Poker Table Advice Needed

[zip99]

Hello, new member here! College student in a small apartment looking for a basic poker table setup for 5-8 players including myself. Would my best bet be a rectangular folding Lifetime table with a padded cover? The plus side there would be that I could also use the table for hosting friends for dinner. Or would it make more sense to go with a poker specific table with a padded rail, like a folding Barrington? Attaching a photo of my living room, storage space is quite limited but I can rearrange furniture as needed. I have a small utility closet as well. For reference, the grey rug is 6x8 feet. Looking to keep the price of a table setup in the 150-250 range. What has worked for y'all? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, zip99

 

[Forever to Thee]

Get one of the folding legs/folds in half table from Walmart for $130. Seems perfect for your situation.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Barringt...GdlVlO0ChVw27MOsedKk-PwNMsge22z4aAolOEALw_wcB

 

[Dodger]

Hello and welcome to PCF!

With your space and budget, I’d probably pick up a Barrington. The one pictured below just dropped in price - $130 at Walmart and $150 on Amazon.

The surface isn’t much to look at, but you could swap it out in a day DIY project if you want. A few threads on here to walk you through it. And picking up some new felt would still be within your budget.

 

[Forever to Thee]

What he said.

 

[Jake14mw]

^

 

[zip99]

Thanks all! I'm convinced a Barrington with a resurfacing DIY project is the way to go. Any chance you guys know of some relatively inexpensive folding chairs that would be a good fit for this type of setup? (not too hard on poker player butts)

 

[Forever to Thee]

Lifetime makes a decent folding chair. Stackables are much much more comfortable though.

https://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-428...nt=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-320358037626&psc=1

 

[zip99]

Lifetime makes a decent folding chair. Stackables are much much more comfortable though.

https://www.amazon.com/Lifetime-428...nt=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-320358037626&psc=1

Thank you! I'll keep in mind that stackables have a better comfort factor.

 

[allforcharity]

I would consider using a neoprene poker mat on top of your existing dining table until you can save up some money for a dedicated gaming table with a nice removable dining top. Then invest in some good chairs by scouring the Classifieds in your area for stackable banquet chairs for cheap. Then invest in a couple setups of good plastic cards. Once your buddies see what sort of a sweet play environment you have, then they'll keep coming back. If you keep winning, drive those profits into a really nice set of keeper clay poker chips.

 

[sheikh617]

You can find stackable banquet chairs that are usually made by gasser and have plenty of cushion for like 10-25$ per chair. I've seen some insane deals on craigslist and FB marketplace.

 

[zip99]

I would consider using a neoprene poker mat on top of your existing dining table until you can save up some money for a dedicated gaming table with a nice removable dining top. Then invest in some good chairs by scouring the Classifieds in your area for stackable banquet chairs for cheap. Then invest in a couple setups of good plastic cards. Once your buddies see what sort of a sweet play environment you have, then they'll keep coming back. If you keep winning, drive those profits into a really nice set of keeper clay poker chips.

I currently don't have a dining table, just a kitchen counter that has bar stools for eating, but don't really have the space for a full-time stationary dining table. After more research in the forum I've noticed the Chanman basic table with folding legs, am I crazy to think that I could store it behind my couch with a cover over it? Although it is pricier, I do agree with you that it is an investment and would be worth it if I coordinate some quality games. Perhaps even a BBO table... Plastic cards are taken care of and for now I plan on purchasing a 500 piece set of the ceramic Desert Sands (got a sample set and love the feel of ceramics, just don't like the Nevada Jacks design for the long term). I'm wondering if I would be satisfied with a resurfaced Barrington, but haven't actually put any games together yet so it would feel somewhat foolish to spend so much on my first table without a track record of successfully hosting games. Am I overestimating the expectations of other players for a college home game?

 

[allforcharity]

Chanman >>>>>>>> BBO, no question. It is possible to store it behind a couch, yes, but would it be practical to pull out the couch when you need access to the table? Only you can answer that one. Initially, it doesn't matter what you play with, it only matters that you PLAY. If it becomes a regular thing, then look to see how you can invest in creating a more engaging experience. A useful table with comfortable chairs would probably be what is appreciated first.

 

[zip99]

Chanman >>>>>>>> BBO, no question. It is possible to store it behind a couch, yes, but would it be practical to pull out the couch when you need access to the table? Only you can answer that one. Initially, it doesn't matter what you play with, it only matters that you PLAY. If it becomes a regular thing, then look to see how you can invest in creating a more engaging experience. A useful table with comfortable chairs would probably be what is appreciated first.

That seems like the sensible thing to do. If it becomes a regular thing and I get traction with forming a group then in the spring or next fall I should consider an upgrade to a Chanman. For now a modified Barrington with a DIY speed cloth resurface is the route I'll go with for the goal of at least playing. As you said, initially it matters most that I at least play.
From a hosting perspective, what benefits does creating a more engaging experience bring to the game? Are players willing to play for higher stakes? Is there a more consistent turnout? Are people more social? Curious to hear what your experience has been and any tips you've learned along the way.

