Poker Equipment

Poker Chips

Poker chips are quite diverse in terms of their weight and the materials from which they're made. Most casinos, however, use clay chips weighing 11.5 grams. Other, less expensive poker chips are available, made from clay composite, or non-clay materials.

If you're the poker host, you want to ensure that not a single player will be left chip-less. It would probably suffice to stock 50 chips per person, but it's best to be on the safe side and stock twice as much. Running a well-stocked poker game could help spread the rumor that you're serious about you poker gaming, and help bring in more players.

Also make sure your poker chips are varied in color to help poker players discern between different denominations.

Cards

Though poker chips are important, the cards are even more so. Make sure your cards are of the highest quality. The option of playing with poor quality cards should never cross your mind. How can you tell if cards are of a cheap, no name brand, or if they're a high quality deck? If the deck is small and thin, then there is a good chance that it is not the kind you want to purchase. Another indication of substandard cards is if they stick together when you try to shuffle them. To eliminate any doubt, you may want to visit one of your favorite casinos and take a few decks of used cards with you. If you insist on buying new packs, go for well-known brands, such as Bicycle, Bee or Hoyle.

Poker Table

Imagine for a moment that you have top quality cards, first class chips and a flimsy folding card table. Don't fall into this trap! At poker777.com, we advise you to invest in a felt-topped, padded poker table, complete with integrated chip racks, provided that your budget allows for this luxury. The felt is not just for style and elegance, but it makes it more comfortable to pick and deal cards. The material also provides the friction necessary to prevent chips from sliding, or rolling around the table.

Should any beer spilling accident occur, your high quality equipment will not let you down, provided that your felt table has been scotch-guarded and cards are laminated. Clay chips make for easy cleanup, as well. You can also minimize the chance for nasty spills by building in drink holders.

Other Accessories

The following items are not absolutely necessary to run a successful poker game, but including them in your game would undoubtedly enhance the quality of your home poker gaming.

Dealer Button: Handy in keeping track of who's next in line to be the dealer. It's a "must" if you're hosting Texas Hold'em tourneys.

Black Shoe: This item is designed to hold cards. Though mostly used for blackjack games, it makes dealing easier in almost every game, including poker.

Discard rack: This is a rack to hold already played cards. Whenever a player folds, or a dealer removes played cards from the table, they go into the Discard Rack.

Table Brush: Brushes aid in keeping your table felt in good condition. They are used to wipe off dust and remove crumbs.

Portable Chip Racks: A Portable chip rack is the best solution for storing winnings, especially if you have more than a single table of players.

Chip Case: If you're planning on leaving home with your chips, a chip case provides an easy and safe way to carry them.

Other amenities

A poker party just isn't a party without good food! But don't overdo it and avoid greasy stuff if you don't want to find grease all over your expensive equipment. And when it comes to drinks, don't skimp on quality. Avoid stocking your home bar with cheap beer or generic vodka and stick to top-of-the-line drinks.

The conclusion is crystal clear: though hosting guests for a poker evening may be expensive and exhausting, the enthusiastic reaction you're bound to get from your guests will make it well worth the effort.