Card Protectors

Hey All,

I have a couple of friends who have asked if on my next trip if I could get them card markers for when they play poker. They want something unique. I was wondering where to buy them? I know there are places line the Gambler's General Store and kiosks on Fremont, but what about the Casinos? Something with say Caesar's or Bellagio on it.

Thanks in advance.

 

I use a $2 token from the "Old" Alladdin Casino. Have had many comments on it. The "Silver" dollar tokens used now have the casino name on them.
Good luck.

 

I see people using casino chips quite frequently e.g. actual chips from another casino, not the tournament chips. That would be a way to get something with a casino name on it.

I've seen so many things used... good luck charms, small stuffed animals, jewelry, figurines and action figures, stuff the kids made, stuff that has a good story behind it (when inevitably asked).

 

These types make the best markers. I've used a rubber ducky or a spent shell casing. Some others in our group have used one of those tiny Tabasco sauce bottles or a Mini Jesus pencil tipper.

 

Anything small with a little weight to it makes a great protector...i used a 1oz copper Guy Harvey mahi mahi coin last year, this year im using a rare british 1oz silver bar decorated with a hearts royal flush. Produced in the 1920's.

 

Are these required? Just curious since I don't play the game.
(Tried to google it but the results were blocked, at work.)

 

Card protectors/toppers aren't required. However what IS required is that the player protects their cards at all times.

If you are sitting near the dealer, the dealer has the potential to swipe your cards up as they are collecting the folded hands - and if the dealer messes up, it's your fault for not protecting your cards. I've seen this happen with huge hands (thinking of some WSOP hands where the player goes all in, dealer accidentally takes their cards, and they are left with no cards).

Another player may accidentally (or not) fold/muck their cards into your hand. If your cards aren't protected and you end up with 4 cards in front of you which can't be clearly identified/differentiated, your hand is now dead as well, and it's your fault for not protecting your cards.

Some people use their hand. Some use any chip off their stack. Some use a card protector. Some use nothing and hope for the best.

 

I use this Yeti opener I received as a gift. Also comes in real handy after visiting the ABC store.

Mark

 

I use an O'sheas $5 chip that is my avatar. I picked it up on my very first trip to Vegas.
But I do have it in an air-tight to protect the sharp edges when using as a card protector.

 

Mine is a nut and bolt... I always say "it's the nuts - I always have the nuts" when someone asks. It was something that one of my first clients made (nuts, bolts, fasteners) and gave me one, back when I started working, and I keep it in my pocket 24/7 even when I am not playing cards.

 

Harrahs has a kiosk full of card protectors near the poker room. Most are in the $30-$50 range.

 

WSOP pic!

 

Thanks for all the feedback. Really appreciate it!

 

Curious what they have/sell there? What kind of card protectors?

 

The flat, coin-type ones are all in plastic holders. There was an assortment of WSOP coins and besides that mostly sports teams. I think they had some auto-enthusiast ones, too.

 

I've seen small stands/kiosks by the Bally's poker room area and also at Rio. I believe they even make custom made ones.

 

I've seen Silver Strikes used as card protectors.

 

I've got to find plastic chip cover. I've a 25¢ chip from a place where I worked as a teenager in from 1967–1970. Damn, I'm old.

BTW, when I first started playing hold'em I was in seat 1 and the dealer mucked my cards. I was going to call a bet in a tournament and noticed that I had no cards! I'm sure that he helped me as in those days I played way too many hands. Once I saw a guy get kicked out of the Bally's poker room. An older guy was owning a 30-something and who mouthed off and tried to muck his cards into the older guy's hand.

 

Personally I use a $1 Mandalay Bay chip--whole lot cheaper than paying for a chip marker!

 

I use an old Air Force Squadron coin...