Poker Table Ideas

There is nothing more frustrating to poker players than a cramped or uncomfortable poker table with cards sliding off the table and not enough room to keep the chips from ending up on the floor. Most amateur poker enthusiasts rarely have the money or home space to invest in a high-end professional-style poker table that can run upwards of $1,000, however, there are a few ways to host that monthly home poker game with a table that won't break the wallet, thus keeping the cards on the table and the headaches off.

The Dining Room Table

For games with four to five players, a standard dining room circular table will do the trick. Most table varnishes make for a slick surface which can reek havoc with cards, so it is highly advisable to pick up felt material from a local crafts store or visit stores specific to gaming for a sheet of standard green felt. A standard 40 inch x 40 inch sheet starts at around $10 with prices to fluctuate depending on the vendor and size. This felt material can be folded up for easy storage. Another key is to keep all food and drinks off the main table by using small TV tray tables that can be set up behind each player. This not only opens up more space on the table but will also keep the cards and felt from getting wet and unplayable.
For an extra investment, portable poker table top options are also available on the market. These table tops have features such as drink holders, chip trays and betting lines. They can be folded up for easy storage. Prices start at $50 and up depending on the size and vendor.

The Card Table Trick

For home poker groups with more than four players, a standard-sized card table will be much too small. Therefore, a common trick is to stack multiple card tables together. Rather than forming one long table, try to stack three card tables in a pyramid formation. The key is to make sure the distance for players to deal cards to each other is not too great, which can cause frequent miss-deals and headaches for the host. There is also no need to purchase a felt cover because the surface of a standard card table is perfect for dealing. Again, players should keep all food and drinks off the main table.

Portable Folding Poker Tables

For players that would rather invest in something between a card table and a professional poker table, there are portable folding poker tables available on the market. These tables often include features like drink holders, a canvas or felt top and betting lines. They also fold up for easy storage in the garage or attic. Prices range from $150 and up depending on the vendor, quality and the number of players it can accommodate. Most portable folding tables only service five to six players comfortably. Food and drink should be kept off the table to preserve and lengthen the life of the canvas or felt.