What would a heated game of poker be without the right poker table? Aside from providing the right surface for players to hold’em and fold’ em, poker tables also ensure that you have an authentic casino environment to entertain.
As such, if you are a self-professed poker aficionado, your den or entertaining area would certainly not be complete without the right card table to help you create memories with your friends and crew.
So, what’s the right card table to get? Here is everything that you need to know about the different kinds of card tables available:
Poker table? Card table? Is there any difference between the two?
Although you can use both poker table and card table surfaces to play just about all card games, there are some distinct differences that you should know about in order to make an informed decision. So, what are some of the notable differences between the two?
A card table:
A card table is usually a portable folding table that is made from either metal or plastic. As the name suggests, card tables offer players a temporary surface for their 4 player card games. Most card tables can be used for an array of different card games and they offer users more versatility as some poker tables can even be attached to the table’s pedestal.
A poker table:
Poker tables are specifically designed for playing poker. These tables are designed with poker games in mind, which means that they come with a whole host of features that make it easy to deal. Poker tables are also designed with a thin layer of foam between the wooden base and the playing surface, which goes a long way in preventing the poker chips from bouncing and making noise as well as chipping the wood.
Folding table or pedestal base?
When looking for a card table, you will mainly have to choose between folding tables and those with a pedestal base. The type of table you pick for your use will depend on whether you have a dedicated space or area such as a poker room to store your table or you have limited space and are in the market for something that can be pulled out when the poker mood strikes and stored away until it is ready for use again.
The biggest reason why people go for folding card tables is that they tend to be portable and can be moved from one place to the next easily. Folding tables are also a great option for anyone that does not have the space to hold a permanent table. Most folding tables are fitted with a locking mechanism that prevents the table from folding or collapsing while it is still in use.
Tables with a pedestal base, on the other hand, are usually permanent and can be mounted on a pedestal base instead of four legs like card tables. If you are a serious card player, you might prefer pedestal tables because they are more likely to offer you more stability and space; not to mention that they add a certain pizzazz and elegance to an otherwise ordinary game room.
Which shape should you go for?
Oval full-sized tables
Oval full-sized poker tables are best for large gatherings as they can seat as many as 10 people. The best quality tables have thick legs while budget-friendly ones typically come with foldable legs.
Most of the poker rooms that you would find in Vegas or Atlantic City are outfitted with oval poker tables because they make dealing an effortless task. These kinds of tables are huge so they are deemed unsuitable for home entertainment unless one has the space to accommodate the table’s large size.
Square tables
A lot of people generally try and stay away from square poker tables because they can be unsuitable for poker and they limit the number of people that can actually take part. If you prefer taking part in 4 player games such as Crazy Eights, Bridge, or Tichu, then you will be pleased by the practicality of a square table.
Square tables can be used for other purposes other than poker such as dining once game night comes to an end. If you have an issue with space, square poker tables are the way to go.
Octagon tables
Octagon tables are not as widely accessible as square or oval tables but they are ideal for large gatherings of 8 people. Octagon tables don’t boast the same versatility as the other tables but if you are looking to make a statement in your game room, the bold geometric lines of the table can help you do that.
What about tabletops?
If you absolutely don’t have extra space for a new table, you can alternatively go for a tabletop. Tabletops are designed to be placed on ordinary surfaces such as a dining table or large desk to turn them into a professional playing surface. Tabletops are extremely convenient as they are portable, foldable, and easy to store.
Tabletops are affordable and widely accessible. The only negative is that most are poorly made and can be unstable, which is what you want to avoid if you take your poker seriously. Additionally, some table tops can be just as expensive as some low-priced tables, which means that it may make more sense to spend money on an actual table and not just a tabletop, depending on what your needs and circumstances are.
Final Thoughts
If you are keen on hosting the perfect poker night at home or your venue of choice, you will need to invest in a quality card table. Gone are the days when you had to invest a small fortune into owning casino gear like card tables. Nowadays, all you have to do is find an online seller and your card table will be delivered to your home faster than you can say royal flush.
If you are finally ready to invest in a proper table, the tips above will shed light on a few important things that you should keep in mind during the shopping process. You will be treated to a plethora of tables to choose from but since you will have read this guide thoroughly, you shouldn’t have any issues to worry about. Happy hosting!
