A recommended "field division" would be two or more culms with attached rhizome.

Rhizome with no culm is usually not successful.

I've had success with big chunks of henon rhizome (success probably varies considerably depending on species, maturity, timing, etc.), and Ph. aureasulcata. However, you will get gratification much sooner, and be able to monitor the health/success of what you dug, if you get a rootball with culms rather than just rhizome.

I have both Phyllostachys nigra and Semiarundinaria yashadake 'Kimmei' that were both started from rhizome pieces.

well im digging up 20 or so plants on saturday I thought I would go ahead and cut back their rhizomes as well for their kindness. They have a very large area covered with what I assume is bisseti. They jus tpurchased the house and it is taking over their yard. I thought as i take these 20 or so plants off their hands that I would go ahead and get the area they wanted to keep under control.

meat-
Sounds like a reasonable tradeoff for everyone. Happy digging, and take some pictures if you get the chance.

yeah I am gonna take as many as i can the girl is very nice she placed an add in a local freecycle group about the bamboo thats how I found her. I guess I was the only person who went over there last weekend who dug up more than one plant who brought their own tools and who backfilled their holes. She said she is going to get some starts for me off some of her other plants as well . thanks again for all the info.