Poker Night Startup Guide: Poker Chip Distribution

Are you looking to raise the stakes at your next at-home poker night? Start by learning the ins and outs of poker chip distribution!

We realize that distributing chips at the start of a game can involve some tricky math. The number of players, minimum buy-in, and chip value all play a role. We’ve created this guide to break the process down into its simplest elements. You’ll learn everything you need to know to confidently host a professional-looking poker night event! 

Continue reading to learn how to distribute poker chips at any home game. 

Gather Your Chips

The number of players will determine the number of chips you need. As a general rule, expect to budget 50 chips per player.

Many home players invest in a poker chip set. For poker chip distribution for 6 players or less, you will need a standard set with approximately 300 pieces. If you’re hosting more than six players, invest in a 500-piece chip set. 

In most cases, a 5 color poker chip distribution is appropriate. If you’re playing a high-stakes game, you can play with 6 or 7 colors, Vegas-style. 

Know Your Poker Chip Values

Chip value plays a role in determining the chip distribution for your poker game. Most people assign the following values to their chips for at-home games:

• White Chips: $1
• Red Chips: $5
• Blue Chips: $10
• Green Chips: $25
• Black Chips: $100
  

Feel free to tailor these values to your individual game and rules, especially if you’re playing a cash game. 

Determine Your Minimum and Maximum Buy-In

At at-home games, most people set a minimum buy-in of 20 times big blind (20bb). It is common to set a maximum buy-info about 100 times big blind (100bb). In a big blind distribution,  assuming big blind is $2, 20bb is worth $40, 50bb is worth $100, and 100bb is worth $200.

Here’s a sample 4 player poker chip distribution for a game that uses standard chip values and the above rules:

Shrinking the Stakes

For a small at home poker game or tournament, don’t be afraid to shrink the stakes. It’s a fun way to keep things friendly and affordable.

In a low-stakes, 3 color game, consider the following chip values: 

At this scale, you can keep the buy-in at $10 (40bb) or $25 (100bb). Consider the following starting distribution:

This low-stakes setup keeps things competitive but reduces the amount of money each player can lose. It is rare for any one player to lose more than $50. 

Start Game Night Strong With Custom Poker Chips

No matter how many players you host, you’ll need high-quality poker chips to get the game started. Why not bring your game to the next level with custom, casino-quality chips from Chips and Games? You’ll have all the chips you need to get your game night going! Our full-color chip designs will bring a touch of Vegas to your at-home poker set collection. 

Start the process by visiting our poker chip customizer and creating something truly unique. Game night will never be the same!