... of these chips. He repeats my questions, so the full exchange appears below (as you'll see, I was somewhat obtuse in my inquiry <g>). I will make an effort tomorrow to ascertain the status of any pending applications for card room licenses in Sonoma County.

> Hi Tom ----- can you tell me where the card room is that will issue
> these chips? I specialize in Northern California chips and might be
> interested in bidding if they are from my area.

The Redwood Lodge will be opening sometime this fall in the Santa Rosa area
of Sonoma County. A final opening date has not yet been set, but as soon
as the final paperwork/red tape is done (probably withing the next two weeks)
an ad will be placed in CARD PLAYER magazine. Also, everyone who has sent
me e-mail asking will receive an e-mail notice.

> Also, can you clarify the "limited edition" nature of the chips? Are
> these in any way different from the table chips that will ultimately be
> used in the card room?

These are the same "house chips" that will be used in the card room for the
first period of time (I believe three or six months), after which a new
"permanent" design will replace them. One hundred chips of each of the
three denominations have been designated as "uncirculated limited edition"
chips. Once the 100 of each denomination is gone, there will be no more
uncirculated ones available. People will still be able to get this first
edition chip at the tables, but they will have grease and nacho cheese all
over them. :-)

> Are you a member of the chip collecting club? If not, you might want to
> consider joining.

No, I'm not a member. But a number of our future "regular" players say
that you have to have an uncirculated limited edition chip available for people
who collect such things. I had no idea anyone would be interested. I'm
just starting to figure it out...53 pages on eBay alone!