Home game chips: Why denominate at all? (4 Viewers)

[Beakertwang]

@Taghkanic, imagine if I started a thread titled “Home game chips: why buy mint RHC casino chips at all?” and proceeded to
Make the argument that I don’t like the RHC mold, they’re too expensive, and for my money I’d prefer to get custom CPC’s (which is my actual opinion, by the way). People would respond with, basically, “because they’re awesome, and I like them!” And that is ok.

 

[DJ_Fett]

I look forward to seeing this label design that isn’t ruined by a denom, especially after 4 pages of defense and far-reaching comparisons!!

 

[Beakertwang]

Oh yeah, I almost forgot—

The only good argument I can think of for denoms mint casino RHC’s is that it makes more work for Gear Jim @TheChipRoom.

 

[Jimulacrum]

If this were actually about usability, then you’d want the number to be the biggest type on a chip. Yet often it is the smallest.

Is it readable? That's what matters. It's not like it's microprint. It doesn't need to be the biggest type on the chip to be useful. As long as a player with functioning eyes can look down and quickly see "$5" on the chip, it serves its purpose.

As a host and attendee at many infrequent low-stakes poker games with non-denom chips, I am 100% in favor of denominations. The number of times people ask for the chip values is almost maddening. Some players will ask again and again even if you use the same chips every time, and some will even ask multiple times within a session. It obviously can hold up the game, and it can also lead to unfortunate mistakes like betting $20 when you meant to bet $4.

"I don't want that type of player in my game" is sucker talk. You definitely want that type of player in your game. He's almost universally a donator with little to no understanding of advanced poker topics. He shows up once a month or whatever, dumps all the money he got from the ATM on the way over, and treats it as a pure entertainment expense (i.e., doesn't get upset and stop playing because he lost). He doesn't remember the values because it's just a night of fun for him, not a competition. You should be begging to fill seats with players like this.

Your experience is pretty atypical. Sounds like you got unlucky enough to be surrounded by competent players every session. If non-denoms work fine for your game, then enjoy your Starburst sets, but most people never want to have to answer "What are all the colors worth?" again.

 

[Poker Zombie]

almost 61 different players in 39 games in the last 5 months. I track everything

but regardless the facts, I don‘t appreciate your aggression

How many chip collectors on this site are hosting that many games, with that large a cast of characters?

In my humble home game, I've had 110 different players in the past 84 games. If you do the maths I would be answering "how much is this chip worth" a lot.

...and I did when I had non-denoms on the table, despite having it on a card at the table, and on the blind-timer/monitors.

 

[ceramicmike]

I play at a friend's home game that uses chips with no denominations. He has Whites worth 1, Blue and Black chips worth 2, Red worth 5 and Green worth 25. We get 200 chips, buy in of $25.00. Having no denominations is no issue for me. I always learn and know what the chip color is worth.
In my home game, I do have denominations of 1 on the White, 2 on the Green, 5 on the Red and 25 on the Orange chips. My buy in is $20.00 for 200 chips. Easy to figure out the payout at the end of the night.

BTW, the denomination circles were made by Vista Print. Waterproof and super tacky. Once on, they will not easily peel off.
Made my own design, and they produced them for me.
here are the chips
View attachment 259039

Love the table

 

[grantc54]

Is it readable? That's what matters. It's not like it's microprint. It doesn't need to be the biggest type on the chip to be useful. As long as a player with functioning eyes can look down and quickly see "$5" on the chip, it serves its purpose.

As a host and attendee at many infrequent low-stakes poker games with non-denom chips, I am 100% in favor of denominations. The number of times people ask for the chip values is almost maddening. Some players will ask again and again even if you use the same chips every time, and some will even ask multiple times within a session. It obviously can hold up the game, and it can also lead to unfortunate mistakes like betting $20 when you meant to bet $4.

"I don't want that type of player in my game" is sucker talk. You definitely want that type of player in your game. He's almost universally a donator with little to no understanding of advanced poker topics. He shows up once a month or whatever, dumps all the money he got from the ATM on the way over, and treats it as a pure entertainment expense (i.e., doesn't get upset and stop playing because he lost). He doesn't remember the values because it's just a night of fun for him, not a competition. You should be begging to fill seats with players like this.

Your experience is pretty atypical. Sounds like you got unlucky enough to be surrounded by competent players every session. If non-denoms work fine for your game, then enjoy your Starburst sets, but most people never want to have to answer "What are all the colors worth?" again.

Also a lot of:
"What are the blinds?"
"Is it my turn?"
"What are the blinds?"
"How many players are in?"
"What are the blinds?"
"Who is action on?"

 

[Poker Zombie]

I look forward to seeing this label design that isn’t ruined by a denom, especially after 4 pages of defense and far-reaching comparisons!!

Not ruined by a denom...

 

[Labrat]

“How much are the blues worth again”

My chips all have values. First question EVERY.SINGLE.TIME. we sit down....

"So what are the values?"

"Just divide what it says on the chip by 3/5" is usually my answer.

 

[bigdonkey]

In breaking news, Major League Baseball announced that from now on, all bats must have the words “3 strikes and you’re out, 4 balls is a walk” woodburned into the handle to avoid confusion.

I've never played in a baseball game where 5 strikes is an out and 3 balls is a walk.

I've played poker games across a sprectrum of chip colors being different values.

