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Nothing breaks the monotony of playing hour after hour of online poker better
than having a group of friends over for a home game. Many people make do with
a tablecloth draped over the kitchen table, giving their home games a
less-than-ideal atmosphere. Playing around the bare kitchen table is a stopgap
measure at best. It's much better to have a felt playing surface worthy of the
great game of poker. Luckily there are several other options out there. If you
know someone whose home game could use a little dressing up - or if you'd like
to make your own game a little closer to Vegas - here's a quick overview of
some Christmas-time poker table solutions for anyone who plays poker at home.
The most basic solution is a table topper. These are usually made of wood or a
durable plastic, topped with a felt surface in one of many colors, and bounded
by spaces designed to hold drinks and poker chips. They range in size from 52"
- large enough to cover a standard kitchen table and seat 6 people comfortably
- all the way up to 83" - big enough to cover an extended dining room table
and hold a full 10 players. Many table toppers are of the fold-up variety, so
you'll want to make sure they match the size of your table carefully in order
to avoid having them bow and create an uneven playing surface. Table toppers
range in price anywhere $50 to $250, depending on the material and size of the
topper.
The next step up from a table topper is a folding table. These tables are
designed with folding legs for easy storage, meaning you won't have to
dedicate an entire room of your house to them. In most other ways they are
similar to having a regular poker table. Some are round or octagonal, suitable
for seating 6 to 8 players; others are oval-shaped and suitable for a full
game of 10 players. You can even find models with a dealer spot and chip tray.
Folding tables range in size anywhere from 48" round tables that seat about 6
players comfortably all the way up to 98", replicating the feel of a casino
poker table. Something to watch out for is the sturdiness of the table's legs
- the cheapest folding table models often have flimsy legs that will wear out
over time. Folding tables usually range from about $100 to $400, depending on
materials and size.
Finally, you can buy a pedestal-style poker table from plenty of online
outlets. These tables are solid pieces of furniture with no folding legs,
meaning you'll have to find a permanent place for them in your home. Some of
these tables actually double as dining tables, meaning you can simply replace
your current table rather than making room for a new one. Most of the models
you'll find are very attractive in their looks, coming in a variety of styles.
Some are simple, with only a vinyl bumper armrest around the outside and a
felt playing surface. Other models add more bells and whistles, like
cupholders, chip racks, and wooden racetracks between the armrest and felt.
The feel of these tables also varies greatly. Some of the smaller models are
intimate and classy, while some of the larger ones mimic the feel of true
casino poker tables, complete with a dealer spot and chip tray. You'll also
have your choice of padded or wooden armrests and raised or flush playing
surfaces. Pedestal tables vary greatly in quality, and their price range
reflects this reality. Don't be surprised to find tables running anywhere
between $250 and $1500.
If you've chosen a full table instead of a topper, the final ingredient is a
set of chairs. Folding chairs are a serviceable option which can vary greatly
in quality. Simple metal folding chairs with a wooden seat and cushion are
available for $20 to $30. Nicer wooden folding chairs are available with vinyl
or upholstery cushions for $40 to $60. If you want to go all out, folding
chairs will be out of the question. Many online outlets sell wooden swivel
chairs to match the top model wooden tables - but be ready to put out $120 to
$200 apiece for these.
Whatever direction you decide to go, and whether your table or topper is for
yourself or for a friend, you can't go wrong with moving up a step from the
old kitchen table games.
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