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Help! Determining chip set denominations... (1 Viewer)

Hoakypoaky

Hoakypoaky

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Hey guys,

New poker player here. I’ve been researching this info for awhile & hope I have this figured out. Please forgive me if I use the wrong terminology. Let me know if I have this right.

I need to buy a set of chips for home tourney use. I am buying a set of 600 chips, since that’s the total number of chips my racks will hold.

THE BASICS: Looking to setup a single table T10K tournament. T10K at a minimum. Guessing on average 5 or 6 players at most. Starting blinds at 25/50. Raise blinds every 15-20 minutes. Allow one buy-in when coloring up the $25 chips. Hoping to finish game in about 3 hours.

THE STARTING STACK:
T25 X 12
T100 X 12
T500 X 5
T1000 X 6

THE CHIP DENOMINATIONS: here’s what I’m thinking for a 600 chip set (after reading TONS of suggestions)....

OPTION A
T25 = 150
T100 = 150
T500 = 100
T1000 = 150
T5000 = 50

OPTION B
T25 = 125
T100 = 175
T500 = 100
T1000 = 175
T5000 = 25

Do I really need 50 T5000 chips? I can’t see the blinds getting that high before game ends, so I’m thinking that’s overkill, and it might be better to have more T100 & T1000 chips. What if we decide to include an increasing ante starting at $25? What if I allow 2 buyins? Will these chip numbers still work?

I’m leaning Option B. Or perhaps there is a better configuration. Or perhaps I’m overthinking this for a 600 chip set for 6 people? I guess I just want a well rounded T10K set that will work in various scenarios.

Thoughts? Thanks guys :)
 
Was also thinking using this blinds schedule, but haven’t put much thought into it yet...

25/50
50/100
75/150 (Ante starts at $25)
100/200 (50)
150/300 (50)
—color up 25—rebuy option—
200/400 (100)
300/600 (100)
400/800 (100)
500/1000 (200)
700/1400 (300)
—-color up 100—
1000/2000 (500)
1500/2000 (500)
2000/4000 (1000)
2500/5000 (1000)
3000/6000 (1500)
 
Hoakypoaky said:
OPTION A
T25 = 150
T100 = 150
T500 = 100
T1000 = 150
T5000 = 50
Click to expand...

This is the better option imo.

This gives you either 12 stacks of 12/12/5/6 (T25/100/500/1000) or 18 stacks of 8/8/4/7. (You actually only need 75 T500 in either format, so you could get extra T5000 instead.) The T5000s are useful if you are planning occasional deep stacks or allowing rebuys.

Now really if you are thinking only 6 players you can get by on far less. Let's consider this breakdown for 8 players using your desired 12/12/5/6 format.

You need:

100/100/50/100/50 for a 400 chip set,

With this breakdown if you can switch to 8/8/4/7 and get 12 stacks from the same 400 chips.

So that's what I would do if I were buying new. Hope it helps.
 
Judging from your elected breakdowns, you are looking at chips that need to be bought in lots of 25. Given that, Option A is the best option, for two reasons...

Reason 1 It makes "cleaner" racks. This is mostly OCD, but it also makes set-up/clean-up a little easier when you aren't dealing with 1/4 barrels. It's not a big deal, but it is a thing.

Reason 2 It allows your game to grow. If you run a good game, and don't live someplace insane...
Screenshot 2018-11-24 09.23.52.png
...then there is a good chance the game will fill up someday. If the game completely fails, selling a set that can cover 10 players sells easier than a set that only covers 6.

My first set maxed out with a T500 denomination (starting with a T5). As the game grew I added T1000s, then later T5000s. Every set I buy now gets "capper" denoms - chips that probably won't hit the table, but if something crazy happens (everyone shows, there is a rebuy frenzy, we're playing a deep-stack game, etc.), I have a chip to cover it if needed.
 
Poker Zombie said:
Every set I buy now gets "capper" denoms - chips that probably won't hit the table, but if something crazy happens (everyone shows, there is a rebuy frenzy, we're playing a deep-stack game, etc.), I have a chip to cover it if needed.
Click to expand...

This is good advice. Glad I read it.

Also, damn, you live in the North Pole.
 
I understand the desire for a T10k set. I really do.
That said, for short tables I definitely prefer a set that starts at T5.
10-10-7-X
I suggest
T5-100
T25-100
T100-100
T500-up to you.
300 chips easily cover your 6 players and includes rebuys/extras for more players if you grow AND color ups.
You could get enough chips for two full ten man tables with 600 chips
T5-200
T25-200
T100-140(150)
T500-60(50)
Parentheses if you have to get sets of 25.
This lets you run T1000-T2000 FOR 20
Up to T4000 for your 6man table(400 BB) if you want to deep stack.
 
