Best Quality Clay Poker Chips

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Poker chips are integral equipment, since they represent the currency used in each bet. Some important considerations when picking out poker chips are material and weight. The most popular materials for poker chips are plastic or composite for casual use, and ceramic or clay for casino or professional quality. 'What is the best poker chip you have?' The answer is different for everyone and is all based on preference and budget. Most people like the heavier 14 gram clay poker chips with denominations. While some prefer the classic non denominated chips. And a casino enthusiast will prefer our Pure Clay or Ceramic options. Poker chips are integral equipment, since they represent the currency used in each bet. Some important considerations when picking out poker chips are material and weight. The most popular materials for poker chips are plastic or composite for casual use, and ceramic or clay for casino or professional quality.

We spent over 30 hours researching and testing more than 15 different types and brands of poker chips and found that quality, materials, and amount of chips included in the set were the most important factors for consumers who were shopping for poker chips. Poker Chip Set by Trademark Poker scored high marks in all categories and is our overall top pick. This complete set of poker chips includes everything needed to have a great poker game. There are 500 chips in this set along with two decks of cards, and poker buttons so you can play Texas Hold’em as well as other games. These quality chips are made from composite resin with an insert to give it the feel of casino-quality clay poker chips.

Poker Chips Reviews

Playing poker with poker chips rather than cash is a preference many card players have. Quality poker chips provide a more authentic poker feel to your game that you just can’t get with cash. Not all poker chips are made the same. There are high quality chips that have a heftier weight, lightweight plastic chips, and everything in between.

With so many different styles and choices on the market it can be really overwhelming to figure out which poker chips are the best for your needs. We have provided you with a few tools that will make the whole process much easier. First, we have added reviews of the three top-rated poker chip sets on the market below. These reviews will share the features and benefits of these sets and why they are so good.

We have also included a buying guide that will give you much more detailed information on what to look for when you are shopping for poker chips, what features are available, and what you can look at and consider ensuring you choose a quality set of chips that will enhance your poker games.

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Best Quality Clay Poker Chips
12 mins to read
19 products considered
15 products reviewed
30 hours reviewing

1. Trademark Poker

Best Overall Poker Chips

Trademark Poker offers players of all skill levels a set of quality poker chips that will take your weekly poker games to the next level.

There are four different colored chips representing four different values, 2 decks of standard-sized cards, and poker buttons too.

The pattern around the edge of each chip feature dice and stripes, alternating and are made from composite resin with an insert that provides that casino style weight and feel.

This set comes in an aluminum carrying case so you can keep your chips and other poker supplies safe and protected from damage.

High Quality Poker Chips

The tray inserts that are included are covered with soft, velvety velour in black that is dust resistant. The purpose of this velour is to keep the chips and other parts of this set looking just like new. This is the perfect set of poker chips for adults and kids.

In addition to poker, you can host Blackjack games, Texas Hold’em, and others as well. Included in this set are 150 white chips, 200 red chips, 100 green chips, 50 black chips, 2 decks of standard-sized cards, 1 little blind, 1 dealer , and 1 big blind button.

Jonathan Maxwell

2. Cardinal

Best Overall Poker Chips – Runner Up

This great set of poker chips and cards by Cardinal sets you up for a great night of poker that your friends will enjoy too.

Included are 300 poker chips that feature the professional weight and feel card players love. There is also a dealer button and one deck of poker cards included in this set.

The aluminum case is sturdy and provides a convenient, easy to transport place to keep all your poker chips safe.

Each poker chip weighs 11 ½ grams for the ultimate poker experience. Colors included are black with white, blue with white, green with white, red with white and white with blue; each chip represents a different amount. You’ll be ready for a great night of poker when you get this set; makes a great gift for any card lover as well.

Jonathan Maxwell

3. Pro Poker Clay

This deluxe set of poker chips and cards offer you and your friends the chance to feel like you’re playing in a casino for real.

The 14 gram, clay poker chips have that popular, heavy weight to them that feel good in your hands while you’re playing. They are perfect for regular, weekly poker games, tournaments, or just the occasional game too.

