Associated with the blinding lights and deafening slot jingles of Las Vegas, or the trop sophistiqué world of Monte Carlo, poker has made a name for itself as a high-class game for the flush and the dapper.
Yet the rise of Nevada-based tournaments in recent decades has seen poker open itself up to talent sporting hoodies instead of tuxedos. Gone are the days of golden cufflinks; you’ll now find undercover billionaires seated at the velvet table wearing fedoras and slogan t-shirts.
High-stakes poker players have been known to make off with billions in prize money, making it a fascinating - and incredibly lucrative - game to know . Media has been drawing attention to this perceptible shift in gambling clientele in recent years, with films such as Jessica Chastain’s Molly’s Game and Russell Crowe’s Poker Face proving blockbuster hits.
If, like us, you’ve developed a fascination for poker but haven’t a clue where to start, let us break it down for you.
There are many ways to play poker but in essence, it’s all about skill, tactic and stone-cold bluffing. More than a recent hit single off Beyoncé’s latest album Cowboy Carter, Texas Hold ’Em is currently the most popular poker variation played worldwide.
How to play Texas Hold ‘Em
Here, each player receives two ‘dark’ cards that are placed face-down so that no one can see them except for the individual player. Three cards are dealt open, and the velvet table dwellers attempt to match up their hands with those three cards, betting using chips according to their chances.
You’ll often find players who don’t have a chance of winning, but the power of their bet (‘bluff’) is so strong that the others fall to the wayside. There are myriad versions of this game, like seven-card Omaha, and seven-card stud, but we suggest mastering Texas Hold ’Em before moving into the nuances of different variations.
There are charts online to illustrate the strongest poker hands, but the top two are the royal flush and a full house. Bear in mind you may convince yourself that your version of a full house is strongest when a player across the table has an even better one. Tactile playing and hubris are your friends when playing poker.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best poker sets for beginners, to gift your card-playing loved ones, or to upgrade your current at-home set-up. Keep scrolling to play.
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Dal Negro Walnut Marquetry Burr Briarwood Poker Set
Crafted in Italy with walnut wood veneer, this gloriously colourful poker set features chips which have been finished with an iridescent mother-of-pearl effect, as well as two decks of poker cards. Perfect for smaller games, the set is complete with 126 assorted poker chips which measure 4cm in diameter. The lid of each piece is inlaid by hand, which means that no two sets look alike. A unique gift for the esoteric poker player in your life.
Buy now £450.00, Farrar & Tanner
Iron & Glory Dead Man's Hand Wooden Poker Set
Characterised by a distinct gothic aesthetic, Iron & Glory’s Dead Man’s Hand set.
It includes 100 custom poker chips in a greyscale colour scheme, a metal dealer chip and attractive matt black playing cards housed in a decorative wooden presentation box. From Texas Hold ’Em to Blackjack, the set is sure to elevate your at-home game tenfold.
Buy now £79.95, Imp & Maker
Prada Saffiano Leather Poker Set
Embody the spirit of Monte Carlo with one of the most luxurious poker sets that money can buy. Prada’s extensive homeware range is a testament to the fashion house’s belief that true style extends far beyond the confines of the wardrobe. Fit for a 007, the Saffiano Leather poker set has been made in Italy with 100 per cent leather. It includes dice, two decks of cards and colourful chips housed in a beautiful box with that signature, waxed Saffiano leather finish.
Buy now £4900.00, Harrods
Premium Poker Chip Set, Texas Hold ’Em
This lovely set has been made for professionals looking for a casual at-home set with a premium feel.
The 300-piece set is crafted with warm walnut wood which is interchanged with a lighter pine wood on the lid for a uniquely bold finish. The chips are made from standard ABS, while the Dealer’s chip is made from brass. The set comes with two decks of cards and can be personalised with a sophisticated engraving.
Buy now £274.16, Etsy
Slowplay Nash 500 PCS Clay Poker Chips Set for Texas Hold’em
Available in a range of sizes and colourways, Slowplay prides itself on producing sets suitable for professionals and hobbyists alike. The sleek and chic chip-carrying case is made from durable polycarbonate and is fitted with an aluminium frame, zinc lock and comfortably sized leather handle. Inside, you’ll find Art Deco-inspired chips which are perfectly weighted at 14g a piece with an iron core. The set also comes with two decks of cards and a dealer’s chip.
Buy now £149.99, Amazon
Poker Night Pro 500 Piece Texas Hold’em Poker Set
A value-for-money 500-piece set which certainly doesn’t skimp on quality, you’d be remiss not to add Poker Night Pro’s Texas Hold’em set to your virtual basket. The heavy-duty aluminium carry case will keep those symbolic discs safe and sound whether you’re travelling or at home with the help of a reinforced interior. The chips themselves feature professional metal cores and weigh 14g each – the recommended industry standard. You’ll also find two decks of card, four dice, a dealer’s chip as well as small and big blind chips.
Buy now £74.95, Amazon
John Lewis Classic Poker Set
John Lewis has a range of classic, affordable game sets ranging from compendiums to high-quality chess boards. Their poker set is a fantastic way to elevate your at-home gaming longue without spending a small fortune. It includes two sets of cards, dealer and blind chips, as well as a small selection of betting chips – all housed in a delightful wooden box.
Buy now £65.00, John Lewis
ProPoker Professional 300 Chip Poker Set
Suitable for a six-player game at a brilliant bargain price, the ProPoker professional set includes 300 weighted chips at 11.5g each. A no-nonsense option for players looking for all the accoutrements with none of the frills, ProPoker isn’t going to bankrupt you. What happens when you start playing the game is up to you.
Buy now £25.00, Argos
