Chip race and colour-up in live tournaments
In live tournaments, the smallest chips become useless as the blinds rise. At a set level, the tournament colours up: it removes the smallest denomination and replaces it with larger chips. Leftover small chips are handled by a chip race.
How the colour-up works
Section titled “How the colour-up works”- The tournament director announces which chip denomination is being removed (e.g. the 25-chips).
- Players place those chips in front of them, visible.
- The dealer exchanges full sets for larger chips (e.g. four 25s → one 100).
How the chip race works
Section titled “How the chip race works”Odd chips that don’t make a full set are raced:
- Each player’s leftover small chips are placed in front of them.
- The dealer gives one card face up per leftover chip to each player, starting from seat 1.
- The highest card wins enough chips to make one larger chip; then the next highest, and so on, until all leftover chips are converted.
- Players can usually win only one larger chip in the race.
Nobody is eliminated by a chip race
Section titled “Nobody is eliminated by a chip race”Under common tournament rules, if a player loses all their chips in the race, they receive one chip of the smallest remaining denomination so they stay in. Check the event’s rules.
What you should do
Section titled “What you should do”- Stay at the table or have the dealer handle your chips if you’re away.
- Keep your chips organised so the count is quick. See chip handling.
- Ask the dealer if anything is unclear.
See also poker chip values and first live tournament.
What is a colour-up in a poker tournament?
Section titled “What is a colour-up in a poker tournament?”Removing the smallest chip denomination and exchanging full sets for larger chips.
How does a chip race work?
Section titled “How does a chip race work?”The dealer gives one card per leftover chip; the highest cards win the remaining larger chips.
Can I be eliminated in a chip race?
Section titled “Can I be eliminated in a chip race?”Under common tournament rules, no; a player who loses all chips in the race gets one small chip.
Do I need to be at the table for the chip race?
Section titled “Do I need to be at the table for the chip race?”It’s best to be there, but the dealer will handle your chips if you’re away.