Carpe Datum

Chips Ahoy

So much was said in comments about poker chips a few days ago that I thought I would update on what more I've learned. It turns out that the poker chips I got for my birthday (and then bought 50 more of so that I have 150 total) are 10.5 gram pure clay chips, so they are actually *lighter* than the ones you would see at Costco or on eBay. Those other ones are 11.5g chips, with the difference coming because of a metal disk at the center of the (composite) clay chips that gives them a slightly different feel and heft.

I am told by the Billiards store that the 10.5g pure clay chips are the ones typically used in Vegas, but as far as I'm concerned, I think I may like the slightly heavier metal-filled chip a little bit better. I'd have to play a couple of rounds on a felt surface with both sets to really see, but hell, if the 11.5g chips can be had for about 1/4 of the price, the choice is obvious. I'll probably ask for one of those monster 11.5g chip sets and a chip case for Christmas (unless my wife talks me into just expanding my current collection by way of gifts ... I *am* hard to shop for, so that's a convenient gift). Until then, I have plenty for me and the boys to use.

Also, I'm banking on the fact that supply is eventually going to catch up with the sharply increasing demand for poker chips. I think prices are going to keep dropping as more people get into the business of manufacturing poker chips, so maybe by Christmas, I'll have more options. The chips on eBay are somewhat cheaper, though it is hard to get a *great* deal because of all the sniping (last-second automatic bidding) that goes on. Most of the time, the chips with cases go for about N/20 dollars, where N is the number of chips in the set, so about 5 cents a chip. I've never seen a set go for less than 20% below that price, and you have to be *really* careful to look at the "shipping and handling" charge (often over $20!!) on those chips.

I suspect it will be closer to 2-3 cents a chip 6-12 months from now as the craze dies down a bit or more suppliers come on board. C'mon, capitalism, don't let me down!