[Matthew]

We have some cases where the big value chips will be hidden behind the bigger stack of smaller value chips- it's always ok to ask for count of someone's chips. If they conceal at that point they're cheating. Your specific case of a tournament with chips in his lap - never play with that prick again.

In our home cash game - we allow people to remove money from the table. This most often happens when someone wants to buy back in and someone will sell them chips and then pocket the cash. If it's left on the table it's in play.

In summary chips never leave the table - but in a cash game it may be considered poor ettiqutte by some - but it's a cash game and players can cash out and remove some of their stack at any time - but the chips go back to the "banker" or are sold to another player. Cash can play on the table - but chips don't go into the pocket.

Matthew