Got Steve and James' 4th edition a couple of days ago. Can't tell you how I acquired it, seems there are rules that are in flux about buying this excellent book and I don't want to be known as enjoying this hobby THE WRONG FREAKIN' WAY!!!!!!!!! Sigh. James has ALWAYS been the nicest guy to me even when I was grasshopper. I know he'd forgive any blunders I made buying his and Steve's book. At any rate, leafing through the book last night in bed got me excited for my chips again and laying plans for new chips and collection directions in the new year. James and Steve have got to have launched many many collectors in the hobby with their brand of value guide magic. WTG once again guys!

Notice my absolute Fav chip heading up this post. I was pretty curious how this baby would fare in the new guides and looked it up straight away. Got this during one of those days during the 2001 convention when everything was going right. Bought in at an Aladdin 21 game for $60 and scored this at color-up. This lady has a permanent home in my collection and with the name change to PH I was a'wondering. Featured in a 4th Edition margin photo, R-7 Very Rare (16-30). Yowser! Value above face so all is good for Mark!

Next up amuses me greatly. At another convention I scored a tasty die-cut metal inlay Reno Bank Club that started me on putting together a pretty good collection of Bank chips. These two chips are very interesting in that one side sez "Bank Club - Reno" and the other says "Golden Bank Club". Last issue according to C/W as they note that Bank Club expanded to become the Golden Bank Club. C/W lists the cream chip as R-7 and a yellow chip as "unique". There is a TCR # for the orange piece but Campiglia and Wells do not list the orange one. Where is the amusement? Guess who I bought these two chips from? James Campiglia in Jan. 2007 on eBay! Guess I'll have to wait for C/W 5th edition for the Official orange listing! LOL LOL LOL!

Hope I can devine how to buy the next edition The Right Way. Til then, I'm loving the 4th edition, the hobby and the club! Happy New Year Friends!