Paul Sax wrote: "Gene, I can understand a novice such as myself being taken to the cleaners by a con artist, and I also bought a couple of these chips at the convention only because I saw many of the "experts" purchase them as well. Can all these sophisticated dealers and long time chippers be fooled as well?"

Guess I was one of those you were talking about, Paul. But I don't think I was "fooled" or "taken." I completely agree that the attribution of the chip to the Las Vegas Thunderbird is questionable.

IMO, however, Rene sold the chip at the right price. If we are able to prove that the chip was from one of the mob-run casinos in IL, I figure the price I paid was still not out of line.

Michael