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Clay Poker Chip Sets
Casino tokens – commonly known as chips are tokens used in place of money in casinos. Since using huge amounts of money can be both risky as well as dangerous this system has been long devised .At the end of the game the chips are exchanged at the counter for an equivalent amount of money.
A variant of chips are plaques they serve the same purpose as chips though they differ in some respects. Plaques are bigger; mostly they are rectangular in shape, have a serial number and are used to denote larger denominations than chips.
Coming to the make of the chip early players even used pieces of gold or ivory. Besides such exotic material, chips have been made of bone, wood, paper and clay. Another unusual material is mother of pearl which is used in many European chip sets.
Amongst all these the most popular is clay chips. Some excellent quality chip sets are available in clay. Though called clay chip sets they are not entirely made of clay. The material is a combination of clay and sand or calcium carbonate or chalk, the outcome is a more durable substance than clay. The clay is molded and colored in a different way in different manufacturing units. The method used is unique in each case and is usually a trade secret.
A broad outline of the process can be explained here. The color and design on the chip is not painted or done manually. Rather some clay is used of different colors to give the color and designing effect on the chip, this different colored clay is bonded with the base of the chip .The whole thing is baked at a high heat so that the color and design becomes an integral part of the chip and can in no way peel off.
Ceramic chips are the latest ones that are in vogue. They too are referred to as clay chips. Another cheaper substitute is plastic or resin that is given a clay feel and even sound. These are certainly cheaper and hence are more commonly used in homes. But for professionals and tournaments clay chips are a must. Another reason (besides the cost) why clay chip sets are not preferred by homes is the feel of clay chips when they are first used .Many complain of rough surface, jagged edges, uneven feel etc.
To start with all clay chips may feel that way but in casinos excessive usage smoothens them soon whereas at homes it takes much longer. So it may be advisable for friendly tournaments to stick to plastic chip sets with a clay feel rather than going or actual clay chips.
An Overview of Clay Casino Poker Chips (Page 1 of 2)
In this guide, you will receive an overview of clay poker chips. When it comes to poker supplies, poker chips that are composed as clay are considered to be a favorite among both professional players and those that play in leisure. As you know, poker chips are a type of currency that is typically used in casinos and private gaming environments in place of cash.
Poker chips are also often referred to as “checks”. In some cases, depending on the location, they may also be identified as “cheques”. Clay poker chips that are created through the means of molds and compression devices are among the most common type of poker chip in the gaming industry today.
As early as the 1880’s, there were companies that specialized in creating clay chips. In the early days, a mixture of clay and a substance called shellac was mixed together and then compressed so that players could implement the use of these items instead of the standard gold pieces, coins, and wood chips that were originally used. Clay chips have been and can be created displaying a large number of intricate designs, patterns, pictures, and logos.
In addition to this, the standard colors of white, red, and even blue can be created. However, to date, these types of chips can be created in practically any color that a player desires. Many players enjoy the variety of colors, designs, and exquisite quality when it comes to these types of chips. This is one reason why they are such a popular choice.
Many individuals believe that clay chips are composed entirely of clay. However, this is actually inaccurate. These chips are often referred to as “compression molded chips” among those that design them and implement the use of them. There are many substances that are added to the clay that is used to create these poker chips in order to instill a high level of durability. These materials may include any and/or all of the following: sand, certain types of clay compositions, and even mixtures of calcium.
Most manufacturers of clay casino poker chips are actually quite secretive when it comes to the actual creation process. In the early days of clay being used for chips, it was discovered that the chips would become easily damaged, and would collapse in many instances. However, for nearly a century, they have become quite strong due to the small deposits of various materials being added to the mix.
When it comes to the care and maintenance of clay casino poker chips, one must be very cautious. It is important to understand that these cannot be placed in water or cleansing systems such as dishwashers if they are to remain intact and in decent condition. Most professionals agree that the most appropriate method to cleaning these chips is to create a mixture of detergent that is mild in composition and water.
Once this is done, a soft bristle infant toothbrush should be used to lightly clean the sides and the edges of the chip. Once clean, they should be laid out on a soft, nonabrasive cloth in order to dry. Once dry, the chips should be placed in a dry place that is relatively cool. It is also important to avoid exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures.