Most Useful Poker "Accessories", Least Useful? (2 Viewers)

[liftapint]

You can just use starburst chip or roulette chip, they work fine as counter chip

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There are those lime green Opus chips!!! You saved me thousands of dollars when you bought that rack.

 

[CdnBeerLover]

Thanks for the info. That got me started on my path. I will have to work out a way to cast to both monitors eventually, but the chromecast will work for now. My issue is that I am running Tournament Director. So to cast the players screen I have to connect to a monitor, and then cast that to the chromecast. So this will work great for the next tournament. And then I will play with how to cast to both without connecting to one. The issue is the TD screens and how it is setup.

I haven't tested this yet, but it may work.
https://docs.golfgenius.com/article...eaderboard-to-multiple-tvs-using-one-computer

Basically, if you are on a PC and have Chrome installed, create multiple local profiles and open multiple Chrome tabs, one per profile. Each profile can cast the screen to a different Chromecast. The instructions have changed a bit..."Manage people" is now the "Add" entry when you click on the user icon, and you create a profile without an account.

I'll give it a try over the weekend.

If you have multiple PC's / laptops, a remote desktop solution (aka TeamViewer, RealVNC) could also work.

 

[Irish]

Funny to see how far different opinions can range. I never got the appeal of the tourney chip tubes, sure it helps to organize but then you have to run around and collect them once folks have sat down and unpacked. A ziploc bag does the same thing and players can just throw those out, no need to collect them. I used the tubes once then chucked them lol.

My #1 accessory by far has been my shuffletech. Tourney director is another one.

 

[upNdown]

As the banker for regular, we collect cash/or bank transfer to exchange for chips too but I also give them a counter chip for each 100bb because people keep asking How much they bought in for

For micro stake, usually we just use the counter chips and only settle the outstanding when cashing out as it usually being played with Long time Friend and family alike

Do all your players like this? Personally, I’d be annoyed if I was stuck for a few buyins, and I had those chips sitting there in front of me, reminding me (and everybody else at the table) exactly how bad I am at poker.

 

[Machine]

Streaming to multiple devices

Install OBS on a computer (free), create twitch account (free), open browser or tourny software. Secondary devices, load a webpage to watch your twitch stream.

Once you do its really easy. Have your people open the stream on a smart phone, share with their neighbor

 

[LeLe]

There are those lime green Opus chips!!! You saved me thousands of dollars when you bought that rack.

Still waiting for your Opus GB haha

Do all your players like this? Personally, I’d be annoyed if I was stuck for a few buyins, and I had those chips sitting there in front of me, reminding me (and everybody else at the table) exactly how bad I am at poker.

Don’t had any complaint about it, it does make a good comeback story thou if you had Lot of buyin chip and still win money when cashing out

 

[SixSpeedFury]

I haven't tested this yet, but it may work.
https://docs.golfgenius.com/article...eaderboard-to-multiple-tvs-using-one-computer

Basically, if you are on a PC and have Chrome installed, create multiple local profiles and open multiple Chrome tabs, one per profile. Each profile can cast the screen to a different Chromecast. The instructions have changed a bit..."Manage people" is now the "Add" entry when you click on the user icon, and you create a profile without an account.

I'll give it a try over the weekend.

If you have multiple PC's / laptops, a remote desktop solution (aka TeamViewer, RealVNC) could also work.

Streaming to multiple devices

Install OBS on a computer (free), create twitch account (free), open browser or tourny software. Secondary devices, load a webpage to watch your twitch stream.

Once you do its really easy. Have your people open the stream on a smart phone, share with their neighbor

Wouldn't smart TVs already have the capability to broadcast on multiple screens without jumping through all these hoops?

 

[CdnBeerLover]

Wouldn't smart TVs already have the capability to broadcast on multiple screens without jumping through all these hoops?

It depends. If the timer is web based (such as Blinds Valet) and the tv has a browser, the tv could access the site directly. If you are using a pc-based timer, you have to somehow get the picture to each monitor/tv. The simplest method is an hdmi splitter. If you don't want to deal with wires everywhere, then casting is anofher option, but you normally only cast to one monitor. The techniques mentioned are to cast to multple tv's. A smart tv would just remove the need for a chromecast device for that tv.

