder feeling and a unique design, they are just downright cool in every way. Also, if you are looking for a bigger variety in denominations this is the brand to get.

#3. Nevada Jack Skull Ceramic Poker Chips

The most expensive of the three. However, they are arguably the most popular chip ever made. If you are looking for flashy then this is your chip. Design wise, they tend to feel more “plasticky” and somewhat softer than other brands. Even so, the quality is unmatched.

Reviews

Let’s take a closer look at each brand so that you can make an informed decision.

1. Scroll Poker Chips

Scroll poker chips have a simple”everyman” design that will appeal to a wide audience. They are not gimmicky and are unlikely to go out of style. If you want something more flashy or exciting, get the Nile club or Nevada Jacks.

Scroll Features

Beyond aesthetics, I really like how the Scroll chips have big easy to read numbers as well as denominations listed on the sides. They definitely also have more texture to them than most other chips. This doesn’t really add or detract from them, I just thought it was worth mentioning.

Scroll Poker Chip Specifications

  • Size– ~39.3mm wide, ~3.32mm thick
  • Weight – Just under 10 grams
  • Materials – Ultra-Hard Plastic
  • Design – Victorian traditional with square non-rounded edges
  • Texture – Coarse with a middle of the road density
  • Durability – Excellent
  • Sound – Firm to middle of the road
  • Value– Excellent for the class
  • Denominations Available= .50, $1, $5, $25, $50, $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000

Which Denominations Come in This Set?

The 600-piece set shown here comes with:

  • 150 each of $1 and $5 chips
  • 100 each of $25 and $100 chip
  • 50 each of $500 and $1,000 chips

What Kind of Case Comes with the Set?

Unlike the cheap metal case that is standard with most sets, the Scroll chips come with a really cool high-quality clear acrylic case. You can see the chips inside, which adds a bit of class and I think is a nice touch.

Cons

Here are a couple of minor issues associated with this set that you should be aware of:

  • Coarse texture – Those that like really smooth chips may not like the coarse texture of the chip surface.
  • Limited denomination selection – If you are looking for a poker chip brand with a really wide selection of denominations, you will find Scroll limited. There is a .50 chip and $1 chip but then it jumps to $5. This is fine for tournament games but cash game players might find this insufficient.

2. Nile Club Poker Chips

I have to admit, I actually have a soft spot for these chips. Being a history nerd I simply love the Egyptian theme.

The Nile’s definite have an interesting unique, yet simple, look. Each denomination has a different Egyptian themed image. I am pretty sure that these are going to be a big hit no matter what type of home game you play in.

Nile Club Features

While ceramic chips are actually really hard plastic, the Nile Clubs actually feel like real ceramic. These feel the densest of all ceramic chips.

Scroll Poker Chip Specifications

Chips
  • Size – ~39.25mm wide, ~3.35mm thick
  • Weight – 10 grams
  • Materials – Ultra-Hard Plastic
  • Design – Egyptian theme with each denomination unique. Edges are flat with beveled edges.
  • Texture – Semi-smooth matte finish, often shiny at edges. Feel harder than some other designs and actually feel like real ceramic.
  • Durability – Very good
  • Sound – Higher pitch sound due to hard feel
  • Value – Very good for the class
  • Denominations Available= $0.25, $0.50, $1, $2, $2.50, $3, $5, $10, $25, $100, $500, $1,000 (I love the fact that .50, $2, $2.50 $3 are an option, for cash game flexibility)

Denominations Customized For Each Set

When you purchase these chips, you have the option of ordering any combination of denominations you want. And the fact that there are 12 different dollar amounts to choose from, makes this a great option if you have specific needs for your home game.

The Best Choice for Low Stakes Cash Games

The fact that you can buy denominations as low as $.25 cents means that you can be really flexible when playing a home cash game. No longer are you stuck playing $1/$2 blinds any more. With this set, you can play an even “friendlier” game by offering blinds as low as 25c/50c.

What Chip Breakout Do You Recommend?

Choosing the right amounts of chips can be important. However, the chips you select will vary based on the type of games you host. Here are my quantity recommendations based on three different scenarios:

ChipsTournamentsSmall CashMid-Stakes Cash
$0.2501250
$1 0225100
$50100225
$2520050125
$100 150050
$50010000
$1,000 5000

Here are the stakes you can expect to play for cash games based on the set breakouts above:

  • Small Stakes Cash – .25/.50, .50/1, 1/2
  • Mid-Stakes Cash – 1/2, 2/5, 5/10

If you want to figure out your own distributions, here is a handy calculator you can use.

What Kind of Case Comes with the Set?

