Newb considering a first set of Paulson chips (1 Viewer)

[ninjajim4]

Hi all,

I've been looking on and off for years for a nice of set of Paulson chips, and starting to look a little more seriously now. Had a few questions, hopefully people don't mind helping out a newb.

1) I've noted for awhile that the going rate seems to be about $3/chip. Given that Paulson doesn't sell retail any longer, are there general fears (or hopes) that that is going to start increasing?

2) I don't think I ever realized that Classics were less desirable that WTHC -- why is that? Thoughts on a good price per for each of these, in non-minty condition (I want to use 'em!)? Probably shopping for either/or, I just prefer classic, simple (bordering on generic, even..?) designs.

3) A lot of sets I've seen start at $25 denominations. Why is that..? Even for a big tourney, I would assume that it starts at $5/$10 at the most? Or is just mostly big ballers running around here?

4) I haven't played home games in a long time, would like to start it up again. Something like 6 maybe 8 people the most, $1/$2 cash games... Have been looking at ~600 chip sets mostly, does that seem like enough?

 

[rustycheerio]

i haven't been around for long, but THCs will likely maintain their cost, if anything go up a little, unlikely to go down. BUT, it depends on demand, of course. there could be a huge uptick in demand.

price for classics, you could probably find a few people willing to sell you sets for a fair price. $3s/chip seems fair but i haven't bought classics for a long time, can't help much on price question.

the $25 starting sets are tournaments.

1/2 cash games can quickly get big.
i always have 100 $1s, 100 $2s (some people hate snappers but i think they are essential).
and then depending on how giant you expect the game to be depends on how many of the rest of the chips you need will be.
atleast 3/400 $5s, and then -atleast 80 $25s, a barrel of $100s at the minimum.
my 1/3 gets big, so i have a breakdown of
100/100/400/400/100
1/2/5/25/100
hope this helps.

 

[Tonysquander]

Welcome to PCF!

2) I don't think I ever realized that Classics were less desirable that WTHC -- why is that? Thoughts on a good price per for each of these, in non-minty condition (I want to use 'em!)? Probably shopping for either/or, I just prefer classic, simple (bordering on generic, even..?) designs

WTHC has, IMO and I think most opinions, a superior mold, much superior spots, better colors, and a better inlay (and shaped inlay to boot) compared to the classics. Prices vary, $1s, $5s and $5ks command the highest prices. A full cash/tournament set is likely to average out between $5.50 to $6.50 a chip is you find some deals along the way.

 

[PlaidDragon]

1) I've noted for awhile that the going rate seems to be about $3/chip. Given that Paulson doesn't sell retail any longer, are there general fears (or hopes) that that is going to start increasing?

Prices for Paulson's have been climbing for years. However, if you keep a good watch on the classifieds here, as well as our vendors like:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/forums/the-chip-room.21/

...there's a good chance you'll find some you like for < $3

2) I don't think I ever realized that Classics were less desirable that WTHC -- why is that?

Depends on one's preferences. I'm in that crowd though given I think the wthc's are a lot nicer in appearance than the older classics (though I like them both).

3) A lot of sets I've seen start at $25 denominations. Why is that..?

This is probably because they are for tourney rather than cash.

For quite some time, WSOP started their tourneys with T25's as the base chip. This is less true now given the tendency to start with T100's and BBA's, but for home games, old habits die hard. The majority of my tourney sets use a T25 as base.

4) I haven't played home games in a long time, would like to start it up again. Something like 6 maybe 8 people the most, $1/$2 cash games... Have been looking at ~600 chip sets mostly, does that seem like enough?

600 chips is plenty for a $1/$2. A little spreadsheet fun can always shed some light:

Max bank of $5300 for up to 8 players.

Others may have better breakdowns than what I threw together above so I'll defer to their expertise in advance.

 

[Bacon Dad]

Hi all,

I've been looking on and off for years for a nice of set of Paulson chips, and starting to look a little more seriously now. Had a few questions, hopefully people don't mind helping out a newb.

1) I've noted for awhile that the going rate seems to be about $3/chip. Given that Paulson doesn't sell retail any longer, are there general fears (or hopes) that that is going to start increasing?

