Propokerchips

Poker, especially Texas Holdem, has become extremely popular in the last few years. More people are playing regular games with friends than ever before. Most of the mania has come from the airing of the big time poker tournaments like the world series of poker on several major TV networks. People dream of becoming the next regular guy to make it big like the Professor, or Chris money-maker. Another big factor that has fueled the fire of the poker boom is the emergence of several online poker gaming sites. On these sites you can play real people from around the world for money or just for fun. This has allowed people to learn and practice the game with security of relative anonymity. Poker legends have actually been born on these internet gaming sites which makes them all the more alluring.

With the recent popularity of this age-old card game, poker chip sets have become a common and very well received gift. The cool thing is that they can be a great gift for someone who really loves playing poker, is just starting to be interested in poker, or simply for someone as a great addition to a game room or display case.

There are many great occasions to give a poker chip set as a gift; Fathers Day, Christmas, Valentines Day, or a Birthday. Another idea, if your loved one already has chips, is to purchase poker accessories which make a valuable addition to any poker chip set. Examples of these accessories include a poker table or table top, a card shuffler, specialized or personalized dealer button, and many others. These poker themed gifts can vary in price from hundreds of pounds for a large 500 chip set in a deluxe storage box to any of the small end poker accessories which can start as low as five pounds. Be assured, you will be able find something to fit any budget.

Poker chip sets are also becoming a very popular groomsman gift. It is often agonizing for the groom to try to come up with a gift that will be well liked by several different guys with different interests and tastes. Because of the wide variety of chip styles and designs and many different options of cases, any groomsman would love this gift, and you can find a great set to fit any budget. Most local printing shops are now able to engrave poker chips or poker cases with each of your groomsmens initials in them to make this an extra special gift. Once again, problem solved!

But lets not forget that these poker sets and accessories are not only for men, there are plenty of women who love poker and are often more skilled than their male family and friends. So if your stuck, trying to figure out what that complicated lady in your life would love to receiveand seems to have everything, think about poker. If she loves poker than she is sure to love these great gift ideas, and you by giving them will have shown your creativity and thoughtfulness.

Maybe the question isnt why should I buy, but rather why wouldnt I purchase a poker chip set or some poker accessories for the next special occasion in my loved ones life?

A case to protect and secure your chips, cards and dealer button is imperative to protect your investment and provide the necessary security for your chips. The chips will remain safe under lock and key during play leaving you to concentrate on your play. You can quickly determine if any chips are missing after a playing session when you rack them into the case. Poker chip cases come in a wide variety of styles, materials and price ranges. Most chip sellers offer complete sets with an included case. Inexpensive, readily available plastic chips need not be protected so the case may be as simple as a shoebox but once you move into midrange and better casino style chips you should definitely consider a quality lockable case.

Plastic Case

Entry level carrying case for chips that usually is not lockable and provides a simple method of storing and carrying you gaming chips. Plastic cases boast the lowest cost but the shortest life of the specialized chip cases. Lack of security requires constant vigilance of chips during the game.

Vinyl Case

The vinyl case is a step above the plastic case and provides greater protection for the poker chipset. The case is usually constructed from wood or plastic covered with a vinyl material. The case may or may not be lockable. A major concern issue with vinyl cases is durability. The weight of a 500 chipset of 11.5 gram poker chips is close to twenty pounds and places considerable stress on the carrying case and handle. The failure mode for most vinyl cases is separation of the handle from the case due to the weight.

Metal Case

The metal case is the most common and popular poker chip carrying case. Most metal cases are constructed from structural aluminum in a wide range of styles and price ranges. The quality of metal cases varies considerably so it is important to comparison shop and choose wisely. Some metal cases are not all metal and may have plastic panels and parts in their construction. Some are not lockable. Others have sharp corners. Exceptionally lightweight metal sheets will not last long. The ideal medal case is medium weight all metal (aluminum preferred) construction with added reinforcement in the critical stress areas plus keyed locks to keep chips secure. The finest all metal cases are constructed from aircraft quality aluminum with removable flocked chip trays, high security barrel locks, machined from solid stock handle fittings and hinges. This case is the top-of-the-line in metal cases and accordingly the most expensive chip case.

Wood Case

Another chip case option is the quality wood case with custom brass fittings. Wood cases are available in many styles and price ranges form the low end pine models to the major splurge, carved exotic wood with inlayed precious metals handmade by a master cabinet maker. Most affordable wood cases are constructed from pine, mahogany, oak and other hard woods, the best feature quality construction and finish, heavy duty handles and hinges, keyed locks and well fitting removable chip trays. As with all the cases, wood cases come in a variety of qualities and prices befitting those qualities.

Complete chip sets should be purchased with a few things in mind: How many chips do you need? How much can you afford to pay for your chipset and how many players will be using the chips in a game. As with most things, you pay for quality and the best advice is to buy the highest quality you can afford. It is rare to be sorry that you opted for a higher line of goods so buy the best your budget allows.

A good rule of thumb for quantity follows:

3-4 Players 300 chipset is usually enough

4-6 Players 400-500 chipset will suffice

6-8 Players 500-650 chipset is required

8-10+ Players 1000+ chips depending on numbers

The above guide is a suggested number only. Remember that you cannot really have too many chips, only too few so buy all you can afford. Many chip sellers maintain an open stock of chips so you can purchase more as you need them.

Buying a quality set of Poker chips isn’t cheap but if you’re buying a full set of chips (300, 500 or 1,000), the price typically includes an aluminum carrying case, one or two decks of cards, five dice, and sometimes a dealer button. At online stores, a set of 300 11.5-gram composite, two-color chips goes for 75 or more, depending on the style. A similar set of 300 real clay chips will cost about 25 to 30 more. Three-color chips are more expensive.