Poker Zombie said:
Judging from your elected breakdowns, you are looking at chips that need to be bought in lots of 25. Given that, Option A is the best option, for two reasons...

Reason 1 It makes "cleaner" racks. This is mostly OCD, but it also makes set-up/clean-up a little easier when you aren't dealing with 1/4 barrels. It's not a big deal, but it is a thing.

Reason 2 It allows your game to grow. If you run a good game, and don't live someplace insane...
View attachment 221394
...then there is a good chance the game will fill up someday. If the game completely fails, selling a set that can cover 10 players sells easier than a set that only covers 6.

My first set maxed out with a T500 denomination (starting with a T5). As the game grew I added T1000s, then later T5000s. Every set I buy now gets "capper" denoms - chips that probably won't hit the table, but if something crazy happens (everyone shows, there is a rebuy frenzy, we're playing a deep-stack game, etc.), I have a chip to cover it if needed.
Click to expand...

Poker Zombie said:
Not me, @hdgeno . It's just become fun for me to tease him for having Santa's elves as his closest neighbors. :cautious::D
Click to expand...

Well when you put it that way, it does look a little remote:)
 
Hoakypoaky said:
Do I really need 50 T5000 chips? I can’t see the blinds getting that high before game ends, so I’m thinking that’s overkill, and it might be better to have more T100 & T1000 chips.
Click to expand...

From my limited experience one benefit using T5000 chips is that a rebuy is super-easy and super-fast to accommodate. In our game which is pretty casual we really don't need any more slow-downs mid game. So when someone rebuys I absolutely prefer higher denomination chips and then the players can just make change with each other as needed. Of course, if you've bought a set that's good for 10 starting stacks then divide that ahead of the game and if you have 6 players the other 4 starting stack divisions can be used for the early re-buys.

But just to reiterate; in some casual games players really have a tendency to want a ton of chips, and they make the rebuys the same as the starting stacks. It just adds too many chips to the table and we also then end up with some players inevitably betting 750 using only T25 chips instead of 500+(2)100+(2)25, if you know what I mean.

Just my T0.02.
 
@JustinInMN

Not surprised you suggested Option A. I got the idea from you in another thread :) Well I think I understand the importance of having 50 T5000 chipset a 600 chip set now. I think you are right.

If I go with a 600 chip set, then I’m doing 12/12/5/6 start stack with a 150/150/100/150/50 set config. That will allow the game to grow, or have some fun with some big stack games.

Honestly I cannot see my game growing though, because I do not have the space for more than 6 players in my game room. This is really just for game nights among old friends. So now I’m intrigued by something else you suggested.

My first original thought was to create 2 sets. A 300 chip set for Tourney games for 6 or less players, and a 300 chip set for Cash games for 6 or less players. So I guess I have questions if I do that...

1) A set config for 300 chips with a T10K would be 75/75/50/75/25. That would cover 6 guys to start with 12/12/5/6 stacks. The T5000 chips would be used to cover up to 12 buy-ins, so each player could do up to 2 during the game. Now is this practical, or am I cutting it close with just 300 chips? Obviously I could not do a big stack game with 300 chips. Is this config recommended? I’m guessing most here will say no.

2) But If I did decided to go with that T10K 300 chip set, what would you suggest for a standard cash game 300 chip config for 6 players. Say a cash game with $25 start stack with one optional buy-in. What chip denoms & set config are commonly used for this senario? I’m guessing denoms of T0.25/T1/T2/T5? I really have no idea what denoms to use in a cash game I described. I have no idea what a common blind setup for a cashgame is.

To be clear I’m thinking custom chips for all of this, so I can put whatever numbers on the chips I want. Perhaps not putting money values (cents/dollars) and just putting numbers might help.

3) so should I go with two 300 sets for cash/tourney games, or just go with the 600 chip set & get a real cheap set of blank chips for cash games? I just have these nice wooden chip racks (and OCD haha) & I’d like all my chips to be the same theme.

Sorry for the questions. You guys have been very helpful :)
 
MattyMatt said:
when someone rebuys I absolutely prefer higher denomination chips and then the players can just make change with each other as needed.
Click to expand...
This is slowing down your game.

Sure, a single chip rebuy makes it easy for you, but now your players are hunting around looking for change. Big stack may have all you need, but frequently, they may have just bigger chips, necessitating the rebuyer to look for "usable" chips. If that player is also dealing... you may as well just take a break.

