Poker History
Poker card game believed to have originated in Asia and first played in the United States in the 19th century. A traditional cut throat gambling game at first, it is now internationally popular social pass time. Poker is fundamentally a gambling game and is played either for money or for chips purchased from the game's banker. In all of the many variations there are betting rounds during which each player in the game must fold (stop playing the hand), call (equal the bet made), or raise (increase the bet made). All bets are placed together to form a pot. The object of all poker games is to win the pot either by holding the best hand or by inducing (bluffing) the others to drop. Betting system distinguishes poker from other gambling games. With the minor exception of intitial forced bets, money is only placed into the pot voluntarily by a player who, at least in theory, rationally believes the bet has positive expected value. Thus while the outcome of any particular hand is determined mostly by chance, the long-run expectations of the players are determined mostly by their actions chosen based on probability and psychology.
Poker Chips History
Earlier in the poker games coins, gold dust and gold nuggets were used as the monetary units in the place of poker chips that we are using now. Earlier Chips were made from ivory, bone, wood paper and a composition made from clay and shellac. Clay composition poker chips were made by several companies between the 1880's and the late 1930's. There were over 1000 designs from which to choose. Most chips were white, red, blue and yellow but they could be made in most any color desired.
There are three types of materials that most poker chips you buy are made of. Clay poker chips are the fanciest of all. They are made of a combo of clay and other materials, and have the standard casino diameter of 39mm. They have a nice heft and weigh from 8-11.5grams a piece. Although the clay chip has been the industry standard for decades, the use of composite clay chips has grown significantly in the past few years.
Differences Between Casino Style Poker Chips and Clay Poker Chips:
Casino Poker Chips:
Casino Poker Chips can be a great souvenir for you or your friends reminding of amazing times of your successful hours. Why casino poker chips you can ask? Very simple, indeed. They look unusual and that's why are really catchy. Casino style poker chips are usually more colorful and good looking chips. These chips look better than just plain clay chips. Most casino style chips also have denominations on them which are nice. It helps to have the denominations on the chips so you know what they are worth. If you have ever played poker with chips that have no denominations then you already know how big of a pain that can be. The weight of these kinds of chips is normally lighter then clay chips. They are usually around 11.5 grams; but there are definitely exceptions to this one as well.
Clay Poker Chips:
Clay chips are made from clay and are generally a little big heavier(they usually range from 10-14 grams). It is their texture and feel that really standsout with these kind of chips. Lot of people like clay chips because of that special feel. They are usually not smooth like plastic chips. Depending on the style, you can get some clay chips that are cheaper than casino poker chips while some are more expensive. For the most part a lot of the casino poker chips are very similar to the clay poker chips. The main things to think about are the weight, look, feel and quality of the chips. You can find all of that out by simply reading the descriptions. Both clay poker chips and casino poker chips are good ways to go. Clay poker chips are called the best in the industry. They are firm and strong. Their surface is smooth and a bit cold as gold. Their quality is deluxe and a high standard.
Buying Poker Chips:
Most respectable poker chip retailers will sell you a "sample" set of their chips before you commit to purchasing an entire set. If you do happen to get hold of some sample chips, use the following tests before making up your mind on what to buy.
Hot Stamped Chips:
Hot-stamped chips usually have gold text stamped on them, representing values or branding. Check to see if this rubs off or gets dirty when you rubs two chips together. Also try to scratch it off using your fingernail and a knife.
Inlay Labels
Some chips (mostly custom chips) have a printed inlay or stick on label. Try to peel it off with your fingernail and then try a knife. Is it set into the chip or stuck on top of the chip, would a nervous fingernail pull it off during a game.
Does the print scratch off easily? Is there a clear layer that will come away with extended use? Dip one in water and then leave it out overnight, will it be ruined if someone's wet beer hand touches them? Are the labels in the center of the chip? If you have a full face label, does the design line up with the edge spots? Grab the knife and have a stab at the label, does it mark or scratch?
Tips to buy Poker Chips:
When considering how to buy poker chips one should take into account such factors as:
* first of all, a material chips are made from. As a rule casino poker chips are a model for all the chips available. They are the most solid, weigh a bit, and the most respectable. Professional players will look up to you when you have clay poker chips in your possession;
* consider a quantity-quality proportion. If you buy cheap poker chips, be ready that soon you will have to get rid of them, because of their poor quality. Hardly anyone will like to play with chips that have scratches, flaking paint with no signs seen;
* poker chip cases are of the essence. They can be metallic, plastic and wood. But no matter what the material a case can be made from, it should take care of chips and make your investment safe. Especially when you have bought a very expensive set of poker chips.
How Much Should the Poker Chip Set cost?
Poker chip sets can cost as little as $29 up to numerous hundred dollars. It all depends on the calibre of the chip, the design of the chip, and how many chips for poker you need. Ordinarily, you can expect to pay between $75 and $150 for a grade poker chip set that will a long time.