BB or chips

Happy Bobi

Happy Bobi

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Oct 27, 2025
Total posts
94
UA
Chips
112
Kaaskop63 said:
Are you playing with BB's or with chips?
Click to expand...
I always left the default settings, and in my case, it always happened to be chips. I'm so used to it now, and honestly, I don't see any fundamental difference. Everyone can easily calculate the number of blinds in their stack. Those who can't do this are better off not playing poker :)
 
machinm19

machinm19

Visionary
Platinum Level
Joined
Jul 3, 2018
Total posts
616
Awards
3
Chips
588
I use chips always. It’s pretty easy to work out how many bb I have at all times so it’s most likely the same the other way round I wouldn’t know as I’ve never once used bb.

I play at the local casino mostly and they don’t tell you how many blinds you have, so for me personally it’s better to play with chips online so I don’t become reliant on the computer to do my math for me.

I do see a lots of the pros and big streamers use BB though so I would assume this is the correct way, I am a contrarian by nature.

Great thread btw.
 
akmost

akmost

Rising Star
Loyaler
Joined
Feb 2, 2017
Total posts
2,047
Awards
2
GR
Chips
619
In general I prefer chips but in many cases BBs are way more convenient to visualize my stack in BBs.
For example in some open jam or rejam spots.
 
Stringy

Stringy

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Dec 25, 2021
Total posts
1,576
Awards
1
GB
Chips
868
chips mainly but there are rare ocassions where i may switch to BB
 
Prophet

Prophet

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Aug 4, 2008
Total posts
205
Awards
1
Chips
153
BB in tournaments , and Chips value on cash games
 
WrongUsername

WrongUsername

Legend
Platinum Level
Joined
Apr 8, 2020
Total posts
1,277
Awards
2
BR
Chips
879
big blinds for obvious reasons
 
TeUnit

TeUnit

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Jan 20, 2009
Total posts
5,965
Awards
20
Chips
352
I play in chips, but always try to keep track of BBs+ antes to come up with effective stack sizes.
 
M

miroq

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Nov 27, 2025
Total posts
26
PL
Chips
58
It depends on the game: where the size of the blinds changes and the number of chips is of secondary importance - such as in tournaments, I prefer to see my stack in BB, because then I know how my stack changes as the blinds change. Then I don't have to convert my stack to BBs and I automatically know what my play should be. This is especially important in the middle and late stages of a tournament, where even half a blind can matter and it's easy to make a mistake when converting chips to BBs when the clock is ticking.
Where BBs are always the same - like cash games - I prefer to see my stack in real money because then it's easier for me to maintain discipline: it's harder to call for $50 than for 5 BB. I know it's stragne but it works :)
 
flabilim

flabilim

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Mar 29, 2023
Total posts
298
Awards
1
BR
Chips
519
BBReading gives you a better understanding of the game, of how much to bet on, etc.
 
S

Station_Master

Legend
Loyaler
Joined
Oct 26, 2022
Total posts
1,757
Awards
1
GB
Chips
839
BB much better. I used to play in $ but its harder especially if you have tables of differwnt stakes. BBs is the way to think about the game and formualte strategy
 
aorodrigo

aorodrigo

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
May 22, 2024
Total posts
224
BR
Chips
265
Tournaments = BB
Cash games (I usually don't play, but when I play..) = Chips/Money
 
PHAkash

PHAkash

Enthusiast
Silver Level
Joined
Feb 8, 2025
Total posts
30
BR
Chips
172
Poker theory generally works with the big blind (BB), effective stacks, ranges...
However, for those who also play live poker, it's interesting to play with chips in online poker. This helps a lot when playing live, as the chip amounts are more easily understood.
Now, if you only play online poker, I consider playing with chips unnecessary. Not to mention that it's harder to notice the blind increases.

I always play in the big blind (BB).
 
Kasztor007

Kasztor007

Rock Star
Platinum Level
Joined
Feb 23, 2014
Total posts
119
Awards
1
Chips
103
I think in BBs. Chips are fine for playing, but BBs give real context for decisions: stack depth, pot odds, push/fold spots. It makes situations much clearer and easier to compare.
 
A

ankurdholakiya

Enthusiast
Bronze Level
Joined
Feb 20, 2025
Total posts
43
IN
Chips
160
For me it’s mix of both.
Early stage I’m comfortable with chips, gives better feel of stack.
But when blinds go up and pressure starts, BB is much clearer for decisions.

BB makes it easy to know push/fold, aggression level, all that.
End of day comfort matters — jo comfortable hoy, e best 😄
 
Poker Chips - History of Chips
Top