I'm about to attend my first chip convention and have tons of questions?

Are you sure? Get ready for a good time. This will be my fourth convention, and I have always enjoyed them thoroughly.

For me, the most interesting/fun aspect of the convention is meeting the people. Many have great stories of their gambling experiences, casinos that are long gone, entertainers they have seen, etc. Given that I only started gambling and collecting chips about ten years ago, I love the stories of “the old days”, especially regarding the history of Las Vegas and Nevada. What you find interesting is of course a personal preference, but I can guarantee you’ll find great people to talk to that can share stories and who will be interested in yours.

When we are not trading are there people selling chips?

I have been approached with sales pitches many times. While your mileage may vary, I don’t like being “hustled” when I am socializing. I’m not insinuating that I was being offered bad deals, just that the timing was inappropriate in my opinion. Further, I won’t buy any chips from people who have not bought a table at the convention. It just seems unfair to me.

How does a rookie know what value each chip has? Do I walk around with a price guide or Chip Rack?

You can use a price guide, but my rule is that a chip is worth what I am willing to pay or trade for it. I may get taken once in a while, but since I don’t deal in high-end chips, it is generally not for much more than a beer’s worth. And since I see trading as more of a social event anyhow, I would most likely be willing to by my trading partner a beer anyhow. (Besides, I can’t tell you how many times I have “spent” $40-$60 to “buy” a completely common $1 chip off the craps table . . . )

If you are interested in high-end chips, there is no substitute for doing research. Take notes, ask questions, and do the very best you can to make informed decisions. I would argue that the real fun in collecting high-end items of any type (yes, even casino chips) is doing the research and knowing the story behind the item. But that may just be me . .

Do I walk around with all my tradable chips?

That depends I guess. My traders pretty much fit into one binder. (I actually have more than one binder full, but I’ll only bring the one in the interest of space and convenience.) I’ll carry it to the trade sessions where the general rule is to “only bring what you can carry.” In situations where table space is limited, it is unfair for one person to cover a ton of real estate to set up shop. At some trading sessions (or opportunities that are not formally scheduled trading sessions), table space may be more open. You have to use your judgment.

What is the dress code?

If there is a code, I’ve never cracked it. Dress comfortably. There will always be someone dressed fancier than you and someone (probably me!) who is a bigger slob

Any information would be appreciated?

Are you sure?

Actually, my favorite events are the banquet and the educational seminars. Also, meeting chippers “after hours” at the bar for a chat is fun. I guess I could sum it up by saying that for me, the most valuable collectables at the convention are friendships, stories and knowledge. You will find all of these. Best of luck!