Poker has become a favorite pastime for many people who are looking for a way to enjoy an evening with friends and family. Poker is a card game that everybody can learn how to play and it can provide a little friendly competition among people who like spending time together. Before you throw your first party, there are some poker supplies that will need to be assembled first.

Poker supplies are readily available from a number of different sources and the prices will range from very reasonable to over the top expensive for some of the professional high end items that are available. The table you choose offers a perfect example of this. If you play at your kitchen or dining room table, it will cost you absolutely nothing. Another option is a cheap utility table that can be found almost anywhere. At the opposite end of the spectrum would be a professional full size poker table with matching chairs. Of course, this can set you back several thousand dollars.

A similar situation will be found when shopping for poker chips. There are a wide variety of chips on the market and whether you spend $20 or more than $1,000 will depend on the material used to manufacture them and how intricate the design and case are. Plastic chips in an aluminum case are at the low end of the scale. This is a good choice for those on a budget but this type of chip will lack the weight and feel of those found in a professional setting like a casino.

Composite poker chips are more expensive than plastic but extremely durable. The material is very difficult to mark, chip or dent so they will stay looking new for a long time. They can be vibrantly colored and are able to be customized with a hot stamping method that is quick and inexpensive.

If you want the real deal, you will have to spring for clay chips. Chips with no metal inserts will feel and sound the most authentic but they will be quite a bit more expensive than composite chips. The softer material allows them to be stacked easier without chips sliding out of the pile but they can also be marked and nicked over time. Clay chips can be customized but in most cases color labels have to be used which is a slow and expensive process.

Unlike tables and chips, playing cards are pretty much all the same. A standard deck of cards will cost only a few bucks no matter where you purchase them. Even a deck of themed cards is relatively cheap and there are plenty to choose from if you feel like adding a little of your own personality to the game. There are decks that feature characters from moves like the Indiana Jones and Star Wars trilogies and many more. A deck of James Bond themed cards is a nice touch or perhaps the Girls of James Bond to add a little spice to the game.

A card shuffler is optional but it will keep the action moving. Most models are quite reasonably priced at about $20. These handy little devices will expertly shuffle the cards at the touch of a finger.

Whether you are getting together a serious game or just seeking a fun way to spend time with friends, quality poker supplies will enhance your experience.

Author Bio: Looking for playing cards? Straight Poker Suppies, is an online store based in Toronto, selling poker chips, poker table and other poker supplies.

Category: Recreation
Keywords: poker, poker chips, poker supplies, game, entertainment, family, business, society, playing cards