2) I don't think I ever realized that Classics were less desirable that WTHC -- why is that? Thoughts on a good price per for each of these, in non-minty condition (I want to use 'em!)? Probably shopping for either/or, I just prefer classic, simple (bordering on generic, even..?) designs.

3) A lot of sets I've seen start at $25 denominations. Why is that..? Even for a big tourney, I would assume that it starts at $5/$10 at the most? Or is just mostly big ballers running around here?

4) I haven't played home games in a long time, would like to start it up again. Something like 6 maybe 8 people the most, $1/$2 cash games... Have been looking at ~600 chip sets mostly, does that seem like enough?

So how much are you willing to spend on 600 chips?

 

[LeLe]

1) I've noted for awhile that the going rate seems to be about $3/chip. Given that Paulson doesn't sell retail any longer, are there general fears (or hopes) that that is going to start increasing?

Generally as long they are either Leaded, THC TRK, excellent condition, the price is only going to go up overtimes

For Worn undesirable chips less likely

2) I don't think I ever realized that Classics were less desirable that WTHC -- why is that? Thoughts on a good price per for each of these, in non-minty condition (I want to use 'em!)? Probably shopping for either/or, I just prefer classic, simple (bordering on generic, even..?) designs.

It depend on one preference, someone rubbish could be another one gold

Price for Classic are about $3 for $1-$25 denominations & $4 for $100-$1k denominations. Condition will affect the pricing as well

3) A lot of sets I've seen start at $25 denominations. Why is that..? Even for a big tourney, I would assume that it starts at $5/$10 at the most? Or is just mostly big ballers running around here?

Those are T-25 Tournaments set, they come in various T size with T25 & T100 being the most common and popular

4) I haven't played home games in a long time, would like to start it up again. Something like 6 maybe 8 people the most, $1/$2 cash games... Have been looking at ~600 chip sets mostly, does that seem like enough?

500-600 is enough for $1/$2 breakdown like

For smaller game
$1 x 200
$5 x 200
$25 x 80
$100 x 20

Or for bigger game
$1 x 100
$5 x 300
$25 x 60
$100 x 40

You can slot in the additional slot in the 100 chips in whatever denomination you like

 

[DZPoker]

Starbursts.

 

[ninjajim4]

Prices for Paulson's have been climbing for years. However, if you keep a good watch on the classifieds here, as well as our vendors like:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/forums/the-chip-room.21/

...there's a good chance you'll find some you like for < $3



Depends on one's preferences. I'm in that crowd though given I think the wthc's are a lot nicer in appearance than the older classics (though I like them both).




This is probably because they are for tourney rather than cash.

For quite some time, WSOP started their tourneys with T25's as the base chip. This is less true now given the tendency to start with T100's and BBA's, but for home games, old habits die hard. The majority of my tourney sets use a T25 as base.



600 chips is plenty for a $1/$2. A little spreadsheet fun can always shed some light:

View attachment 1255712

Max bank of $5300 for up to 8 players.

Others may have better breakdowns than what I threw together above so I'll defer to their expertise in advance.

Thanks this is super helpful!

So how much are you willing to spend on 600 chips?

I suppose ideally no more than $3 a chip or maybe 2K if it has everything I want and just get it off my plate.

Probably the 40% or whatever it is premium for WTHC is more than I am willing to pay for something that will likely see only occasional use.

I saw a 650 chip set of Pharoahs on eBay that didn't sell for 2k. I wasn't interested because the bottom denomination was quarters. If the set were Classics or had started at $1 I'd probably have gone for it anyway but as it is I let it go.

Thanks to all for taking the time to reply and share your knowledge! I guess it's a bit embarassing that I didn't know what the WSOP starting blinds are. Little random factoid for fun -- not going to name drop but one of my cousins won the WSOP main event not too many years ago

 

[Bacon Dad]

Was it NinjaJoe?

Avoid eBay. And be careful when looking for Paulson Fantasy Classics here. There are some sales floating around here that are oddly priced. Send PM for info if interested.

 

[Moxie Mike]

Hi all,

I've been looking on and off for years for a nice of set of Paulson chips, and starting to look a little more seriously now. Had a few questions, hopefully people don't mind helping out a newb.