Unfortunately, this set does not come with a case. However, this gives you the option of either using a case you already have or buying one that you see fit. Here are two nice quality options to choose from:

  • Versa Games 500pc Deluxe Case (Click to see Amazon price)

Nile Club Cons

Here are a few minor imperfections in this set that you should know about:

  1. The chips are not always perfectly flat – While stacked the chips might easily spin. This is not uncommon among poker chips but some do a better job than others.
  2. Inconsistent texture – The chips are sometimes shiny at edges, sometimes they are the normal matte. This is not that noticeable but you will see it if you look closely.
  3. Small denomination labeling – The dollar amounts on the chips are a bit smaller than the other two options. They might be a bit hard to read for some.

I want to stress that these “cons” are extremely minor considerations and might not even be noticed by some buyers.

3. Nevada Jack Skull Poker Chips

Nevada Jack is a very popular brand due to the flashy design. However, this is the exact reason they did not make #1 or #2 on my list. I feel they might not appeal to a lot of serious players. The “old west” feel might be cheesy or tacky to some.

Basically, either you love or hate them.

Don’t get me wrong, these are extremely good quality and well-designed chips. They are very good for casual games where you don’t take things too seriously. Even so, the flashy design might eventually get old even to players who enjoy the design.

Neva Jack Features

Nevada Jack chips appear to have the most consistent quality of the three choices. There are no problems with “spinners” or flatness issues and the texture is consistent across all denominations. These have a nice feel and shuffle fairly easily for ceramics.

Scroll Poker Chip Specifications

  • Size – ~39.1mm wide, ~3.3mm thick
  • Weight – 9.3 grams
  • Materials – Ultra-Hard Plastic
  • Design – The inlay features a skull graphic with the dead man’s hand. The edges are slightly beveled but mostly flat.
  • Texture – Consistent subtle linen texture. They feel a bit softer than the other brands.
  • Durability – Excellent, virtually impossible to break
  • Sound – They sound the most “plasticky” of the three choices.
  • Value – A bit pricy
  • Denominations Available= .25, .50, $1, $5, $25, $50, $100, $500, $1,000, $5,000

Which Denominations Come in This Set?

This 500-piece set comes with:

  • $1- 150
  • $5- 100
  • $25- 100
  • $100- 100
  • $500- 25
  • $1,000- 25

What Kind of Case Comes with the Set?

This 500-piece set comes with a standard aluminum case. The quality of the case does not do the chips justice, so you may want to invest in a better quality carrier. Once again, I recommend these cases:

  • Versa Games 500pc Deluxe Case (Click to see Amazon price)

Nevada Jack Cons

Here are a few minor imperfections in this set that you should know about:

  • Minor edge imperfections – Occasionally, upon close inspection, you can find a few minor concave areas. However, they are almost not worth mentioning since they actually are so minor you can’t feel them with your fingers.
  • Blue $1 chips – Some players might be so used to white $1 chips that they may be turned off by having to play with blue $1 chips.
  • Somewhat expensive – Expect to pay .20 to .30 more per chip for Nevada Jack chips.

Poker Chip Variations

Pure plastic

If you need a whole bunch of chips this is the way to go. Pure plastics can be bought in large quantity very cheaply.

Even so, if you are looking for high-quality chips at a lower price than ceramics, I recommend the Nextgen Pro Classics. They are an exceptionally beautiful set for the price.

Plastic with a metal slug

This type of poker chip is usually very heavy (up to 15 grams). While these chips do look nice, they are usually obviously cheaper looking. Even so, some people prefer the heavier weight.

If you decide you like heavier chips and want a really nice chipset I recommend the Monte Carlo Poker Club Set. It’s about as good as you can get in this class.

China clay

While often very attractive as far as poker chips go, china clay chips are typically easier to damage versus other types. Interestingly, they are not really made of clay at all but are actually really soft plastic.

They do feel very similar to actual casino chips. However, the labels are usually stick on and can peel off over time and can get dirty really easily. Even so, the cost is typically much cheaper than premium chips.

If you want chips that have a softer feel and might work best for chip tricks, I recommend the Milano Poker Set.

Premium clay

Premium clays feel and look very similar to a casino chip. There is no metal slug but they are weighted with heavy metals mixed in with the plastic. These are definitely easier to damage versus ceramics.

One bonus is that premium clay chips tend to have inlays and no stickers, which sets them apart from cheaper plastics or china clays.

If you want to save a lot of money and still get a great chipset, then I recommend some Monacos. Incidentally, premium clays are also a really good option for those that don’t like the slickness of ceramic.