Included in this great set are 320 chips, 2 decks of plastic playing cards, 2 cutting cards, Jumbo index and more. These cards are washable as well as long lasting and durable.

Professional clay poker chips

You will also get a free poker felt, dealer buttons, and a sturdy, synthetic leather case reinforced with metal. This set makes a great gift for the poker lover in your life.

Jonathan Maxwell

Summary of Our Top Picks

These three top-rated poker chip sets contain high quality poker chips that offer the weight and feel of professional casino-style chips. All three selections provide you with plenty of chips for your games and come in convenient, durable cases that will keep the chips safe and contained.

Taking the time to sort through the numerous poker chips styles and sets available and find the ones that are high quality, heavy weight, and durable is a great way to end up with a set of chips that you and your family and friends love playing with every time you play poker or other betting games.

The right kind of quality poker chips will make playing poker and other card games much more enjoyable and authentic feeling. Once you are ready to purchase poker chips, considering one of the top three selections featured above is a great place to start. If you do not see the poker chips you are looking for in any of the top-rated selections above we have added 7 more choices for you to consider.

5. Da Vinci

7. Da Vinci 200

9. Fat Cat

Poker Chips Comparison


Trademark
Poker

Cardinal

Pro Poker Clay

Cardinal 100

Da Vinci

Da Vinci
Professional

Da Vinci 200

Da Vinci
Premium

Fat Cat

Versa
Casino
Chips
500300320100100500200500500500

Chip Weight
(gms)

11.5011.5014.0011.5011.5011.5011.5011.5011.5013.50
White
Chips
150100752025050150150150
Red
Chips
2005075202515050150150150
Green
Chips
1005050202510005050100
Blue
Chips
050502001505010010050
Black
Chips
50502520255050505050
Purple
Chips
00250000000
Yellow
Chips
00200000000
Gray
Chips
00000500000
Decks2120022222
Dealer
Button
1110011111
Little Blind
Button
1110011110
Big Blind
Button
1110011110
Missed Blind
Button
0000000100
Kill
Button
0000000100
Reserved
Button
0000000100
Case
Material
AluminumAluminumLeatherNANAAluminumAluminumAluminumAluminumAluminum
Card
Cuts
0000022000
Poker
Felt
Dice0000000605
Warranty
(months)
1414Limited
Lifetime
Limited
Lifetime
Limited
Lifetime
Limited
Lifetime
31

Poker Chips Buying Guide

There are four basic types of poker chips that you can purchase. We have listed all four types below along with some information about each so you can tell the difference between them and decide which type you are looking for.

  • Cheap Plastic Chips – There are two styles of plastic poker chips to choose from. The first set is the cheapest of all poker chips. They are very cheaply made and can be purchased anywhere for only a couple of dollars in some places which is why they have the nickname of “supermarket chips”. These chips usually come in red, white, blue, and do not have denominations on the chips themselves. These are great for kids that enjoy playing card games. But should not ever be used for adult poker games.
  • Less-Cheap Plastic Chips – these super diamond chips are better than the supermarket chips. They are not flimsy like the above chips are and have a normal size and weight. They do not have any metal inserts so there is no clang when they are used. These chips are inexpensive and customizable. They do look like budget chips so if you are trying to make an impression and offer people serious poker games you won’t really accomplish that with these chips.
  • ABS Plastic Chips – These chips are one of the most popular chips on the market. They are also sometimes called Dice chips since all of the chips have a ring of dice or card suits around the edges. The majority of these chips contain metal slugs that add weight to the chip. They have a slick, plastic feel and if they have the metal inserts will have a slight metallic sound to them. These can be used for home games and are not too bad to use. Although they are usually marketed as true casino style chips they are not. Most serious players won’t mind playing with these although you certainly won’t win any “wow” points.
  • Composite Chips – The most common style of poker chip purchased for home games is the composite poker chip. They typically come in a set with cuts, a cut card, and dealer buttons. Depending on the brand, composite chips often have diamonds, card suits, or dice on the edges. The colors available match up with the industry standard and contain a metal insert inside each chip that gives it some weight. These chips are fine for casual, small stakes poker games. The composite chips with metal inserts are probably the most often purchased for serious home players that have regular weekly games. Many players feel they are a little too slippery to use and some players don’t like the ring these metal-inserted chips have as they are moved around.
  • Ceramic Chips – Ceramic poker chips feature a porcelain feel that is smooth and are found in many casinos. They are very durable and long lasting and cost more than other types of poker chips. One popular feature of these ceramic chips is that they can have graphic designs put on the chips that others are not capable of.
  • Clay Chips – This type of poker chip is considered the best quality there is and is the type most often used in casinos. Clay poker chips are easy to stack, do chip tricks with, and are the easiest to handle as well. They are the most expensive traditionally as well. Despite the common thought process that clay is the heaviest, the clay casino chips are usually only 8 or 9 grams per chip. There are some fake clay chips on the market that feel pretty good but they are not as expensive as real clay. If you are looking for some budget choices you can opt for the fake clay style but you may want to check out some customer comments to see what other players are saying about them before you commit to a purchase. Customer comments are a great way to see what people think that are actually handling the chips.

