I'm new to chip collecting and have been searching the net for info for the beginner, but it's relatively spare. In fact, it seems to boil down to "Buy a book and join a club". I can't even seem to find a good FAQ (the one on this site is more of an essay).

My questions tend toward "What chips are most commonly traded?", "What's a good 'Trade'?", "How can you get started trading without investing a lot in chips you plan on trading away? - why not just buy the ones you want to begin with?", "Do most chips sell for more than their face value?"

I have lots more questions, but can't find a place that addresses these basic, practical questions that a novice needs to know.

Can any of you vets offer any sound advice or at least point me to a web site that does?

Thanks in advance for you help!!!
Will Knight
Pensacola, FL