Ceramic

After reading to this point, you already probably know a lot about ceramic chips. Even so, here are a few more interesting facts about ceramic poker chips:

  • In Ceramics, the inlay is almost never perfectly centered, it’s normal.
  • Chip Play/Tricks are difficult with ceramics due to the texture. If you don’t like the slick chips, go with Premium Clay.
  • All ceramic poker chips have “dimples” in the side where they were separated as part of the manufacturing process. You have to look closely, but they are there on every ceramic chip.
  • The inlay is almost never perfectly centered on all ceramics. However, this is usually minor and not noticeable unless you are looking for it.

Poker Chip Specifics

When it comes to purchasing the best quality poker chip set for hosting the perfect poker night, here are further explanations of the considerations used in this article:

  • Size
    Poker chips are almost universally around 39mm wide and 3mm thick.
  • Weight
    Ceramics are generally listed as 10 grams but actually, come in closer to 9 grams. You will find that cheaper chips actually tend to be heavier.
  • Materials
    Poker chips are almost universally made from some type of plastic. “Ceramic” poker chips are not made from the same material as ceramic dishes. Instead, are solid hardened plastic.
  • Design
    Cheaper chips usually come with a sticker. Quality chips come with a graphic inlay usually imprinted directly on the surface with no sticker necessary.
  • Texture
    Poker chips come with a wide variety of textures. They can range anywhere from very coarse to completely smooth. Ceramics tend to have slick edges, which are not the best for tricks. They are usually easy to shuffle but not as easy as other materials due to “slickness”.
  • Durability
    All chips wear, ceramics do on the edge very slowly. It’s normal to have a patina eventually. Clay chips wear, but it doesn’t show as much since they are solid color throughout. Ceramics are white underneath an inlay. Ceramics will still probably last decades for normal use and are virtually impossible to break by hand.
  • Sound
    The harder the materials, generally the higher pitched the sound. Ironically, high-end poker chips often sound cheap when you bump them together. This is because they are typically made of hardened plastic. China clays and premium clays tend to produce the most popular sound.
  • Value
    Cheap plastic chips can be under $.03 each while high-end ceramics can be well over $1 each. You almost always get what you pay for when it comes to poker chips.

Additional Home Game Products and Info

I have written other informational articles on hosting a poker home game. Be sure to check them out if you want to enhance your home game experience:

Summary

In this review I tried to find the best quality chip sets for the price. To my surprise, my favorite two chip sets that I recommend also happen to be among the most affordable out there.

I hope you enjoyed this review, be sure to comment if you know of any other chip sets that should have made the list.

Poker Chips and Chip Sets are a must have in Poker Supplies for your Games Room. Learn all about the different BestTypes of Poker Chips & Sets available for Your Next Home Game here.

Poker Chips and Chip Sets- The Number One Poker Supply. Know the details of buying the right types of gambling chips to get the Best for your home game dollars.

Poker the Best Game for Fun at Home

Poker is one of the best games of all time around the world. It connects everyone together with their friends and family through its fun, and sporting skill, luck, and bluff filled action type of games. Though there is a misconception that poker is only played by professional gamblers to earn money, there are lots of people from all walks of life who often step out and try out their luck in this fascinating game full of skill, action, luck and bluffing.

A poker game can not only help people to become wealthy it can also help make them go bankrupt and end up in the poor house in the process. The goal is to be the shark and not the fish!

Whatever the individuals financial situation is, poker was and is always just around the corner in home games, online, and through live play.

People love to play this game and will remain in love with this game as long is there are always chances to make money and become wealthy playing in huge online and live tournaments. Now onto the home game and what you need to go Poker Shopping for a fun successful poker game evening in your new games room.

Types of Poker Chips For Successful Home Games

The Main problem that arises while selecting the casino chips to use for your home game is the fact that they are available in the market place today in a significant number of different sizes, weights and designs.

Each of them is unique and possess vivid colors as well as design differences and weights. Thus below is the list of things that you need to keep in mind while selecting the best Poker gambling chips for your Home Game Collection.

Number of Poker Chips Required How many do I need?

You can buy sets or singles or sleeves of chips in only one denomination; in fact you can purchase poker chips in any number of different sizes. However, most people love to buy them in a set of 100 up to a 1000. It costs less and provides a better deal the larger you go with the selected type of poker chip set size.

Best Type Of Poker Chips

Best Type Of Poker Chips Poker

If you are going to hold a tournament, then you need to have a lot of chips. 7-10 people takes an average of 1000 chips or so will do. That is the minimum to buy for a quick example. Most people will not have more than that at a home game. My set at home is 2000 chips for versatility in case of large buy ins/large starting stacks and interchangeable for sit n go and large cash games as well as any side games for those knocked out that want to play cash games until the next round of holdem starts.