 

[MrCatPants]

It depends. If the timer is web based (such as Blinds Valet) and the tv has a browser, the tv could access the site directly. If you are using a pc-based timer, you have to somehow get the picture to each monitor/tv. The simplest method is an hdmi splitter. If you don't want to deal with wires everywhere, then casting is anofher option, but you normally only cast to one monitor. The techniques mentioned are to cast to multple tv's. A smart tv would just remove the need for a chromecast device for that tv.

And ultimately you can't navigate well on a smart TV, so still will likely want PC access to it somehwere.

 

[Machine]

Wouldn't smart TVs already have the capability to broadcast on multiple screens without jumping through all these hoops?

Streaming would allow you to connect to more than just TVs, if you're running a table in a room without a TV, you could use a tablet on the table, or players could load it up on phones.

Hell, I could run a service, you text me the details of your game, and I run a stream customized just for you!

 

[WedgeRock]

Most useful poker accessory:

Spoiler

 

[ekricket]

I think my most useful accessory has been PCF.

 

[surfik]

Chip and the chair...

 

[Machine]

Chip and the chair...

Chairs are so underrated!

 

[Ben8257]

NOW You guys tell me (after I just ordered some custom plaques from BrProPoker!)...

Nahh Homie! 100% guarantee when the plaques come into play later in your tourney they are like crack and everyone wants them! They bring excitement to the table.

So a while back we are playing @FordPickup92 PCA secondary cash set at @krafticus home game, me running bank I started giving out the beautiful $25 chips for rebuys, tons of compliments even from the chippers is the game. A while later I decided to give out a few of her $20 plaques just to get them in play... the game came to an almost stand still with players saying "take this $25 back, I want a plaque and a $5!" @Highli99 I believe may even still may have the picture with his stack that night with a plaque in it!

Plaques are awesome and feel free to report back with how much players in your game enjoy them!

Remember some people have to have something to complain about. Other than table space and storage, I seriously have no idea why people wouldn't want plaques in the game to give it flavor!

100% correct on table space BTW.. we can barely navigate with these stupid rectangles in the way

Q8 for the runner runner suck out! Lol it was also about 6:30 am and the third tourney of the night and everyone was ready to be done! Got it all in post turn FWIW

I say whatever works for your game... knock your socks off! But remember you can accomplish the exact same thing with non denominational Dice chips! Everything else is extra or luxury.

Most of the guys that complain probably run a 8 players game where talking is not allowed, no drinks at the table and raise your hand for a bathroom break and you have a special chip and only get one per night!

That sounds like tons of fun... NOT! Don't worry save the invite.. not interested anyways! Lmao

 

[Highli99]

Nahh Homie! 100% guarantee when the plaques come into play later in your tourney they are like crack and everyone wants them! They bring excitement to the table.

So a while back we are playing @FordPickup92 PCA secondary cash set at @krafticus home game, me running bank I started giving out the beautiful $25 chips for rebuys, tons of compliments even from the chippers is the game. A while later I decided to give out a few of her $20 plaques just to get them in play... the game came to an almost stand still with players saying "take this $25 back, I want a plaque and a $5!" @Highli99 I believe may even still may have the picture with his stack that night with a plaque in it!

Plaques are awesome and feel free to report back with how much players in your game enjoy them!

Remember some people have to have something to complain about. Other than table space and storage, I seriously have no idea why people wouldn't want plaques in the game to give it flavor!

100% correct on table space BTW.. we can barely navigate with these stupid rectangles in the way
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View attachment 853997
Q8 for the runner runner suck out! Lol it was also about 6:30 am and the third tourney of the night and everyone was ready to be done! Got it all in post turn FWIW

I say whatever works for your game... knock your socks off! But remember you can accomplish the exact same thing with non denominational Dice chips! Everything else is extra or luxury.

Most of the guys that complain probably run a 8 players game where talking is not allowed, no drinks at the table and raise your hand for a bathroom break and you have a special chip and only get one per night!

That sounds like tons of fun... NOT! Don't worry save the invite.. not interested anyways! Lmao

Your memory is amazing!

 

[swana]

My #1 accessory by far has been my shuffletech. Tourney director is another one.

All set to use my new (for me) shuffletech for the first time tonight!! Hoping it is as valuable for my group!!

I figure it will be worth it's weight in gold as there are a few guys in my game who seriously don't know how to shuffle. Interested to see how much or how little it impacts HpH (hands per hour) too.

