How to Learn to Count Casino Chips
Money management is an essential skill when gambling in a casino. While many casinos accept cash bets at the table, the majority of betting is done with chips, which you exchange for cash before leaving. Although flat tablet-like chips are sometimes used to represent very large denominations, in general the standard round casino chip is the same weight and size no matter the denomination. This is done to make it easier for cashiers, croupiers and customers to stack and count chips. Most casino chips will have the value written on them, but when you are dealing with large amounts, it is useful to know the colors of the different denominations.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Commit the universal color code for casino chips to memory. While there is variation, (particularly with $1 chips), the vast majority of casinos use the following color code to differentiate between chip denominations:
Orange chips are worth $1000.
Purple chips are worth $500.
Black chips are worth $100.
Green chips are worth $25.
Red chips are worth $5.
Grey, white or blue chips are generally worth $1.
-
2
Stack your chips when at the table. Because chips are the same size and weight, it is easy to stack them in equal sizes. The height of your stacks is up to you but if, for example, you have a large amount of red $5 chips you may want to consider arranging them into $50 stacks of 10. Likewise, a stack of 10 green $25 chips is worth $250. When arranged next to each other, it is easier to count your chips without going through the laborious process of counting them individually.
-
-
3
Take your chips to the cashier when you are ready to leave. It is helpful to present them in some sort of order, but the cashier is trained to quickly sort them into stacks. Most casinos have machines that automatically calculate the value of a stack of chips based on height and weight.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
While most casinos use the same color code, there are exceptions, so be sure to check before gaming.
Chips designed for private use do not always conform to the standard color code. Many do not even have denominations embossed on them. Be sure you agree on a value for your chips before playing with such a chip set at home.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