Poker chips on a gaming table with dramatic lighting Copyright: www.123rf.com/profile_fergregory

Many Types of Poker Chips

There are plenty of variations available in the selection of poker chips, and each of them possesses some unique characteristics.

Below is the list of different poker chips for your information to help in selection for your needs, be it small home games or larger Texas Holdem tournaments.

Plastic Poker chip types

The name says it all. These gambling chip types are made out of plastic and pretty light weight. These chips are available all over the place, pick some up at your local Dollarama. However, if you are going to use these chips in your home casino games with serious players, then you may want to think twice because they are not preferred by most in-build and style or weight. If your looking to joke around, play on a boat or canoe or maybe in the backyard or camping then these may be the right choice for you. For the avid poker player and for a serious games room these are not what you will be looking for.

Composite Types of Poker Chips

These are regular poker chips, which can easily be seen in various poker rooms and gaming houses. If your looking to hold a poker game at your place, at relative cost, then these are a good option to try out. Available at a low price and made with real materials, these are durable enough with a bit more added weight then the plastic entry level lightweight throw away type chips.

Moreover, if you want, you can customize these casino chips too. Weighing only 11.5 grams, these are more than comfortable to hold in ones hands and play realistic style poker.

Ceramic Types of Poker Chips are the Best

Ceramic poker chips are one of the best poker chips available, which are made out of ceramic. This smooth porcelain type casino gambling chip provides a pleasurable feel in the hand while holding them and also possess beautiful designs that are attractive and pleasing to the eyes of everyone at the game. You wont be seen as cheap when you break out the nice set of ceramic poker chips for your next basement poker game.

Clay Types of Poker chips are the most expensive kind

Clay poker chips are one of the most expensive poker chips available in the market. These are built with exceptional craftsmanship and quality and an ideal option for casinos and high end games rooms. With stunning design, beautiful build and excellent quality, they are potent enough to withstand any hazard in case of the inevitable outrage of a poker gamer when he or she suffers a bad beat at the casino or in your garage at home and chips go flying. Buy these and impress your friends as a poker aficionado.

Check the Color of your poker chips and Make sure your standardized

If you want to make your poker game famous among your friends, then try to follow the international standard of chips. According to the rule of poker, the color of the chips changes from white up to orange depending upon the value. Try to buy chips which are mostly painted red for 5 green for 25 and blue for 50, and maybe the black 100 as well, because these tend to remain in demand for most of the time during a normal game.

Poker Chips Value by Colors

  • $1 White
  • $5 Red
  • $10 Blue or green $25 depending on you and your blinds
  • $25 Green or blue $50 depending on you and your blinds
  • $100 Black
  • $500 Purple
  • $1000 Orange

The Greens and the Blues seem to be variable denominations depending where you play sometime. Also how the blinds increase. I generally just go right from red 5 to green 25 and then blue 50 black 100 and then use orange as 500 in my games the way I set them up. There is no steadfast rule for home games as long as everyone knows what color is what denomination.

Types of Weight Differences in Poker Chips

Depending upon the make and build material of the chip, changes of the poker chips weight vary to some extent. For instance, if you are opting for fiber poker chips, then they are almost 7.5 grams of weight, and if you choose the ceramic chips, then they weigh as high as 14 grams. They are good too but chips that weigh less than 10 grams are easy to hold but not easy to move around we find. We like the heavy ones here.

Questions to Ask Yourself When you select a poker set type:

  • How much money do I need to have to buy what I want? How much is my budget?
  • How often will I be using these chips?
  • Will the chips be doubling as decorations and add on’s to a nice looking games room? – if yes, you may want to look at the premium ceramic chips
  • How easy are the chips to store? Do I need a flat case? A stand up, tower type case? Brief case style with handle for travel?

These are some of the main things that you need to keep in mind while selecting your type of poker chips. Using these ideas, you can not only save a lot of money if looking to be frugal, but also what can enhance the look and feel to a really awesome home games room for hosting one heck of a rocking poker game with a semi professional feel. Hopefully this helps you no matter what budget you have, limited or unlimited for your home game needs.

Coming Soon:

Poker Chip Sets:

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How many poker chips do I need in my set?

Best Type Of Poker Chips Stocks

Where can I buy Poker Chips online Worldwide?

Best Type Of Poker Chips Doubledown Casino

Where can I buy Poker Chips online in the US?

Best Type Of Poker Chips Without

Where can I buy Poker Chips online in Canada?

Where can I buy Poker Chips online in the UK?