Thursday, January 1, 2009

Poker Card Chip Set - 6 Great Gifts

By Mark A. Martir

Picking out a gift for that special someone can sometimes be harder than enjoying your next visit to the dentist and getting your tooth pulled. You may be that someone who really enjoys gift giving. Either way, sometimes finding that perfect gift can still be a challenge.

Now, do you have someone who loves poker and to you the options seem limited? They are plain old cards and chips right? If you are passionate about something, then you understand that there's plenty of selections if you know what you are looking for and poker is no different. Options are limitless if you search deep and hard enough. Refer to the following poker list essentials and you'll discover a perfect gift for your favorite poker player!

1. Playing Cards

Poker is not a game without a deck of these, and if you can get 2 or more the better! Have you heard of plastic cards? They can endure even the most sloppy shuffle and usually have a longer shelf life than standard cards yet feel the same. Be careful of plastic cards made of vinyl as they tend to be less durable. Oh, you can wash these cards too!

Plastic too weird for you? Then consider authentic casino playing decks. The cards are the same card used in actual casinos. These cards are not drilled or straight cut cards. One will feel like a pro when handling them.

2. Poker Chip Set

Clay and clay composites are the only types of chips you should be considering. There are plastics that try to imitate, but nothing compares to the authentic feel of clay chips.

Many variations such as poker chips with metal inserts are available which can effect prices drastically. Paulson is one of the most well known brands in the industry and would be a good choice. There are also many special chips with branding of your favorite football teams for example.

3. Poker Tabletops

A real serious poker player would have a dedicated poker table, but for most of us a tabletop will do. First thing you have to consider is the amount of players as there variations available for as many as 10 players.

If you want smoother action during play then buy a tabletop with segmented centers. Plush padding can be great when playing for long periods of time and why not add some cup holders while you're at it! At minimum, make sure that your tabletop has a vinyl bottom to protect your regular table.

Folding and storing your tabletop is one of the most important features to consider when choosing one. Felt quality varies greatly so pay attention when buying or else a cheaper one will betray you with signs or wear. Custom printing your own logo would be a nice touch.

4. Poker Carrying Case

A poker player will appreciate a nice case, especially if they are traveling to their buddies house. Wood is very popular due to some of the stylish variations that are available, but aluminum cases win the vote when it comes to durability. Some cases even come with a telescoping handle for easy mobility.

The interior quality is something to look out for. Manufacturers vary in the padding they use. Racks and cases within are choices that many find necessary depending on the amount of chips they have and this helps to keep the area neat.

5. Dealer Button

You would be surprised to know that a simple button can make a difference. A unique dealer button helps one to stand out especially if you have one with a built-in tournament blind timer! This feature combines two essential elements of tournament play which is the ability to safely passed as a dealer button while at the same time keeping blind times at your fingertips.

6. Card Shufflers

Looking to impress someone? How about getting a professional card shuffler which will make you feel like you're in a real casino! Usually battery operated and constructed in wood or plastic, a shuffler can ease the strain of game play while simultaneously protecting anyone from being accused of cheating. The value of that alone is priceless.

Two deck and four deck varieties are available. Getting a shoe is the ultimate version and has a heavy steel roller resulting in smooth action. You have to have one.

Hopefully the above list got you thinking of some interesting combination's to create that ultimate present! Mix and match the above ideas. I'm sure whatever you ultimately choose for a gift will result in a very happy poker player.

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