Buying a poker table is a big investment, not only in money but in the space they take up too.
They are, by their nature, big and bulky. Under some circumstances, buying a poker table is a fantastic idea. In other circumstances, it's just plain dumb.
We're here to let you know what you should be thinking about BEFORE you make that big purchase. And once you decide to take the plunge and buy, we give you some easy to understand hints and tips about what you should be looking for.
Some players can live and breath online poker, but when it comes to playing in person, they're a bit meh on the whole thing. Even a lot of poker pros show a strong preference for online vs live poker. So think about how you play and be honest with yourself. How often do you play in person versus online? Do you love fast-moving formats like Twister or are you a big fan of multi-tabling? Maybe you even play the odd progressive slot before or after you session. If that sounds like you, buying a poker table might not be so smart for you.
Do you struggle with making up the numbers if you're hosting a poker night? Maybe you struggle to think of even a half dozen friends who'd love a poker gift on their next birthday. Let's face it. If you don't know who you'd invite over to play poker on your brand new poker table, why bother even getting one? Save your money for a poker vacation instead!
Okay, so there are some poker tables that fold up. But even so, is there space in your home to set up a poker table? Or is there space to store one? If not, maybe put this idea on the back burner for a while…
We think buying a poker table should be covered by your gambling budget. It shouldn't really eat into other expenses. So if you can't cover a poker table right now with your bank roll, it's not the right time to buy.
If we haven't put you off buying a poker table and your heart is still set on it, we're going to give you a few tips on what you should be looking for in your perfect table.
First up, we're going to be talking about where to shop for one. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist and eBay are excellent places online to find second hand bargains, along with a trip to your local thrift store.
Alternatively, if you can't find what you're looking for online, major retailers like Amazon or Wallmart have a lot to choose from. You can also find great options in dedicated gaming supply stores like Spinnetti's or BBO Poker Tables. Oftentimes, gaming supply stores will also give you the option to rent, if you're not necessarily in the market to buy. Try a simple Google search to find a gaming supply store near you.
Much like cards or chips, there are a dizzying array of poker tables to choose from. But as this can be a hefty investment, it's worth trying to get it right first time.
You can opt for a super traditional option, with gorgeous green felt (side note: here's why poker tables are green) and walnut trimmings. Over on the other side of the spectrum, there are digital tables. They're a pricy option but great for managing an array of cash games or sit & gos, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha and even Blackjack. You can manage the game parameters via your web browser, making it perfect if you love a gadget.
Or you can go for a space-saving option that folds up nice and neatly. This is probably a good option if you want to use it only occasionally or if you don't have a dedicated gaming room (not a lot of us do, to be honest!).
It's also important to think about what size table you want. To fit approximately 4 to five players, you should get away with a round table that's got a 48 inch diameter. Meanwhile, if you want to regularly host up to 10 players, you should be looking at dimensions more like 44 inches x 96 inches.
After reading this guide, if you've decided you probably aren't going to buy a poker table right now, you should look for alternatives. And one of those big alternatives is playing online instead! Sure even if you buy a poker table, it's so important to have a great online poker room for those multi-tabling sessions.
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