 

[Beakertwang]

In breaking news, Major League Baseball announced that from now on, all bats must have the words “3 strikes and you’re out, 4 balls is a walk” woodburned into the handle to avoid confusion.

A better baseball analogy would be:

Why does the umpire give the count occasionally throughout the at-bat? And why post the count on the scoreboard? Any knowledgeable fan, and certainly any experienced player, should be able to keep track of the count in his head.

 

[Chipandchair]

But why do we have to use cards??? Or a table?? I like to play poker on the floor. Is this the best way???

 

[softchewy]

lol, is the non-denom crusade over?
We get it, you like them for your game.. is someone trying to force you to change to denoms?

 

[SeanGecko]

“We got ourselves a troll. At the moment we are unsure if it is self aware. Please fall back and keep a safe distance from this thread. Thank you for your compliance.”

 

[QuiQuog]

@Taghkanic
I think you're looking for an argument. The meat of the OP is asking why people like denominations. Many answers, all shot down by you as a bad argument in your case. Okay, you don't like them. Most people do. You asked in one of your posts if it's like the preference of toast or bagels, that you just like the one you like. But you're answering those preferences like nobody should like bagels because toast is the same thing.

There was a car analogy about wheels vs no wheels, but I think this hits the mark a bit better. Stick shifts sometimes have the gear layout printed on the top. Why? A person who drive a stick should have to know what they are without looking. Would you not drive in a car that has the printing on the stick because it ruins the esthetic? Not everyone needs it, and nobody will reference it while driving. It's there as a reference, not a crutch.

Here's yet another analogy. Impressionism vs realism. Why bother with realism when you can tell what the subject is in an impressionistic painting.

So you like your chips without denoms. Others do. It's not as if one is better than the other. But you seem to be arguing that your way is the right way. You're wrong. There isn't a right way.

 

[bigdonkey]

“We got ourselves a troll. At the moment we are unsure if it is self aware. Please fall back and keep a safe distance from this thread. Thank you for your compliance.”

But why does the troll have to be self-aware? I've been dealing with non-self-aware trolls for years and they are even more versatile at trolling because their design isn't cluttered up with a conscience.

 

[timinater]

You like what you like.

My unsolicited advice to you: do the things that you like*, and don't worry yourself too much with the opinions of others.

*you know, besides like, things that hurt other people.

 

[Poker Zombie]

But why does the troll have to be self-aware? I've been dealing with non-self-aware trolls for years and they are even more versatile at trolling because their design isn't cluttered up with a denom.

FYP

 

[BGinGA]

In breaking news, Major League Baseball announced that from now on, all bats must have the words “3 strikes and you’re out, 4 balls is a walk” woodburned into the handle to avoid confusion.

I hope you are never put in charge of removing the unnecessary text from stop signs.

Even though everyone should be aware of traffic sign shapes, and no-text signs would be cheaper..... doesn't make it better. Or even a good idea.

 

[PlaidDragon]

Yes a poll!
I like where you’re decomposing head is at @Poker Zombie

You want Zombie’s head on a WHAT?!

 

[bigdonkey]

You want Zombie’s head on a WHAT?!

 

[SeanGecko]

You want Zombie’s head on a WHAT?!

Damn you autocorrect

 

[TheOctagon]

Flexibility becomes a liability when someone skims that black chip you were using for a dime in one game and returns to cash it in for $10 in the next.

 

[TheOctagon]

I’m sure we have all played with non denom chips before and the game worked out fine. But I’m definitely in the denom camp. I believe a good design is form follows function, which also applies to the color schemes. To me it’s like paper currency, the denomination on the chip gives it It's identity. The denomination is part of a properly executed design - to me. Of course you are entitled to your own opinion. But this forum is full of the minority that are obsessed with chips, not necessarily just using chips for hosting.

Hey, you have possibly one of the best custom examples of denoms not cluttering the artwork and you didn't post it??

 

[Labrat]

Just need a larger version. Gotta be one, besides those awful chalky discs of my youth.....

Look, mom, no denominations!

Moot point.

They no longer produce for the home market.

 

[Taghkanic]

Stuff I am thinking about in a new game after the first hour:

* The guy to my right is playing 4 out of 5 hands, regardless of position.

* That other guy is raising big with small pairs, but small with big ones.

* The player to my left is raising his button 100% of the time over limpers, but almost always folds it to raisers;

* I have a flush draw, two overs and a gutshot, and I am getting 3-to-1 odds to call a bet from a LAGgy player on the flop. Should I raise, or just call?


Stuff I am not thinking about in a new game after the first hour:

* Wait, how much is a white chip worth again?

* Wait, how much is a red chip worth again?

* Wait, how much is a green chip worth again?

* Wait, how much is a black chip worth again?

 

[Taghkanic]

Flexibility becomes a liability when someone skims that black chip you were using for a dime in one game and returns to cash it in for $10 in the next.

You must play at home with a lot more dishonest people than I do.

 

[ChipEnvy]

nevermind.


Go Seahawks!

 

[msuroo]

You must play at home with a lot more dishonest people than I do.

I live in a good neighborhood and I’ve never been robbed but I still lock my doors when I leave the house.

 

[detroitdad]

I live in a good neighborhood and I’ve never been robbed but I still lock my doors when I leave the house.

Do you put a label on your door stating that it is "locked" vs "unlocked"?