 

[Jeevansluck]

Mehhhhh...

I don't know...

New host here...and new poker chip junkie...

I jumped right in...got a table...bought up many chairs ..then found PCF and then went insane with chips...

Then started up a home game. "Carriage in front of the horse"...maybe. "if you build it, they will come"...maybe.

I went all in...haha

 

[zip99]

Mehhhhh...

I don't know...

New host here...and new poker chip junkie...

I jumped right in...got a table...bought up many chairs ..then found PCF and then went insane with chips...

Then started up a home game. "Carriage in front of the horse"...maybe. "if you build it, they will come"...maybe.

I went all in...haha

Wow, that's awesome! That was brave of you to go "all in"! Did you have a group you knew you'd play with before purchasing your equipment? Also, do you have a dedicated room for your poker table? I'm trying to weigh the space I have, cost, and 'future-proofness' while keeping in mind that there is a possibility that my attempts to host a game could potentially fail, which is why a Barrington seems like the most sensible way for me to proceed.

 

[Jeevansluck]

Wow, that's awesome! That was brave of you to go "all in"! Did you have a group you knew you'd play with before purchasing your equipment? Also, do you have a dedicated room for your poker table? I'm trying to weigh the space I have, cost, and 'future-proofness' while keeping in mind that there is a possibility that my attempts to host a game could potentially fail, which is why a Barrington seems like the most sensible way for me to proceed.

Yea.. probably don't listen to my advice. You should see my chip buying ..I have serious issues....

But really...I would still suggest a Tony Chan table if you can. I did. I do have a room. There are pictures here in a thread I started called "my first poker room". It's got all the details...I don't know yet how to link my thread here...but you could easily search it out..PM me if you want pics...

Edit : (got it)
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/my-first-poker-room.44189/

Yes, as I purchased all these things...I was putting together a group. It was all just emails and conjecture at first. Not really real until I felt I had enough people. It got really good when I met other PCFers who are all into the poker and the chips. This helped me network into other games, meet more people till I got confident enough people would come and didn't mind being around me.

So I was "hustling" behind the scenes. It's not like I was advertising CPCs and Paulsons. Hahahaha. I did advertise my table though.

I do believe the table affects alot. The play...the comfort...the way the cards fall...etc. I got no experience with a Barrington table. Can't tell ya...

All I know is...for my first table...I purchased a TChan basic with custom gaming suede...and I would never recommend anything but. I know they cost...but it'll last you for many many years.

Sometimes...TChan has used ones...or tables he's going to retire...that's what I bought. People that play on it still appreciate it. Yet it's considered a "retired" table as Tony will say. That's how good he builds em!

 

[Dodger]

the sensible thing

What is this heresy!? Cast him out!

 

[aaronroch]

I would 100% get a folding table and put a padded cover on it for poker.

A table is extremely versatile, a poker table remarkably less so.

 

[Mr Monopoly]

Just resurfaced my Barrington 10 player poker table. Wanted to post a few before and after pictures. I found a very useful step by step thread here pokerchipforum that made this project less daunting. So impressed with the results and can’t wait to show it off at my next poker night!

 

[Dodger]

Just resurfaced my Barrington 10 player poker table. Wanted to post a few before and after pictures. I found a very useful step by step thread here pokerchipforum that made this project less daunting. So impressed with the results and can’t wait to show it off at my next poker night!

Nicely done. The red looks great!

Did you replace the stock cup holders too?

 

[Mr Monopoly]

Nicely done. The red looks great!

Did you replace the stock cup holders too?

Yes in fact I did! Here is the link for the ones I installed. (a 2 3/4” hole saw required)

Da Vinci Lot of 10 Drop in Stainless Steel Poker Table Cup Holders, Fits Standard Soda Can or Beer Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W2JBLJJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B4B0DbVEZGNPC

 

[Dodger]

Yes in fact I did! Here is the link for the ones I installed. (a 2 3/4” hole saw required)

Da Vinci Lot of 10 Drop in Stainless Steel Poker Table Cup Holders, Fits Standard Soda Can or Beer Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W2JBLJJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_B4B0DbVEZGNPC

That’s great! Do you have to remove them when folding the table for storage?

 

[Mr Monopoly]

That’s great! Do you have to remove them when folding the table for storage?

No. The bottom of these cup holders all rest within the lip of the bottom of the poker table. Plenty of clearance. The factory cup holders that come with these Barrington tables are worthless in my opinion so finding better ones was my top priority upgrade. The depth is perfect for holding bottles and even certain Pilsner glasses with no fear of tipping over.

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/barrington-poker-table-thread.30910/post-647297
Link for step by step instructions for resurfacing a Barrington 10 player poker table