How to Select a Poker Table

The art of selecting a poker table starts with how often it will be used and where will it be housed or stored. Existing space is a huge factor as well. If you don’t have much space, but would like to keep your table up all the time and you have less than 10 people who usually play Texas Hold’em or poker, then you may be interested in an octagon table.

You can usually find a nice, sturdy, good looking octagon poker table for a reasonable price. If you plan to store it, you can also find one with folding legs. This table pictured above is the hottest selling poker table on our web site http://www.morethanpokertables.com – it fits well in smaller spaces, is easy to store, is made of solid wood, has padded armrests for players’ comfort, sturdy legs, and 8 individual trays for beverages. .

If you have personal preferences with the shape of the table and prefer the traditional oval poker table, then you will by far have a much wider selection. They come in several different colors including green, red, burgundy, and blue being the most common. You can also purchase them in different quality of felt, padded bumpers, steel or aluminum reinforced folding legs, and with or without the dealer position built in.

If you’d like a table that is part of your furniture, there are several choices with wood tables. Remember the more wood in the body of a poker table, the higher the price tag. Some less expensive tables may have more particle board rather than natural wood frame. You’ll want to be sure that the legs on your table are either wood or reinforced steel rather than aluminum. The poker tables should be sturdy and wear well for a long time.

Other things to look for when selecting your table include upgraded felt cover, thick vinyl or leather bumpers for comfort, ease of storage if you’re not going to have the table up 24/7. When purchasing a table, keep in mind that most poker tables weigh 85 – 100 pounds, so the shipping charge for one table can be expensive.

If you’re really thrifty, you may want to purchase tables that are more lightweight with aluminum folding legs, but make sure you protect your investment by storing the tables properly. Another answer to a tighter budget purchase are poker table tops. They offer the same properties as the poker tables, except they have no legs and can fit nicely over an existing table. They can be purchased with cup holders, upgraded vinyl bumpers and a table cover. They’re also easy to store and lighter weight than most tables. This is a great solution for the thrifty budgets.

When you select a poker table, be prepared to answer the following questions:

• How much space do I have for the poker table?

• Will the poker table be set up 24/7?

• Will the table be doubling as furniture – if yes, you may want to look at the premium wood tables.

• How easy is the table to store?

• What shape table would I prefer?

• In order to preserve the table, I should look for upgraded felt.

• Make sure the legs, if they fold, are reinforced steel – or if you’re on a tight budget, make sure they’re carefully stored after use.

• If you prefer to build your own, there are many places that carry the felt and table parts. Or you can hire someone to build the table for you.

Whatever your decision, owning your own poker table definitely has its advantages. Your own table enhances your home game, adds to the ambiance of your poker room, and gives you, your friends and family a comfortable and safe place to play Texas Hold’em and other poker games.

New Recipes for Poker League and Poker Parties

A huge thanks to my good friend, Kathy Wiens who lives in Maui with her husband, Lloyd and her wonderful family.  She sent me her cookbook with lots of pictures of friends and family members and lots of stories with each recipe.

I especially like this one that I'll share and is a great supplement to any poker party.  Our Ladies League, the American River Poker Pirates, would especially like this recipe.

Chicken Salad

3 lb chicken pieces cooked in well seasoned broth.  Remove chicken, saving broth.  Bone and chop the chicken.

1 cup frozen peas, cooked in broth                         1 tbsp. broth
1/4 cup bottled capers                                            1/2 cup pickle relish
1 clove garlic, pressed                                            1 cup finely chopped celery
mayonnaise to blend                                               small pkg of slivered almonds

Mix all ingredients together, refrigerate several hours or overnight and enjoy!

And how about Chicken Noodle Soup to go with.  Here's Kathy's Grandmother's recipe for a delightful sampling.

Cover 1 cut up chicken with water and add

1 tsp chicken bullion                                           3 bay leaves
1/2 tsp of salt                                                     5 peppercorns
hand full of fresh parsley

Boil for one hour.  Remove chicken from pan.  Boil noodles.  Strain, pour into large pan.  Strain broth over noodles.  Salt to taste.  If you choose, you may flour chicken pieces and fry them in hot oil til crispy.  Thanks Grandma Regier and Kathy for the great recipes for us all to enjoy!

If you have recipes you'd like to share, please post them below or email me at pocketaces@morethanpokertables.com - I'd love to hear from you!