Advice for starting new homegame, mat or table? (25 Viewers)

[ismokerocks]

Gathering the things for basic home game,,,, got a dilemma,,, budget is terrible but im gonna push thru to make something happen anyway... I could get cheaper chips and a decent folding table [ Barrington or similar grade]

But im thinking of nicer chips [ apache royals but relabelling for unique cash set colors ] and just using a mat on table.... I think its gonna be better. Rather have chips I dont immediately want to replace lol

Ive got my eye in used gear/tables online for a deal so maybe ill get lucky?

Budget is tight and im fine with building as I grow more into hosting.

Already have comfy chairs and good cards, and other stuff for enjoyment.

Also Im a DiY type so building proper table with LED/charging ports and all that wouldn't be a problem for a nice higher end table but id take that path once I have more established homegame anyways cuz thats some work.

 

[FinnPD]

I would use a table topper to start if budget is an issue. The simplicity and portability to have a decent playing surface is low cost and convenient. I have a topper that I use sometimes, but my only complaint is that it is not very thick. I would prefer at least an 1/8" thick neoprene pad as it allows for better grip on card edges and chips for shuffling, etc.

There are some vendors here that sell the mats. Not sure how thick they are...

In regards to building, if you are handy with tools, then there are plenty of designs, materials and supplies available online to build a really nice table that will last. If space is an issue, and there is a wife involved, they have some sweet dinning room table designs that hide a poker table and allow for a dual-purpose setup possible saving marriages nationwide.

Good luck and post up some pics if you end up building something.

 

[SteveEH]

Based on a few things you said it sounds like you'd be happiest with decent chips and a topper. Have you looked at the Broken Arrow vendor for Tina hybrids vs. China clays?

As mentioned above, thin neoprene isn't optimal for grabbing cards. There are other topper solutions, and I much prefer the surface of my 1/4" foam under nylon velvet speed cloth with a draw string. If you want to go the non neoprene route, I believe yourautotrim is a good place to get foam in Merica. Here's mine:

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/thre...stic-topper-what-material.78195/#post-1814329

 

[BPTDirector]

Having had both Royals and Tina hybrids I think I prefer the Royals if I didn’t want my own design. They just feel better and closer to compression clay chips. My opinion anyway, others may feel differently.

 

[FreeBop59]

If you go with the topper on a table, I’ve used the Triton Poker Table mats (80” long by 38” wide) on a variety of dining tables. They are 4 mm thick, oval shaped, and I’ve liked dealing cards on their surface (though a differing view is that surface is too slick for dealing cards).

https://www.tritonpokertables.com/products/poker-mats