Poker Chip Weight

The weight of the poker chips you choose to purchase is largely a personal preference choice but there are some points that we can share with you that will give you some insight into the different weights and which ones are commonly used in poker games. Lightweight poker chips are going to be cheaper overall but if you are looking for chips that are durable and longer lasting, the heavier weight is the way to go. Heavier chips are also easier to riffle which makes them more popular. Common poker chip weights run anywhere from 7 ½ grams up to 14 grams and will vary according to brand, the casino’s preference, and style.

There are several different designs of poker chips that are commonly used in casinos and private play. We have listed them below.

  • Standard – Many poker chip manufacturers offer different designs that can be imprinted on any poker chip. You can buy the ones already printed or for an additional cost you can provide your own graphic artwork so you can get customized chip designs.
  • Stickers – Rounds stickers for the face of your poker chips can be purchased from different companies. You can choose stickers with designs or choose blank stickers and customize them on your computer. If you are going to choose stickers for your chips, purchase poker chips that have a recess in the center so the stickers are easier to apply and so they don’t get damaged by the players. Stickers are a great choice for chips that have battered faces. They are just stickers so there will be some wear and tear that will go on but make sure that you stick to the common colors and denominations instead of getting one color with different stickers to mark the differences. This prevents any dishonesty from occurring by anyone who gets ahold of stickers and can change the denominations and sneak them into the pile.
  • Silver & gold foil stamping – Poker chips can be stamped with silver or gold lettering. This can usually just be done on chips that have solid color centers. Most people stamp the chips with initials or money denominations. If you have the denominations stamped on the face of the chip keep in mind that you won’t be able to change the value of those chips later on. Sometimes gold or silver stamping will flake off with wear, especially if the chips are lower in quality.
  • Engraved chips – Having your poker chips engraved is a great way to make it possible to sneak chips into a game or counterfeit your poker chips. You can engrave anything you want on the chips for an additional cost that is usually configured per chip. Many people will have their place of business, name or initials engraved on the chip face. If you want both sides of the chip engraved this will cost double the amount.

How Many Poker Chips do You Need?

How many poker chips you will need for your games will depend on how big your poker game is going to be. It is a good idea to stock up on your poker chips so you will have enough for many different sized games without running short. You may end up with more chips than you need but it is better to have more than you need than not enough. The following amounts are recommended.

  • 3 to 4 players – 200 chips
  • 5 to 6 players – 400 chips
  • 7 to 8 players – 600 chips
  • 8 to 10 players – 800 chips

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right poker chips there are several things you will want to consider and think about. There are many different kinds of chips made from many types of materials which can make choosing one really overwhelming.

The purpose of this guide and the reviews we have included above is to make the process less confusing and provide the information you need to understand all the choices and narrow those down so you can purchase the right poker chips for your specific needs.