Have anticipated rebuys ready, set aside in a chip tube. Knowing how many rebuys is a matter of knowing your group, but I usually set up for 50% rebuys, and actually expect 33%.

The thing between a well run game and "just a game", is the amount of effort the host puts into it, not how much the host can avoid doing.
 
Last edited:
Ok how about this?

Just use numbers on the chips. That lets me use the T25 chips as quarters & dollars, depending on tourney or cash game.

In say a $50 total cash game, start with T25c x 12, T1 x 22 and T5 x 5...with,25c/50c binds & bump to 50c/$1. I guess I would need to get some T1 & T5 chips.

So if I’m buying 600 chips to cover both cash/tourney as described, would this work for 6 players?

T1 = 150
T5 = 50
T25 = 100
T100 = 100
T500 = 50
T1000 = 100
T5000 = 50

CASH GAME: This allows 6 players @ $50 = $300 chip set total. Blind start @ 25c/50c.

Start stack:
T25 x 12
T1 x 22
T5 x 5

Set Config:
T25 = 100 ($25)
T1 = 150 ($150)
T5 = 50 ($125)
TOTAL—$300

T10K GAME: This allows 6 players, with 2 additional starting star buyins, and plenty of T5000 chips for additional buyins or big stack games.

Start Stack:
T25 x 12
T100 x 12
T500 x 5
T1000 x 6

Set Config:
T25 = 100 ($2500)
T100 = 100 ($10K)
T500 = 50 ($25K)
T1000 = 100 ($100K)
T5000 = 50 ($250K)
TOTAL—-$387.5K

Do I have it right? I think this 600 chip set is adequate for either cash/tourney setups for 6 players :)
 
Hoakypoaky said:
1) A set config for 300 chips with a T10K would be 75/75/50/75/25. That would cover 6 guys to start with 12/12/5/6 stacks. The T5000 chips would be used to cover up to 12 buy-ins, so each player could do up to 2 during the game. Now is this practical, or am I cutting it close with just 300 chips?
Click to expand...

I think you're fine if you do this if you're sure 9 players is your ceiling. If you anticipate any chance of going higher go for the 400 config.

I am designing a set with a 600 chip config because I think 18 would be my absolute hosting ceiling. I am doing base T500 4/8/8/6 (T500/1000/5000/25000 for T200K start) so I bought 75/150/150/125 and 100 to use as 100K.

Hoakypoaky said:
But If I did decided to go with that T10K 300 chip set, what would you suggest for a standard cash game 300 chip config for 6 players. Say a cash game with $25 start stack with one optional buy-in. What chip denoms & set config are commonly used for this senario? I’m guessing denoms of T0.25/T1/T2/T5?
Click to expand...

First, you only need to prefix T if talking about tournament chips. Numbers/currency are good for just cash chips because they have cash value.

So cash game sets and tournament sets are different imo. Because cash game blinds don't change, you don't need as many denominations, but because buy ins are unlimited, you may need more chips.

For a no limit structure it's common to set the max at 100-200x the big blind. Since you think 25 is where you are at, that implies a big blind between 12.5c and 25c.

Now to be honest because of the nature of no limit if you think 25 is "the most players are willing to lose" then I would consider dropping the max to allow players to buy in 2-3 times comfortably. Which means a bb of about .10 with a 10 max buy in

So given this I think you should go for a 500 chip set with this.

0.05*100
0.25*200
1*150
5*50

Optional, add 1*50 and 5*50 if you want to cover bigger stakes.

So this is a good range for doing .05-.05 (5 or 10 max) to .10-.25 (25 to 50 max)

If you get into bigger buy-ins add the extra hundred as I suggested.

In short...

Tournaments sets are minimalist. They need to be designed around escalating blinds and chips need to be removed as the tournament progresses so you don't want to go overboard in small denominations.

Cash sets should play a little deeper. Blinds don't escalate and fewer denominations simplifies counting stacks.

Hope that helps illustrator the differences.

Of course, to borrow from Dennis Miller, this is just my opinion, I could be wrong.
 
Well thank you for the suggestions.

I will add this though. Nobody in my circle of friends is going to want to play for 5 or 10cent blinds in a cash game, so I shouldn’t go that route. I guess I should have been more specific.

The cash game setup is for weeknights & we’d actually like to be finished in about 2 hours or less. $25 buy-ins.

The T10K tourney game setup is for weekends & we’re in for a long night, higher stakes & bigger stacks. $50 buy-ins.

Just wanted to configure a 600 chip set that can accomplish both types games for 6 players or less. Probably just 5 players most of the time. Hope that makes sense.

