If you and your poker buddies are tired of the dining table feel, a folding poker table top might just be what you need. Like playing checkers using buttons on a hand drawn checkerboard, so is poker on a table cloth on your kitchen table. Something is really lacking.
There are poker layouts that you can get but they slip all over and have a ridge where they fold unless you want to iron them.
A poker table top make your game more fun and interesting for all the players. Since the tops come in various sizes and designs, you have to sort out which is right for your particular need. I will outline the benefits and pitfalls you should think about before you spend anything.
1. Size and shape: If you currently are playing on a kitchen or dining table that is either round or square, and around 48 inches plus/minus 8 inches, you would want to look at the octagon poker table tops. An oval table top is what you should use on a elongated table. What manufacturing substance was used for the base and the size of the table top does count toward your decision. You should make sure that the foam top you get will not be more than 4 inches longer or wider than the table you are setting it on. A wood top should be able to hang over the edge of the table up to six inches with no major issues. You care because if somebody bumped or otherwise disturbed the table top, your poker chips would be spilled over. This can get on your nerves.
You shouldn’t use a normal card table to put these on. The legs on a card table are really not tough enough for the heavy weight of the wooden tops.
If you lack a suitable table to set it up on, an octagon poker table with legs is a choice you can look at if you have the space for it. A folding poker table could be a choice for you if you have the room available.
2. Materials: There are 2 basic materials used to make poker table tops. The first are a tops with a foamy type base that weighs and costs the least. If you often play at a different house each game, they are ideal since the weigh less and include a travel case. They are the most portable since they foldup smaller and weigh under 18-20 lbs. Replacing these as wear out is one detriment when compared to the more enduring wood table tops. Since they are inexpensive they make a great present for your spouse or friend who is into poker.
Since they usually consist of about 1/2 inch plywood, the wood tables will last longer than foam. Many of the best features of genuine poker tables are also available on these like padded felt. They are much heavier so are not as easily disturbed during play by people leaning on them or standing up at the table and bumping it.
I use the foam table top for my away games, and a wood top for use at home. I also have a folding poker table but that is another topic.
3. Features: Once you have determined what size, shape, and material your table top should be, the most fun part is to select the colors and designs. A few tops even have formats for other casino games in addition to Texas Holdem. Since the delivery is less expensive the foam tops cost less, but the color and pattern choices are actually interesting. The higher quality wooden tops are similar to poker tables in that they have pads under the felt and cushioned arm rest. The best felt is used to give it a more genuine casino feel.
The best wooden tops’ felt padding gives them a more realistic sound and feel. The chips don’t bounce as much and have a more muted casino like sound when they strike each other. An additional benefit is that dealing is more smooth on the better quality felt. For games that go on into the wee hours of the morning, I really like the cushiony armrest. The premium tops are great if you can afford it, but the are much heavier so you lose some portability campared to the foam.
Whether you are seeking a folding poker table top for a buddy, spouse, or yourself, you should now be able to choose one appropriately. After you have your first game on one, you will not be willing to ever play on the dining room table with a cloth thrown over it again. Good Luck!