Today, many people play poker online, but it’s still a popular pastime for family and friends to gather around a table to enjoy a few drinks and play a couple of hands. If you’re thinking about hosting an in-person poker game, the first thing you’ll need is a deck of cards, which you probably already have. The next thing is a set of proper poker chips, which you may or may not have.

But how many chips do you need to host a successful home game?

In this guide, you’ll learn about the different colors and denominations of poker chips, find out how many you would need for various game sizes, and get guidance on how to have a great poker night at home.

Standard Poker Chip Values and Colors

The two essentials for a game of poker are a deck of cards and poker chips. Poker chips are manufactured using various methods, but regardless, you’ll most commonly find the following standard denominations and colors:

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

However, these colors may vary depending on where you play. Some poker chip sets also include:

• Yellow: $2
• Gray: $20
• Orange: $50
• Pink: $250
• Purple: $500
• Maroon/Orange/Yellow: $1,000

These denominations and colors are not standardized; different manufacturers may assign different values, especially for less common chips. If you’re curious to learn more about poker chips and their variety, take a look at a guide to the different poker chips.

Players are also free to adjust chip values depending on the stakes of their home game.

How Many Poker Chips Do You Start With?

Now that you know what poker chips are available, you’re probably wondering how many poker chips you need to get started. As a general rule, plan for at least 50 chips per player.
For smoother gameplay, around 100 per player is ideal, especially if you’re playing longer sessions or tournaments.

Here’s a breakdown by group size:

How Many Poker Chips for Two Players?

For two players, you’ll need between 100 and 200 chips.

How Many Poker Chips for Four Players?

For a game with four players, you’ll need between 200 and 400 chips.

How Many Poker Chips for Six Players? 

For six players, plan for between 300 and 600 chips.

How Many of Each Individual Poker Chip Does a Player Need?

In most games, players receive a range of denominations to allow for flexible betting. A standard 300-piece poker set typically contains:

• 100 white chips
• 50 red chips
• 50 blue chips
• 50 green chips
• 50 black chips

For a low-stakes four-player game, you might distribute:

• 20 x $1 White.
• 15 x $5 Red.
• 10 x $10 Blue.
• 4 x $25 Green.
• 1 x $100 Black.

This distribution gives each player 50 chips valued at $395. You’ll also have plenty of spare chips to break down larger denominations when necessary.

To avoid running out, especially if you’re hosting a bigger game, you might want to familiarize yourself with what happens when you run out of poker chips.

How To Set Up a Home Poker Game for Different Size Groups

Some items are must-haves for any home poker game, while others are optional but can make the experience even better.

Buy a Poker Set

The simplest way to prepare for hosting is to purchase a poker set. But how many chips are included? And which set is right for your group?

• 200-chip sets: Suitable for two to four players.
• 300-chip sets: Ideal for up to six players.
• 500 to 1,000-chip sets: Best for larger games with nine or more players.

Wondering about chip authenticity? Don’t stress too much — you don’t need to worry whether poker chips are real or not. Instead, focus on the chip’s quality to ensure durability.

If you’re looking to take your poker nights seriously, investing in one of the best home game poker chips can enhance the overall gaming experience.

Decide Between a Cash Game or Tournament

Most home games are casual cash games, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could set up a home tournament. Standard tournament structures increase blinds and chip values over time, adding excitement and urgency.

Alternatively, a simpler single-elimination format can be more relaxed and just as fun, especially if time is limited. Flexibility is key — adjust based on the number of players and the vibe you’re aiming for.

Consider a Poker Table

If you’re committed to hosting a regular poker night, consider buying a dedicated poker table. Options range from budget-friendly folding tables with felt surfaces to high-end, luxurious wooden tables.

A dedicated table enhances the experience, provides players with a professional feel, and keeps the chips and cards organized.

Set up the Prizes

Prizes can motivate players and make home games even more exciting. You have a few options:

• Cash games: Players exchange real money for chips. At the end, chips are cashed back for their real value.
• Tournament format: Players buy in, and prizes are awarded based on final placement.
• Non-cash prizes: Gift cards, bottles of wine, or bragging rights can also be great prizes.
  

Make sure you clearly communicate the prize structure before play begins to avoid confusion later.

Make Hosting Easier and Play at BetMGM

A game of home poker around a table with real cards and poker chips can be a lot of fun, but there are times when setting up a real poker game requires a lot of effort. Thankfully, you can always make hosting easier with BetMGM. 

BetMGM’s online poker site offers excellent cash games and online poker tournaments that cater to a variety of players. These poker games offer a range of buy-ins for different budgets, and there are even different poker variants available for you to play. Choose from Texas Hold’em, Seven-Card Stud, and Omaha games to have fun or put your poker skills to the test.

Join BetMGM to Play Poker For Real Money

Setting up your own home poker game with the right number of chips is a great way to enjoy the action with friends, but when you’re ready for even more excitement, you can also play poker online with BetMGM Poker.

New players can make the most of their first deposit with a generous online poker welcome bonus, giving them more chips to hit the virtual tables and test their skills.