A Guide to Poker Chips: Which Style is Right for You?
When choosing poker chips, there are several varieties to choose from: casino, clay, clay composite and composite. Based on your budget, type of usage and preference, you will find the ideal type of poker chip at PokerSet.com – let our experienced Customer Service team guide you when shopping online, or simply read on for a list of facts and frequently-asked questions about the different types of poker chips available.
Frequently Asked Questions and Facts
What is the difference between casino, clay, clay composite, composite and ceramic poker chips?
The difference between casino, clay, clay composite and composite poker chips are the materials used to make the outside layer of the chip. Below, a list of the various styles of poker chips and their distinguishing features:
Casino Poker Chips: These chips are obviously the “real thing", utilized in actual casinos, and as a result, are difficult to obtain from local retailers. If you really desire (or require) the authenticity of a bona fide casino chip set, the best way to go about purchasing these chips would be from the casino themselves – either from a casino that's going out of business, or from a privately-owned branded chip maker. What sets these chips apart from their counterparts are security features – casinos chips use a special composition mixture when molding the chip to prevent counterfeiting. Most casino chips are made of a synthetic polymer acrylic composite with a metal coin or laminated printed inlay. Genuine casino chips vary in weight; however, the most common weight is 10 to 10.5 grams.
All Clay Poker Chips: These chips are composed of actual clay and do not have a metal insert at the core. Because they are made of pure clay, they are more fragile and wear more quickly, so there are advantages and disadvantages when choosing this type of chip. These chips require a very labor-intensive product and their manufacturing process are highly guarded industry secrets; both of these factors contribute to their higher cost. PokerSet.com carries a full line of professional all-clay poker chips; these sets are what the truly discerning or professional player typically prefers. They are usually 9 to 10 gram in weight, and have a rougher surface and texture than their casino and composite counterparts. Clay chips have the same feel and make the same sound as a casino chip when the chips hit each other, making them a popular choice for those seeking the authenticity of a casino-style experience. Because of their composition, these chips make the deepest sound and are the easiest to handle. They are not as slippery as composite chips and have a rougher and nicer feel to them. It is also easier to create high stacks of chips and do chip tricks, another reason why they're the chip of choice by pros and advanced poker players. If it is feel and texture you are seeking, then these are the chips we recommend.
Clay poker chips usually last 6 to 7 years in the casinos, but can last much longer with proper care and handling. These chips are usually light in weight, and after a few months of use will round out, giving them a vintage appearance.
Clay Composite Poker Chips: These chips are made of real clay with a metal insert to adjust the weight accordingly, and are the most common chips people use at home. They are called ‘composite' because the mold of the chip itself is made with a mixture of clay and other materials to bond the mold together, and although a bit pricier, will last much longer than an all-clay chip. There are no industry guidelines as to the percentage of plastic-to-clay ratio, but this ratio does affect the difference in prices from set to set. Clay composite chips are very durable and will not scratch or dent easily. These chips usually come in weights of 11.5 grams and 13.5 grams. They also have a rough surface and make the same sound as a casino chip when the chips hit one another, ensuring the authentic poker experience. Clay composite poker chips typically last 6 to 7 years in the casinos, but normally last much longer for private use. These are great sets for the beginner or novice poker player, as the overall chip quality and feel will ensure an enjoyable poker experience – choose from a wide variety of colors, patterns and styles to suit your taste.
Composite Poker Chips: Sometimes referred to as ABS or plastic, these poker chips are very durable. Although these chips are composed of a plastic material, the plastic has been compressed so hard that it doesn't feel like plastic. Composite poker chips are not to be confused with clay composite chips, although like their clay counterparts, they are also weighted with a metal insert at the core, resulting in a clinging noise when the chips strike one another. Composite chips have a smoother surface and usually last a lifetime if handled with proper care.
Ceramic poker chips: These chips are the latest innovation in poker chips, and are the same kind of chips used in many first-class casinos around the globe (such as the Palms and the Luxor). In addition to its casino-like feel and sound, an advantage this chip has over its clay counterpart is its ability to receive high-quality graphics imprinted on the entire face of the chip. The detail on these chips, including a marble-like appearance, is both elegant and unique, making them a great choice for home as well as events and commercial usage.
Which weight/style chip do I choose?
- The 11.5 gram Poker Chips are the most popular weight for poker chips. These are great poker chips for any poker night. Choose from our many designs and find the perfect poker set for your home game or event!
- The 13.5 gram Poker Chips are extra heavy-weight to give the poker chips an even better feel. All of our 13.5 gram poker sets are clay composite poker chips with a heavier metal insert for the extra weight, giving the player the classic clay poker chip sound for the casino aficionado and poker player alike.
- All Clay Poker Chips are the ultimate in poker chips and have a great sound and feel to them – although a bit more expensive, these chips are the ‘must-have' for any die-hard poker enthusiast or advanced player.