1) I've noted for awhile that the going rate seems to be about $3/chip. Given that Paulson doesn't sell retail any longer, are there general fears (or hopes) that that is going to start increasing?

Welcome man!

Prices seem to have stabilized in the last 2 years or so. The pandemic injected a lot of new money and people into this hobby - and without the increased inventory to support the additional interest, prices skyrocketed. 5 years ago you could get casino worn THCs like Empress $5s and El Dorado $1 for a buck a chip or sometimes less. Now you're going to spend 2-3x that for the same stuff.

Scarcity drives a lot of the pricing around here. For stuff that's available in higher quantities, like the RHC Jack Cincinatti sets for example, you can still assemble a decent, playable set without selling an organ.

Unless we experience a significant economic downturn, I doubt you're going to see much in the way of prices decreasing. So unless you massively overpay, your set should hold it's value.

Little random factoid for fun -- not going to name drop but one of my cousins won the WSOP main event not too many years ago

That's cool - are you and he close? You should invite him to join PCF

 

[UncleMilty]

Welcome! You have good taste

 

[ninjajim4]

Was it NinjaJoe?

Avoid eBay. And be careful when looking for Paulson Fantasy Classics here. There are some sales floating around here that are oddly priced. Send PM for info if interested.

Incoming!

Welcome man!

Prices seem to have stabilized in the last 2 years or so. The pandemic injected a lot of new money and people into this hobby - and without the increased inventory to support the additional interest, prices skyrocketed. 5 years ago you could get casino worn THCs like Empress $5s and El Dorado $1 for a buck a chip or sometimes less. Now you're going to spend 2-3x that for the same stuff.

Scarcity drives a lot of the pricing around here. For stuff that's available in higher quantities, like the RHC Jack Cincinatti sets for example, you can still assemble a decent, playable set without selling an organ.

Unless we experience a significant economic downturn, I doubt you're going to see much in the way of prices decreasing. So unless you massively overpay, your set should hold it's value.


That's cool - are you and he close? You should invite him to join PCF

I was asking more for FOMO reasons, like maybe I should stop dithering around and just snap something up before it's too late.

Not really close, he and I are both much closer to my other cousin (their moms are sisters) so it's really more if I'm seeing that cousin then I will see him too. They are pretty tight -- he flew him out for the final table..!

 

[ninjajim4]

Was it NinjaJoe?

Avoid eBay. And be careful when looking for Paulson Fantasy Classics here. There are some sales floating around here that are oddly priced. Send PM for info if interested.

actually doesn't look like I can PM you. maybe my account is too new. if you can kindly PM or send to my username at hotmail, I'd appreciate it! I just noticed we're regional neighbors

 

[Moxie Mike]

I was asking more for FOMO reasons, like maybe I should stop dithering around and just snap something up before it's too late.

It depends on what you want. If you've watched the classifieds for any length of time, you surely know that stuff hits the marketplace all the time in a variety of quantities.

So if you're eyeing something rare, you should be ready to scoop it up immediately. But if it's something more common, you can take your time and look for deals.

It's also worth pointing out that many transactions take place outside the public forums. So it might be worthwhile to look through the galleries and other forums when you narrow down what you want. I've pieced together several sets tracking them down a rack at a time.

 

[ninjajim4]

It depends on what you want. If you've watched the classifieds for any length of time, you surely know that stuff hits the marketplace all the time in a variety of quantities.

So if you're eyeing something rare, you should be ready to scoop it up immediately. But if it's something more common, you can take your time and look for deals.

It's also worth pointing out that many transactions take place outside the public forums. So it might be worthwhile to look through the galleries and other forums when you narrow down what you want. I've pieced together several sets tracking them down a rack at a time.

I really really hope not to get into piecing a set together. Knowing myself that could really turn into an ugly obsession

But I'm not in a particular hurry. It just seems like it may take time for the stars to align. I'll be keeping a closer eye than I have been

 

[joeyshin]

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/thre...egends-of-the-west-chips.113728/#post-2357585

 

[ninjajim4]

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/thre...egends-of-the-west-chips.113728/#post-2357585

Thank you very kindly for heads up. That is an insane deal. It's just not my style and with only the 1's and 5's I'd have to be on the hunt for something I'm not sure I could find to fill out the rest