Poker chips, or poker tokens, are used to keep track during
gambling and replace money during the game. Even though poker
chips are called clay chips, poker chip sets are not entirely
made of clay. Sometimes clay is used as filler, but it is
always mixed with some synthetic material for durability. Clay
composite chip sets were popular in the early 1800s and today
are rarely used mainly because they are more expensive and tend
to break easily.

Today the most popular poker chip sets are made of plastic,
clay composite, and acrylic. Since 1930s poker chip sets were
decorated with metal foil for extra durability and security.
Ten years later, poker chip sets were printed in the center and
along the edges.

Since 1950s most casinos introduced their own designs and logos
imprinted on the poker chip sets, and these chips became
collectable items. To add extra security and prevent
counterfeiting, casinos started to use unique blends and
materials in their poker chips. Most often, it’s a top-secret
blend of synthetic polymer acrylic composite, sometimes with
added clay or kaolin.

All casinos have their own unique colorful designs or at least
a logo on their poker chip sets. These sets are produced only
by a few specially appointed companies in the US, and the
designs are protected by copyright.

For home gambling metal core poker or plastic chip sets are
used. The metal core ones are heavier, can be customized in
design and color scheme, which adds that special casino feel to
them. Plastic poker chip sets are more lightweight and can be
damaged more easily. On the other hand, they are less expensive
and can be bought anywhere in any quantity. Plastic poker chip
sets are the best choice for beginners in gambling, or for
people who play occasionally. When people become serious about
poker and start playing regularly, they prefer to invest in
metal core poker chip sets or even in composite clay poker chip
sets.

Poker chip sets are widely available on the Internet. Most
companies when you place an order send a sample chip. You can
also collect a nice poker chip set if you buy one-dollar chips
from casinos ­ these would be of much better quality than any
chips you could buy in stores, plus, they are a great
conversational piece! And you can always trade them back for
money in the casino or even play with them.

If you decide to keep your casino poker chip set, you need to
provide them with a good “home”. To keep your poker chips safe
you need a poker chip case with lock and key where you would
store your set during a poker session. Most often, you will get
a complementary poker chip case when you place an order for a
poker chip set. If you buy one separately, look for a case made
of metal or hard wood, with a reliable lock and soft interior
lining to protect chips and cards. Plastic or vinyl cases are
easily damaged and do not provide enough protection for heavier
poker chip sets.

When you are ready to buy your poker chip set, make sure you go
for the best quality you can afford and that you order enough
chips to accommodate the number of players you usually have. As
a rule, you cannot have too many chips, but if you order not
enough of them, you can easily add more. Store them in a
reliable poker chip case and enjoy the game!

About The Author: Kathryn Whittaker writes articles on a number
of different topics. For more information on Poker chips please
visit http://www.poker-chips-guide.com and for additional poker
articles please visit
http://www.poker-chips-guide.com/pokerchips-articles/

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