 

[Coyote]

Most useful:
-Two decks
-Cut card
-Auto shuffler (even a dirt-cheap one; when it breaks down you get a new one) if not a dedicated dealer, paid by the hour.
-Dealer button
-Non-denominated frac
-A rail surrounding whatever playing surface

Least useful (still cute):
-BB and SB buttons for self-dealt games
-card capper, for home games at least
-"I 'm probably bluffing" T-shirt worn by the host

 

[Irish]

All set to use my new (for me) shuffletech for the first time tonight!! Hoping it is as valuable for my group!!

I figure it will be worth it's weight in gold as there are a few guys in my game who seriously don't know how to shuffle. Interested to see how much or how little it impacts HpH (hands per hour) too.

Biggest impact for me was towards the end of tourneys when you're down to 3-4 players to heads up and its often lots of quick folded hands.

 

[Samuel]

Nahh Homie! 100% guarantee when the plaques come into play later in your tourney they are like crack and everyone wants them! They bring excitement to the table.

So a while back we are playing @FordPickup92 PCA secondary cash set at @krafticus home game, me running bank I started giving out the beautiful $25 chips for rebuys, tons of compliments even from the chippers is the game. A while later I decided to give out a few of her $20 plaques just to get them in play... the game came to an almost stand still with players saying "take this $25 back, I want a plaque and a $5!" @Highli99 I believe may even still may have the picture with his stack that night with a plaque in it!

Plaques are awesome and feel free to report back with how much players in your game enjoy them!

Remember some people have to have something to complain about. Other than table space and storage, I seriously have no idea why people wouldn't want plaques in the game to give it flavor!

100% correct on table space BTW.. we can barely navigate with these stupid rectangles in the way
View attachment 853996
View attachment 853997
Q8 for the runner runner suck out! Lol it was also about 6:30 am and the third tourney of the night and everyone was ready to be done! Got it all in post turn FWIW

I say whatever works for your game... knock your socks off! But remember you can accomplish the exact same thing with non denominational Dice chips! Everything else is extra or luxury.

Most of the guys that complain probably run a 8 players game where talking is not allowed, no drinks at the table and raise your hand for a bathroom break and you have a special chip and only get one per night!

That sounds like tons of fun... NOT! Don't worry save the invite.. not interested anyways! Lmao

LOL thanks Mang! The other issue I have is I made my plaques hundos and our stakes are such that we rarely get $25's into play, much less $100... lol smh...

 

[BPTDirector]

Funny to see how far different opinions can range. I never got the appeal of the tourney chip tubes, sure it helps to organize but then you have to run around and collect them once folks have sat down and unpacked. A ziploc bag does the same thing and players can just throw those out, no need to collect them. I used the tubes once then chucked them lol.

My #1 accessory by far has been my shuffletech. Tourney director is another one.

I had these boxes built to collect starting stack tubes at the table once opened. Works great.

 

[Frogzilla]

Not useful
-Lots of extra lighting via floor lamps
-dealer buttons in a self dealt game
-4 color decks

Useful
-coffee
-splashy fish
-cut cards

 

[Goldfish]

I see a lot of posts saying cut cards are useful. How is a cut card not mandatory in every poker game???? Just curious.

 

[Coyote]

I see a lot of posts saying cut cards are useful. How is a cut card not mandatory in every poker game???? Just curious.

When you are a minority among Savages

 

[jazzV3]

Useful accessory
Full Pot/Half Pot match for loser
Made by PGI (Palm) in or about 2005

 

[CdnBeerLover]

I haven't tested this yet, but it may work.
https://docs.golfgenius.com/article...eaderboard-to-multiple-tvs-using-one-computer

Basically, if you are on a PC and have Chrome installed, create multiple local profiles and open multiple Chrome tabs, one per profile. Each profile can cast the screen to a different Chromecast. The instructions have changed a bit..."Manage people" is now the "Add" entry when you click on the user icon, and you create a profile without an account.

I'll give it a try over the weekend.

If you have multiple PC's / laptops, a remote desktop solution (aka TeamViewer, RealVNC) could also work.

I tried the multiple Chromecast method today. Worked quite well.

Steps to set up
1) Open Chrome
2) Click on the user icon in the upper right corner. At the bottom of the drop-down list under "Other Profiles", click on "+ Add".
3) Click on "Continue without an account".
4) Name the profile for the Chromecast you wish to use and click Done.
5) Repeat steps 2-4 for each Chromecast you wish to use.

