1. The "Clay" Chip and a Little Chip History -
In modern reality there is no such creature as a clay chip, what is commonly referred to as a clay chip is a composite with some clay (some descriptions list kaolin instead of clay, same thing) filler mixed into a durable high impact polymer matrix. Examples of modern “clay” chips are the popular "James Bond" style chips. The clay composite chips are quite pricey and generally in short supply due to their popularity. These chips usually are in weight ranges between 8 grams and 11.5 grams and are casino standard 39 mm diameter.
Actual clay chips were used in the United States during the late 1800's; however, these easily broken chips were quickly replaced by clay filled composites that provided much greater durability and security. In the early part of the 1900’s chips were commonly molded from Plaskon, an ureaformaldehyde molding compound. In the 1930’s die cut metal foil was applied to the chips to give unique identity and added security. Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo Casino with these chips. In the 40’s printed centers appeared and edge spots were added for even greater security. The 1950’s saw most casinos using the newest chips with house designs, logos or both molded into the rim and top of chip. Today the style and materials utilized in the manufacture of gaming chips are unique to the particular casino. Some have metal “coin” centers with structural plastic outer rims. Cloth fiber reinforced polymer molded chips and a just introduced all metal alloy poker chip that is anodized in different brilliant colors
2. Composite Metal Core Chips (e.g. Dice and Suited)
The standard fare of most serious home game players. Heavy (8g or 11.5g), very durable chips are readily available and can usually be customized through a hot stamping or decaling process for added security. These chips are injection molded from a particulate filled thermoset (does not soften when heated) plastic around an internal metal slug for that exact “Casino” look and feel. Almost all metal core chips are manufactured in either Taiwan or China. Our experience with the same styles of chip indicates a major difference in product quality between the two countries of origin. Chips from China are, on the whole, of a lesser quality, probably owing to the lack of quality control including less precision in composite mixing, and imperfect dyes used in manufacturing. We have examined Poker Chips from China that are warped, have noticeable size variations, same lot includes several different shades of same color and a lack of material uniformity across the surface of the chip. Chips manufactured in Taiwan are usually of a higher overall quality that becomes quite evident in the general appearance and feel. There does not appear to be any price differential between the two. A final note, good quality chips are available from China and “made in Taiwan” is not always a guarantee of acceptable quality so you may want to request a sample from the lot the seller is offering for purchase.
3. Casino Chips, the Gold Standard
These are, of course, the very best, especially when it comes to security. Casino chips are produced by an extremely limited number of bonded companies all located within the US. Each casino has a unique secret blend composition used to mold their chips; this is one of the primary defenses to prevent counterfeiting. The chips are injection molded with copyrighted designs in manufacturing facilities that have security that rivals the US mint. Most modern casino chips are a synthetic polymer acrylic composite with a laminated center. The closest thing I've seen to a casino chip in quality, design and feel are the "Fan of Cards" chips which are a metal core composite with a laminated center. The only avenue available to acquire real casino chips is to buy them from the casino at face value or from a reseller that will usually include a hefty mark-up. Casino chips vary slightly in weight, however most weight in around 10g.
The entry level economical gaming chip that may be purchased almost everywhere. Plastic chip quality range from the extremely cheap chips sold at supermarkets in the toy aisle to heavy solid plastic chips that can weight as much as 7g. Plastic chips do not offer much in the way of security and are easily damaged. They lack the look and heft of composite chips and tend to tinkle when splashing the pot.
If you are new to poker (or other games that use markers) or have a very limited budget then consider purchasing some economical plastic chips. Use these for your games and when you decide that you are serious about your weekly home game and it is going to become a permanent event then invest in a set of quality clay composite or composite metal core chips (e.g. James Bond, dice, suited). Remember to request samples of the chips you are considering. Most reputable vendors will send a chip sample if you send a self addressed stamped envelope. For all but the most discriminating person, metal core composite chips are the best all around value with a good balance between "casino" feel and cost. The chip snob will move into the clay composites such as “James Bond” style chips. If you are considering the high-end poker chips then you should explore purchasing actual casino chips (you may acquire different colors if you purchase $1 chips from different casinos). The one dollar cast per casino chip will be very close to stamped high-end composites and the casino chips will have another major advantage; you can always get a full refund by cashing the chips at the issuing casino. Buy them, use them and still get a full refund makes casino chips quite attractive. If you choose to go the casino chip route remember to protect them the same as cash and continue reading the next section on cases for your chips.
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