What is a playable set? (2 Viewers)

[upNdown]

”Playable set” is a term we all toss around, but I haven’t seen it defined. Is there a quantifiable definition? Maybe it’s just something we have to define for ourselves? I suspect a lot of people would look define it as a set that would support a full table NLHE game. But I wouldn’t go along with that, because there are plenty of games that you can’t play with 10 people, or even 8.
This might be like the supreme court’s explanation of obscenity - I know it when I see it.

 

[GoStumpy]

This one would be right beside the definition of 'microstakes'

 

[manamongkids]

this is a chip site, minimum 40 chips per person is my random number i chose

 

[David O]

From what I have seen a playable set is defined by the person building the set and depends on the stakes and how large or small his games plays.

 

[detroitdad]

From what I have seen a playable set is defined by the person building the set and depends on the stakes and how large or small his games plays.

Right. What might be "playable" for me could be garbage for you.

 

[krafticus]

From what I have seen a playable set is defined by the person building the set and depends on the stakes and how large or small his games plays.

This. If my game generally has 2 tables, a 500pc set might not be enough chips. If you have 6-8 people that play, this might work for you.

My tournaments used to have 35-45 players regularly. A tournament set (t25 and up) with 100 T1000 chips and a few 5k chips is not playable for me. For a 1 table game, it is. (maybe).

A sample set is NOT a playable set.

 

[krafticus]

This. If my game generally has 2 tables, a 500pc set might not be enough chips. If you have 6-8 people that play, this might work for you.

My tournaments used to have 35-45 players regularly. A tournament set (t25 and up) with 100 T1000 chips and a few 5k chips is not playable for me. For a 1 table game, it is. (maybe).

A sample set is NOT a playable set.

I should add... a set should be playable for the stakes and players you have, without having to modify (greatly) the structure that you have always used.

 

[WedgeRock]

”Playable set” is a term we all toss around, but I haven’t seen it defined. Is there a quantifiable definition? Maybe it’s just something we have to define for ourselves? I suspect a lot of people would look define it as a set that would support a full table NLHE game. But I wouldn’t go along with that, because there are plenty of games that you can’t play with 10 people, or even 8.
This might be like the supreme court’s explanation of obscenity - I know it when I see it.

Depends on the host, the type of game (cash/tournament, limit/NL) and the stakes.

If a set works well with a defined set of parameters, it is playable.

Myself, I am generally looking for a 25c/50c 10-person cash game with up to 20 rebuys and denominations of 25c, $1, $5, $20/$25 and $100 or a 20-person, T100k tournament set with 30% rebuys and T500, T1000, T5000, T20K/T25k and T50k/T100K. Those are what I host most often, but nothing wrong with having multiple sets. There are certainly playable sets that don't match that criteria.

EDIT: Playability is a continuum. Large, two or three denomination sets may only be playable for limit games. Six or seven denomination sets may be playable, but not optimum.

 

[detroitdad]

but nothing wrong with having multiple sets

whew

 

[links_slayer]

if you can make it work for your stakes, players, and game type i guess it's playable by definition.

i think when most people say "playable" they mean something that works well for their own situation without having to make many (if any) concessions.

 

[chipjoker]

This site is getting to technical.... PIC's of CHIPS NOW!!!!!


In all honesty, to me a l playable set is deemed buy the person building the set. My custom set is 200 $.10, 200 $.25, 200 $1, 200 $5, 100 $20, and 40 $100..

But I know I can play at my house with:
0 - .10
100 - .25
100 - 1
120 - 5
40 - 20 (or 25)
10 - 100
This is my playable set....


This is the cash, Now what about the tourney, and the PLO, and the limit games, and the..... You get my drift...

 

[detroitdad]

This site is getting to technical.... PIC's of CHIPS NOW!!!!!


In all honesty, to me a l playable set is deemed buy the person building the set. My custom set is 200 $.10, 200 $.25, 200 $1, 200 $5, 100 $20, and 40 $100..

But I know I can play at my house with:
0 - .10
100 - .25
100 - 1
120 - 5
40 - 20 (or 25)
10 - 100
This is my playable set....


This is the cash, Now what about the tourney, and the PLO, and the limit games, and the..... You get my drift...

Your right. here is five playable sets

 

[Poker Zombie]

Sure, "Playable" will vary from host to host, but there are some sets I would deem "unplayable"...

• Tournament sets that don't have enough high-denom chips for color-ups
• Any set requiring change nearly every hand

The smallest "playable" set is usually described as a heads-up set. While this isn't usable for most hosts, it is technically playable. My Matsui Zen cash set fits in a single 100-chip box, and Mrs Zombie and I still have yet to break out the highest denom.

 

[David O]

This. If my game generally has 2 tables, a 500pc set might not be enough chips. If you have 6-8 people that play, this might work for you.

My tournaments used to have 35-45 players regularly. A tournament set (t25 and up) with 100 T1000 chips and a few 5k chips is not playable for me. For a 1 table game, it is. (maybe).

A sample set is NOT a playable set.

I should add... a set should be playable for the stakes and players you have, without having to modify (greatly) the structure that you have always used.

Which is basically what I said

 

[Frogzilla]

These non-answers. I think a playable NLHE or PLO set:

-Has at least 10 chips per player of the smallest denomination
-has steady progression of chips (all 1s and 25s with very few 5s would disqualify a set)
-can cover 2x the expected money in play (cash)
-can cover all chips in play with <120 high denom chips (tourney)

 

[BGinGA]

So does a T5-base 50-chip heads-up tourney set (10/10/4 per player) qualify? I would think so, but didn't cross-check your list.....

Same for a T25-base 50-chip heads-up set (8/8/8 per player), which clearly misses your first requirement.


I define a playable set as one with which I can play. (y) :thumbsup:

 

[krafticus]

Which is basically what I said

I did quote you.. with a “this”..

 

[David O]

I did quote you.. with a “this”..

I forgot to add the to my post. All good my friend Krafty or should I say my Krafty friend?

 

[TheBigTater]

Simple definition: A playable set is a set of chips that are playable for whatever game you are trying to use them for (that can be highly variable) without having to compromise, add other chips & will cover the amounts you need to use.

 

[pltrgyst]

-Has at least 10 chips per player of the smallest denomination

Many casinos run their tournaments with only eight of each of the lowest denoms.

-has steady progression of chips (all 1s and 25s with very few 5s would disqualify a set)

So most limit sets aren't playable?

Back to the drawing board...

 

[Rhodeman77]

@upNdown if you want a specific answer of breakdown I would say you need to ask a very specific question. When you ask a vague general question the answers will also be that way.

But as a general guideline, I liked @manamongkids answer of planning at least 40 chips per player for tournaments, but I would say at least 60 per player for cash games. This should give you enough chips per player that you aren’t having to make change with the pot or other players all the time. Now the actual breakdown of those 40 & 60 chips will vary a lot depending on the game(s) being played.

 

[upNdown]

@upNdown if you want a specific answer of breakdown I would say you need to ask a very specific question. When you ask a vague general question the answers will also be that way.

I know how I’d quantify playable sets, but I’m interested in a range of answers - I’m just curious what people’s opinions are on the topic.

 

[inca911]

The 6 oz bag contains a playable set.

 

[David O]

The 6 oz bag contains a playable set.

View attachment 145512

Sure does but by the end of the night there are a bunch of greens missing!

 

[abby99]

The 6 oz bag contains a playable set.

View attachment 145512

Not after I've eaten my starting stack.

 

[Kensco]

Look at it from the other side: What constitutes an unplayable set?

If yours doesn't qualify it is "playable"

 

[allforcharity]

I'm resisting with Herculean effort a completely inappropriate response to "playable set".

 

[softchewy]

yep. it's relative, so there will be a range of answers.
When someone says they are trying to make a set "playable", I assume they are normally trying to get to a chip ratio that works for them and their game or might work for certain stakes/buy-ins/# of players.

 

[Kensco]

I'm resisting with Herculean effort a completely inappropriate response to "playable set".

Double dog dare ya!

 

[allforcharity]

Double dog dare ya!

No, no, I don't need *another* sexual harassment lawsuit....