ChipRoom
FAQ
Answers to common questions about ChipRoom.
Getting set up
What do players need to do? Do they need to install an app?
Nothing special. Tap the link your host sends you, or scan their QR code — that's it. No app to install, no account to create, just your phone's browser.
See the guide: 1. Open the shared URLHow many people can join a room?
Up to 20 people can join a single room — plenty for a casual group or a slightly bigger table.
Does everyone need their own phone?
We recommend each player bring their own phone (or any device with a browser) — it's much smoother when everyone moves their own chips. It's not required, though: if you don't have enough devices, you can pass one phone around and re-pick your name on the player-select screen each time it's your turn.
Can someone join partway through, or leave early?
Yes. You can add a player from Room Settings at any point in the game, so a friend who shows up late can jump right in. Leaving is just as simple — closing the app doesn't affect the room for anyone else.
See the guide: 2. Set player names and chipsHow do I share the invite URL?
Creating a room automatically opens an invite screen with a QR code and a shareable link. Have friends scan the code, or send the link with "Copy Link" or "Share". You can reopen this screen anytime from "Invite Players" in the menu.
See the guide: 3. Share the room URLAre there any actions only the host can do?
No — there's no special host permission. Anyone in the room can add or edit players and reset chips from Room Settings. If you'd rather limit who changes settings, it's worth agreeing on that among trusted players.
How many chips should each player start with?
There's no single right answer — when you create the room you can freely set the Starting Chips and Chip Step to match your group size and how long you plan to play. You can always adjust the numbers later, so it's fine to start with a round number and tweak as you go.
See the guide: 2. Set player names and chipsHow the free plan works
Is it really free?
Yes, completely free. There's no sign-up, no paid plan, and no feature is locked behind a paywall.
Are there ads?
No ads at all — nothing will pop up and cover the chip counts while you're playing.
Do I need to create an account?
No. There's no account system, so we never ask for your name or email address. Open the URL, pick your name, and you're playing.
What is the Ko-fi support used for?
Ko-fi support is entirely optional and goes toward server costs and future improvements. It doesn't unlock anything extra — every feature stays the same whether or not you choose to support the project.
Will it stop working mid-game?
Is it okay to close the tab or reload the page?
Yes. The chip state lives on the server, not on your phone, so closing the tab doesn't lose anything. Open the same URL again and you'll pick up right where you left off.
What happens if my connection drops mid-game?
It reconnects automatically once your connection is back, and the latest chip state shows up right away — nothing you did gets lost. Everyone else's screens keep working in the meantime, so the game as a whole never stops.
If the host closes their browser, does the game stop for everyone?
No. The room's data isn't tied to any one person's device — it's kept on the server — so if the host closes their browser, everyone else can keep playing without interruption.
Can I undo a chip move if I tap the wrong thing?
There's no one-tap undo yet. You can reverse a mistake by making the opposite move (switching between "Bet" and "Take") for the same amount. The recent action log on screen shows exactly what happened, so it's easy to see what to correct.
How long can I keep using a room?
There's no expiration on a room you create. Open the same URL another day and you'll continue from where the chips left off — handy for a weekend trip or a regular group that plays across multiple sessions.
How do I start the next game?
Open "Room Settings" from the menu and tap "Reset Chips" — every player's chips go back to their starting count. You can keep using the same URL to start as many new games as you like.
See the guide: 7. Start the next gameOther questions
Can this be used to bet real money?
This service is a tool for recording and sharing chip counts — it isn't intended for gambling. Any real-money exchange between players is entirely your own responsibility (see the note at the bottom of this page).
Can I use it for games other than poker?
Yes. It works for any card or board game where chips or coins change hands — not just poker — so feel free to use it for tracking scores or points too.
This service is a tool for recording and sharing chip counts, and does not encourage or promote gambling. Wagering real money may be restricted or prohibited by law depending on where you are. Players are responsible for following the laws that apply to them.
See our Privacy Policy for how we handle personal information. Privacy Policy