To cast
1) Open one Chrome window for each Chromecast you wish to cast, and select the appropriate profile for each window.
2) On each one, click on the "3 dots" for the settings dropdown, and select "Cast...".
3) Under Sources, select "Cast desktop".
4) Cast to the appropriate Chromecast.

You should now be casting the desktop of the PC to each of the Chromecasts.

 

[brewdawg]

I tried the multiple Chromecast method today. Worked quite well.

Steps to set up
1) Open Chrome
2) Click on the user icon in the upper right corner. At the bottom of the drop-down list under "Other Profiles", click on "+ Add".
3) Click on "Continue without an account".
4) Name the profile for the Chromecast you wish to use and click Done.
5) Repeat steps 2-4 for each Chromecast you wish to use.

To cast
1) Open one Chrome window for each Chromecast you wish to cast, and select the appropriate profile for each window.
2) On each one, click on the "3 dots" for the settings dropdown, and select "Cast...".
3) Under Sources, select "Cast desktop".
4) Cast to the appropriate Chromecast.

You should now be casting the desktop of the PC to each of the Chromecasts.

We cast to one ChromeCast on Friday night. Mainly so I could have the control screen of Tournament Director on the laptop screen and the game screen on the second monitor. Then I cast the 2nd monitor to the chromecast in the other room. The only issue was the chromecast stopped casting from time to time for some reason.

Now to figure out the control buttons in TD so I can cast to both and see if that works.

 

[WedgeRock]

My way may not be the best way.

Chromecast devices plugged into HDMI ports in TV

I use blinds valet (which is web based) in two separate users chrome instances

Cast one to TV 1, the second to TV 2.

Happy to share more privately if you need more info. And someone on here probably has a better way anyway

Blind valet allows other users to sign in.

Just sign in the blind valet from the TV and you're GTG. I often sign in to blind valet on my phone just so I don't have to stretch my neck to see the clock.

 

[Poker Zombie]

I run primarily tournaments, so my list will be based off of multi-table tournament hosting.

Useful:

• Chip tubes - Preset rebuys in a sealable container that can be gently tossed or passed across the room makes the host's job easier. Much easier.
• Multiple screens for the clock and blinds.
• Cut cards - keep the game fair. Honestly, I only mention this one because it was brought up several times. I can't imaging playing without one. I will add that a thick or stiff cut card is much better than a thin, flexible one that can accidently be shuffled into the deck.
• Movable cupholders - why should the left handed and right handed drinkers be penalized for sitting next to each other?
• Dealer's button - The first time someone accidently mucks their own hand, the importance of the button becomes self evident.
• 2 decks - A real time saver
• Seating cards (or chips) - Ours even have little maps on them you help you find the right seat. Extremely useful when moving/breaking tables in a MTT.
• Written rules - When it's in black and white, you never have to look like you are playing favorites with an arbitrary ruling.
• Food - Does this count as an accessory? It's certainly a feature at our games, and I believe one of the biggest draws.
• Hand ranking cards - Despite @LeLe 's insistence on useless, I have found it to be a major comfort when introducing new players to the game. Anything that makes the group bigger is better, right? Also useful to use the second side for the blind structure or house rules.

Least Useful:

• Sunglasses - Nobody is reading your pupil dilation. Unless it's part of a joke, stop looking like a jack-ass.
• Headphones - Poker is a social game. Save the headphones for online play.
• Card shufflers - Learn to shuffle and you never have to deal with breakdowns, jams, power issues, or the extra cost of running 4 tables with shufflers.

Jury is still out:

• All-in buttons. I was gifted one, and it became a hit at the table that it was used at. I have now ordered 4 more to cover all tables.

...and just to chime in, plaques are awesome. Yes, there is a storage consideration. There is also a storage consideration when you have multiple sets. Figure it out, and play with awesomeness.

 

[CdnBeerLover]

We cast to one ChromeCast on Friday night. Mainly so I could have the control screen of Tournament Director on the laptop screen and the game screen on the second monitor. Then I cast the 2nd monitor to the chromecast in the other room. The only issue was the chromecast stopped casting from time to time for some reason.

Now to figure out the control buttons in TD so I can cast to both and see if that works.

Unfortunately, casting over wifi can be a bit of a nightmare, as it is susceptible to wifi drops or interference, If either the laptop or Chrome cast disconnects/reconnects, the cast could be interrupted. I've had that with VNC as well. Only cure is I've found is to use a wired network connection for the laptop and Chromecasts (Google offers power adapters with an ethernet port).