I feel this set can accomplish that...but I’m interested in anyone’s opinion :)

T1 = 150
T5 = 50
T25 = 100
T100 = 100
T500 = 50
T1000 = 100
T5000 = 50

I mean do people do it like this? Or am I just being stupid & uneducated here. I figured that most of you would tell me buy a kick ass 600 chip T10K Tourney set to future proof yourself, then just get a separate set for cash games.

OMG I might have just talked myself into it. Stop being a cheapskate. Haha.
 
Of course, I prefer cash games and my group currently spends 3-5 hours every two weeks playing .25/.50 stakes. Personally, I’d advise to buy a good cash set for .25/.50, .50/.50 or 1/3 limits etc. Based on denominations of the following:

100 x .25
200 x 1
400 x 5
80 x 25
20 x 100

And if you still want a tourney set after that get a small 300 chip tourney set of:

80 x 25
80 x 100
60 x 500
60 x 1000
20 x 5000

That gives a break down of 8/8/6/6/2 for T20K.
 
I am still very much in the camp tournaments and cash game sets should be kept separate. Many reasons for this have been posted here.

Hoakypoaky said:
I will add this though. Nobody in my circle of friends is going to want to play for 5 or 10cent blinds in a cash game, so I shouldn’t go that route. I guess I should have been more specific.

The cash game setup is for weeknights & we’d actually like to be finished in about 2 hours or less. $25 buy-ins.
Click to expand...


If this is the case and you are firm on a 25 buy in then I would suggest either

A: play .10-.25 and still get a cash set that included .05 chips
B: play .25-.25 and get a set with a little more bank that my last suggestion.

Maybe 100*.25, 300*1, 100*5.

If 25 is the max buy in I don think you should do any bb smaller than .25 or the game will play too shallow.
 
Well I’ve been thinking think over all afternoon. Damn this stuff really starts to get confusing.

The 600 chip cash/tourney hybrid set is probably a bad idea. It accomplishes both, but limits what we can do in the future. And my guys prefer a tourney game instead of a cash game. If I want to do cash game, I’ll get a separate set with 25c/$1/$5 denoms later on. That’s settled. The cash game chips are out for now.

Sorry for retyping these numbers, but I’m doing it so I don’t get mixed up.

So as suggested before, here’s my T10K setup...

START STACK:
T25 X 12
T100 X 12
T500 X 5
T1000 X 6

600 CHIP SETUP:
T25 = 150
T100 = 150
T500 = 100
T1000 = 150
T5000 = 50

Now that is a lot of chips for 5-8 players, but I’m getting 600 regardless to fill up my racks. As I said, this game is NEVER going to grow to over 8 players. My question now is....

What if over time we get bored of this T10K setup & want to try something else? Like maybe a T30K game? Should I adjust these chip numbers slightly to allow for that, or can I pull off T30k with big starting stacks with the current 600 chip setup? Would I need some $25K chips for that? That might be fun.

Anything else I’m missing or game variations we might enjoy? I’ve seen some custom chips labeled “rebuy”. Do people use those often (get a rebuy chip with opening stack & redeem later, or get bonus at endgame if unused)?

I should also point out that I don’t nessessarily have to order my chip denoms in groups of 25. I can order however I want. I was thinking in groups of 50 so they looked nice in the rack. Perhaps there is a more precise config (120, 80, etc) for certain denoms that I’m not thinking of.
 
BGinGA said:
I'd recommend a 400-chip T5-base set configured as 5/25/100/500 with no currency symbols, plenty for a 6-player joint cash/tourney set. Look here:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/thre...ournament-nlhe-6-x-players.35137/#post-643475
Click to expand...

8-player cash set (5c/10c NLHE) @ $10 buy-in
100 x 5c
100 x 25c
160 x $1
40 x $5
----------
400 chips, total bank = $390 ($48.75 per player, or nearly five buy-ins per player)

Not to get sidetracked, but that’s a nice low stakes cash set recommendation for 8 players. Thanks for the suggestion. Might to do that separately.
 
JustinInMN said:
This gives you either 12 stacks of 12/12/5/6 (T25/100/500/1000) or 18 stacks of 8/8/4/7. (You actually only need 75 T500 in either format, so you could get extra T5000 instead.)
Click to expand...

So since I only really need 75 T500 chips, should I do that & get 25 T25000 as well. Would there be a situation I’d use them?
 
Neither of your breakdown options are great.

Why are you getting 150 chips of the 25s/100s when you’ll only need up to 120 for 10 players, which you say is unlikely to happen?
 
Agreed, 125 is already overkill. Use the money for chips that will be useful.
 
Do you have a suggestion then for a 600 chip set with a more useful configuration?
 

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