[yo criddlier]

2 questions in 1 thread, one is off-topic but theres no sense in making another thread. Anyways, Im looking to set up a poker table in my basement, and have to make a decision which chips to get. Im on a tight budget (under $80 w/ shipping) and looking for a 500x 10g or 11.5g chip set. Looking at these 10g sopranos from ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/500-Soprano-Stri...QQcmdZViewItem). Advise me on chips that are better and cheaper if there are any out there, but if this is a good deal let me know too.

Now for the on-topic question. What would be a good breakdown for this 500pc set. Option 1: 150 $1 whites, 150 $5 reds, 100 $10 blues, 50 $25 greens, and 50 $100 blacks. Option 2: 200 $1 whites, 200 $5 reds, 50 $25 greens, and 50 $100 blacks. I dont know which would be better. I am keeping games to 8 people, and am leaning towards option 2 but dont know. Thanks for the help.

[Matthew]

Welcome to chiptalk!

I'll address the breakdowns. Are you playing tourney's or cash or both?

No offense, but if you're playing $1/$2 cash in a home game - you can spring more than $80 for chips.

For a 1st set I would recommend 400 chips. With a breakdown of

120 x T25 or 25c
120 x T100 or $1
100 x T500 or $5
60 x T1000 or $10

This is good for $1250 in cash available and up to 10 players in a T5000 tournament. You can have denominations or not.

My first set was Nexgens, but now have NJ ceramics, ASMs and Paulsons.

Oh, and before someone else mentions it - search for "Faux Clay"

[yo criddlier]

I'll be playing tournaments as well as 25c-50c cash games. I'm looking to keep my limit at $80, but if need be ill bump up to $100. I check out the faux clays, this chip just seemed like a better quality chip for about the same price. Any other input about the breakdown or how this chip preforms would be greatly appreciated.

[sunderB]

A lot depends on your needs as Matthew stated. Decide what type of game you want to play and there will be more than enough help around here.

I will say that the price on ebay for the sopranos seems high to me. Check out http://www.discountcasinogear.com/store/allchips.html for a large selection of cheaper chips. I would say most will tell you to shy away from the 11.5 gram chips. Sopranos and Faux Clay (deluxe dice 9.5 at DCG) are both nice cheap chips, but they are both limited in colors.

You can also get a 500 piece set of Nexgens for less than $80 and they are a nicer looking chip than the other cheap options, but they are a little more slippery. You can customize these later with a label if ever want to.

[Big Mike]

Just don't buy any chip that is 11.5g. It will not be good, and you'll be replacing it in 3 months if you stick around here. Buy Faux Clays or super diamonds if you are on a budget, don't worry about how they look for now. Save up for some nice chips later.
Welcome to the forum!

[yo criddlier]

Considering this set. http://www.discountcasinogear.com/st...oduct1236.html Dont know how it compares to others out there. Seems like a good starting set.

[sunderB]

Originally Posted by yo criddlier

Considering this set. http://www.discountcasinogear.com/st...oduct1236.html Dont know how it compares to others out there. Seems like a good starting set.

Very nice starting set. Give us some time to think of a good breakdown for your needs. Matt's suggestion would work very well (just add some more of each color to get your 500), you would just need to determine which colors you wanted for which values.

[TBonesPoker]

Originally Posted by yo criddlier

Considering this set. http://www.discountcasinogear.com/st...oduct1236.html Dont know how it compares to others out there. Seems like a good starting set.

My first chips were 8000s and I was very pleased with them. So pleased I now have 2000+ (I'll soon be selling them). Check out Royal Poker Supply. They have'em for .13 per chip and you will not find better customer service anywhere. I wouldn't worry about getting a case. Buy some chip racks. I have dozens of cases just taking up room. Good luck and enjoy.

[Big Mike]

Originally Posted by yo criddlier

Considering this set. http://www.discountcasinogear.com/st...oduct1236.html Dont know how it compares to others out there. Seems like a good starting set.

That is a nice starting set. Get a good breakdown and you'll be good to go.

[ipgyst]

And with the recessed centers, you can custom label those Nexgens as soon as you get an extra $60 in your pocket.