[argentis]

Hi guys, I was wondering at what point game/chip security becomes an issue? I'm hoping to start a small-stakes tourney or cash game soon, and I see people mentioning security relating to chips getting lifted out of/into games, and I was wondering if this is a major concern, or just something to watch for. I would hope that with the stakes that I'm envisioning for my game, this won't be much of an issue, but I thought I'd ask anyways.

Thanks,
Argentis

[Sneds]

If it's a home game with mates, it's never really much of an issue.

However, if you run a game which is open to the public, it because a bigger issue and something you need to consider.

[abby99]

As expected, risk is somewhat proportional to reward. Because I don't have custom chips (yet), it's theoretically possible for somebody to sneak a couple of chips into my game, although to date the stakes have been low enough that I doubt anybody would risk being perma-banned from games (mine and those of other player-hosts) because they introduced a couple of $5 chips. Everybody who plays in my game is either known to me or has been vouched for by a regular.

That said, I do count my chips and cards at the end of the night. Although I've never encountered a problem, I still feel the need to be vigilant.

[jspearm1983]

I trust the people at my home game so much, that I'd let them take white ceramic blanks and write their own denoms on them to use.

But, If I had dice chips, I would always be watching new comers to the game.

[whataboutj]

As others have stated if you know everyone playing it shouldn't be an issue.

That being said I know a group by me who plays a weekly $1/$3 cash game and regularly runs $200+ buy in tournies with 20-30 players in them and use dice chips

I have tried to explain the risk they take - especially in the tournies, but they don't care.

IMO as long as they aren't dice chips you should be fine from a security stand point.

Originally Posted by abby99

That said, I do count my chips and cards at the end of the night. Although I've never encountered a problem, I still feel the need to be vigilant.

Just wait til the web molds are in play M

(completely joking of course)

[argentis]

Thanks for the replies guys. At the moment, finances dictate that I use some Cardinal chips. I would think that a tourney would be better for security than a cash game, since the large chips would be easier to spot extras early in the tourney, and they wouldn't make as big an impact later in the tourney. As opposed to a cash game, where someone can sneak in some chips before they cash out.

Unfortunately, I don't already know people who play poker, but there seems to be a pretty good community of home games where I live, so they might not be all strangers when I get my own game going.

Argentis

[JCTC]

I've never had a chip go missing or had more chips at the end than were started out with.

However, security is exactly why you need multiple sets. Multiple multiple sets. Yeah, that's the ticket!

At least that's what I've been telling myself

[RussB42]

My friends and neighbors try and play every Sat night. It is always at my house, with my chips and table. I am the only one that has them,or for that matter buys them, so It's here or no where.Well thats not true as sometimes (rarely)we will take everything to my neighbors

I have several different sets, and I trust everyone that plays. I usually use different chips and cards at each game, but just for the difference and enjoyment each week.

I agree with the others that If you know the people I wouldn't consider it a real threat to your game, Just enjoy yourself.

[argentis]

Thanks for the replies guys. I definately plan to enjoy myself when I do get to running a game. But this does lead to some interesting thoughts.

Wife: Why do you need to spend all that money on chips?
Me: Security.
....

brilliant, no? hopefully I won't be making my next posts from ICU

Argentis

[argentis]

Ok, so if custom chips are the epitome of security, and I'm using bargain basement mass-produced chips, what can I do to protect myself for the time being? Keep an eye out for slight-of-hand, etc.? Eventually, I want to get custom vinyl labels, but those are still a ways off.

Argentis