Color Up
Exchanging a stack of lower-denomination chips for fewer higher-denomination chips of equal total value.
Detailed Explanation
Coloring up is the act of trading in a large number of small-denomination chips for an equivalent value in larger chips. For example, a player with forty $5 chips (totalling $200) might color up to eight $25 chips. The term derives from the colour-coded chip denominations used in casinos — green ($25), black ($100), and purple ($500) are progressively higher in most properties.
Coloring up is standard practice when leaving a table, as carrying fewer chips is more practical. Dealers announce 'colouring up' to alert the pit supervisor, who counts the chips before the exchange to ensure accuracy. This procedural step protects both the casino and the player from counting errors.
At the end of a session, players color up before proceeding to the cage to redeem chips for cash. In some tournaments, coloring up also serves a structural purpose: eliminating low-denomination chips from play once blinds have increased beyond the point where those chips have utility.
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Ante
A mandatory bet placed before any cards are dealt to initiate a round.
Table Game Terms
Burn Card
A card removed face-down from the top of the deck after a shuffle before dealing begins.
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Cage
The secure cashier area where players exchange chips for cash and access casino banking services.
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Cut Card
A solid-coloured plastic card used by players to cut the deck before dealing begins.