How to Buy Poker Chips

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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The world of poker chips is much bigger and profound than most people can imagine. A poker chip is not simply a chip. There are so many differences between the brands on the market that it takes a trained eye to spot an authentic casino poker chip. There are variations in how they're made, their size and weight. Follow these steps to buy poker chips.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Know the difference between clay, plastic and metal poker chips. Read up on types of poker chips. Even those that claim to be casino-style may be nothing more than cheap plastic imitations.
Step 2

Buy clay chips if you want the top of the line. They come in the standard casino diameter of 39mm. They weigh 8 to 11.5 grams each.
Step 3

Know that metal poker chips aren't shiny, metal objects. They actually have a metal core and are surrounded by plastic. Like clay chips, they weigh 8 to 11.5 gm each and closely match casino chips.
Step 4

Purchase plastic poker chips if you just like to play for fun. They are much lighter than the other types of chips. But they'll do the job.
Step 5

Go online and search for poker chip dealers. There are several companies that specialize in selling them. If you're looking for a beginners set, look in a toy store, big box store or home store. They carry them, especially around the holidays (see Resources below).
Step 6

Get enough chips for the amount of people you plan to play. The guideline calls for 200 chips for 3 to 4 players, 600 chips for 7 to 8 players, and 800 poker chips for 8 to 10 players.

Tips & Warnings

Most of the chips you'll encounter are not authentic. If you want real chips, like those in the casinos, buy them from a store that gets them from the same manufacturer that casinos use.
Authentic poker chips cost about $1 to $1.50 a piece.
Low end poker chips usually measure 40mm in diameter, instead of 39mm.

Resources