Until Mark Scott posted that chip, I never knew it existed. Therefore, I have no background or information on it, let alone how it came about. (I should also point out that I do not agree with Mark Scott in his contention that it is "The Rarest Chip Ever". It may be HIS rarest chip ever, but even within the community I don't think it is the rarest chip ever. A marvelous chip in deed, but certainly not the "rarest".)

Why 11? I have no idea, just as I have no reason to believe (or not believe) that that information is factual. Even if Stupak (the poker player) himself told me it was 11, I'd be hard pressed to believe it. However, the fact that one (or 100) at that denomination even exists comes as no surprise to me, because at Stupak's level of play he would rather carry one or two of those around rather than several racks of smaller denominations. (Walking around the casino with mutiple racks of chips never looks cool and you always have to worry about tripping! )

With regard to the Pai Gows, again I have no first-hand knowledge about them, but I have heard stories. One such story is that after they were made (and I don't know which issue, but assume it to be the earlier release, three of them were put out on a reserved blackjack table and three people (collectors) were allowed to buy one each. The table was then closed. Evidently, the purpose was to say that the chips had been put into play. Is it true, or part true, I have no idea, but I suppose I've heard stranger stories (how 'bout the King of Blackjack story)?

I note that you made a point of saying: "You can't believe that these were ever intended to be played on the tables." Of course I don't believe that, just like I don't believe Hard Rock releases are intended to be played on the tables.

So, let me ask you this, where is this going?

Jim