Manufacturers poured chips into the market that fit the prevailing consumer notion that a specific casino chip weight was all that was needed for a casino style chip.
That weight was, and to a certain extent still is, thought to be 11.
5 grams.
Some prevailing notions are not completely accurate, though.
In home game rooms, many people want to play with a chip that closely resembles a real casino chip, and for this reason, a lot of people think that as long as they purchase an 11.
5 gram weight chip, they will get a more true, richer experience.
In reality, you have a choice in chip weight, and, weight is only one factor when choosing a chip set to buy.
You can buy and play chips in the weight range between 8.
5 to 11.
5 grams.
Casino chips in Vegas are predominantly 8.
5 to 10 grams.
What is the Secret, Anyway? Manufacturers probably preferred that consumers demanded only one major quality in the chip.
A one size fits all mentality allowed for - from the manufacturers perspective - high volume output without retooling.
If the secret gets out that more than one requirement makes a great casino chip, then manufacturers would have to get to work, producing chips with at least nine possible factors.
Weight is simply not the only factor when selecting and using your best casino chip.
Here are nine factors that determine a better casino chip, in no particular order:
- Weight
- Slipperiness
- Feel
- Texture
- Design
- Color
- Diameter
- Thickness
- Material
The exact formula for how each manufacturer produces chips is a secret, and can vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Chips can be made of composite resin, ceramic or compression molded clay.
The less expensive chips can be injection molded plastic or resin, designed to look and feel like the more expensive ceramic chips.
Chips may have an inlay, or a special printed graphic.
Inlays are designed on paper, usually, and are set in the chip with a thin coat of plastic to protect it.
Heat and pressure is then applied to set the inlay, preventing its degradation over time and use.
What's your Next Move? Taking into consideration the nine factors of what makes a poker chip, you have options, and your next move really comes down to your preference.
Your best next move may be to find a retailer who sells a variety of selections.
If you have a store nearby that serves all your needs, go for it.
Internet shopping provides an efficient, effective method of looking at all your choices from the comfort of your own computer.
Now that the closely guarded secret of what makes a good poker chip - the nine factors - isn't so closely guarded anymore, have fun and good luck in your game!