The three top-rated poker chip choices we have featured above are all good examples of quality poker chips that will enhance your games and provide a casino-style feel. All three selections are perfect for serious poker players and regular games, tournaments, and home games.

The knowledge you have gotten from the included buying guide has provided information about all the different types of poker chips, how much you should get for different sized games, what to look for when you start shopping, and other helpful pieces of information.

You can use this information to sort through the available choices and make a confident decision on the right set of poker chips that will last, be durable, and give you the authentic casino-style card games you and the other players want and enjoy.

After quite a lengthy break from any live poker action, I was happy to finally join a game last week, and that inspired me to write this article. I am sure many of you are eagerly waiting for the return of live games, so if you decide to organize your own, remember that having the right poker chips set is an important component to consider.

The reason I am specifically mentioning this is because that home game that I mentioned was carried out with cheap plastic chips and unfortunately had some misunderstandings along the way, so I want to make sure you can avoid them in your games. Without further ado, here are three things you need to consider when choosing your poker chips.

Quality

These days you can get all kinds of poker chips from plastic ones to ceramic and even custom made options to really shine in your games.

Well, for the sake of this article, let’s remove those custom chips from the equation since they tend to be relatively expensive, and most players will not usually consider this option. However, if you have some cash to spare on a premium look and feel, they can surely make your home games even more unique.

So you are basically left with plastic chips and a bit more expensive ceramic/clay option. Without even going into the details, I would never opt to have plastic ones in my games. It reduces the pleasure of playing, and these days you can easily find very inexpensive ceramic options, so there is no reason to go for the cheaper alternative.

Now, if you want to stick with ceramic chips as I would suggest, you also have a couple of options, and this mostly fluctuates based on the weight of individual chips. The standard and most common version are 11.5 gram chips, and these are good to start, but if you really want to get that premium quality, then you should go for 13.5g or 14g chips.

These are as good as the real ones used in the casino. To be honest, they are likely to be identical to those custom chips you can buy with the only difference being the picture engraved on the actual chip.

So whatever you are playing, I would suggest going for ceramic chips, and if you can, upgrade that to a 13.5-gram option to have a unique casino experience at your own home.

Denominations

Another thing that you need to consider is if you need blank poker chips or ones with poker chip values denominations indicated. While there is no clear answer that will suit everyone, I do think that we can divide these options based on the poker games you are going to play.

For cash games, I would opt to have chips with numbered values. Since blinds will not be changing too often, this will help to avoid any misunderstandings, especially if you have new players coming into your games. And even if not, it just can’t hurt you in any way, so it can make the game a bit smoother to run and leave your mental capacity for more important tasks.

Now, if you are playing MTTs, this is a different story. Using blank chips can offer you a lot of freedom since you can change the value of those colors much more easily as you progress through the tournament and have to increase the blinds. This way, you will never run out of chips.

While any chips will work for both cash games and tournaments, if you know you will only play one of these formats, choosing accordingly can be a wise decision.

Mobility

Last but not least, you have to consider how often you will be traveling with your chips. If you know that you are only going to use them at your own home, then you can go with whatever you like. However, if you plan to move around (e.g., you’ll be the one bringing the chips to a rotating home game), then a solid chip case is a must.

Professional Clay Poker Chips

Unfortunately, that can become problematic with cheaper options since manufactures try to cut their costs wherever possible, and most of these standard cases are not very durable, to say the least. I suggest that you research your options and buy a more expensive and better case.

Plus, you can also just reduce the number of chips you are carrying around. Ceramic poker chips can be quite weighty, and if you get a set with 1000 pieces, your chip case will seriously be put to the test. Luckily, for most games, you can easily get away with the standard 500 chips set, or even a 300-piece set sometimes, so there is no need to get more than you actually use.

Best Quality Clay Poker Chips Recipe

While many players do not consider this aspect, having your case fall apart is really unpleasant and makes carrying these chips around a real pain.

So if you want to avoid any trouble and pick the best option for your home games, just get ceramic chips, choose denominations based on your game and make sure not to be too thrifty when it comes to the chip case. After that, just enjoy and have fun in your games!

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