Rookie: can’t decide on a table… (1 Viewer)

[PicassoChip]

Hello all. I am an empty nester wanting to start a dealer’s choice monthly poker game with up to 8 buddies in SoCal. I have read 3 books, watched lots of YouTube, and have spent a lot of time on this site before joining. My conclusion from reading from others is that a circle or octagon is best for that kind of game, but there don’t seem to be any decent starter tables under $500. I need something I can store in the garage when not in use. Here is my dilemma:

1. Barrington 10 player oval appears roomy enough for 8, but many say that the shape reduces conversation compared to circle or octagon. Also, the seam in the middle “seems” like it would be hard to deal across. Would likely need a topper. Also dealing from the end seems challenging.

2. There are a number of 48” round/octagon tables in the $200-$300 range, but wow does that seem small for 8 dudes. Also legroom looks like it could be an issue. Barrington seems to be best, but doesn’t look as well thought out as their oval.

3. The Triton octagon looks fantastic but at $1600 is just too much when starting out, especially if I don’t know if this game will last…

4. Build my own 60” circle/octagon. 5’x5’ plywood is expensive, and I can only find speed cloth up to 50 inches wide. Not sure the speed cloth would be big enough? I could design in the Triton topper I guess, but not my favorite look. I probably would put on a pedestal base to avoid legroom issues. Also would likely be a bit of work to set up each week, likely with a few screws. I’m estimating this will cost me upwards of $600. Also a novice at woodworking and upholstery, so worried about how it will look in the end (vision of crooked speed cloth).

Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[moneybuster323]

Buy the Barrington table, i have one and absolutely 0 complains about the middle section

 

[allforcharity]

Lots of people have Barringtons with custom topper to fit inside. It might be your best option for price and storage.

Build your own is always the cheapest, if you've got the tools and the know-how. There are lots of threads for people that have done it and posted their step-by-step progress.

The table is undoubtedly the component that will make the biggest impression that you are serious about playing and hosting, but requires the biggest monetary outlay. It's just the way it is.

 

[TheOffalo]

Second the Barrington with the topper idea. Gets rid of the seam and classes up the table. If it can fit 10 but you have 8, just don’t seat people on the ends, it should still be close enough for decent conversations.

 

[doublebooyah85]

Barrington with the topper, you won’t have any regrets it’s such an insane value. If anything, figure out how to fix the cupholders.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Got a Barrington. Shape definitely reduces conversation as compared to round or octagon by nature, but not bad. Seam isn't a problem especially with a topper or dedicated dealer in the middle. Upgrading cupholders was very easy, I'm not handy at all and it went great.

 

[jayfiggy]

Barrington + @rjdev7 topper

Also if you have enough time FB marketplace can have some hidden gems. And some garbage, mostly garbage, but sometimes a gem.

 

[upNdown]

Round or octagon should always be your first choice for a social game, if you’re playing with 8 or fewer and if it fits your space.
But if price is a concern, it’s barrington all the way. They’re not luxurious by any means, but they’re totally sufficient, and I’m not sure you could build a table for that price.

 

[demonnic]

Yeah, it's hard to go wrong with the Barrington for the price. It's almost never ideal, but it's almost always workable.

 

[doublebooyah85]

By the Barrington now and in a couple years after the game as successful and has legs and it’s gone on for a while, pull the trigger on a round table or octagon

 

[Taghkanic]

I have the GG Illuminati without a dealer cutout, but we play 96% of the time with a dealer.

The dealer’s rack sits up against the rail, and I slightly modified it with some wood and felt pieces to fit better.

The dealer (who is big) doesn’t seem to mind the lack of a cutout or recessed rack.

I chose this option since there is always some chance (very slight) we go back to self-dealt. Or if I ever sold the table, there are relatively few games in my area with a dedicated dealer so I figured the full rail would be more appealing to more people. Anyway I like the look better.

 

[doublebooyah85]

GG pub table also would be ideal but even that’s overpriced

 

[PicassoChip]

Wow, thanks for the overwhelming support and suggestions! I was leaning towards Barrington, but y’all have convinced me. I especially like the idea of getting into the game at a lower price point and going bigger later if it’s successful. Thank you all!

But now the question is lights or no lights? By that I mean the Costco/ESPN version with LEDs and black bumper or the brown bumper without the lights at Amazon. Yes, I saw all the reviews on dimming the lights and adding a battery pack. All in if I go that way. If it weren’t for the white trim around the table it would be a no brainer for me. It looks like the brown table is 3/5 plywood and the black Costco is 5/8, or 1/40” thicker (basically the same thickness). Price is the same on Amazon and Costco. I don’t necessarily care about the lights, but I am a gadget geek so it is a bit appealing. I haven’t found many pictures of a topper on the Costco table after looking through all 106 pages of rjdev7. Anyone have experience with both? Is there actually a difference other than the LEDs? Does anyone else think the white trim is out of place? Or do your eyes ignore it one you see an awesome topper on the table?

 

[doublebooyah85]

Not a fan of the lights. Unnecessary power cord etc.

 

[JJDiamonds]

Heres a picture of my buddies Costco table with a topper and upgraded cup holders. My suggestion is to keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace and offer up. I was able to get my Barrington for $120. I know this has been mentioned but take into consideration the weight of the Coscto table... my buddy is always complaining how annoying it is to setup solo

 

[Taghkanic]

Not a fan of the lights. Unnecessary power cord etc.

I use a battery pack strapped to the underside of the table. (Was able to use existing batteries I have for my power tools with an inverter.)

 

[Taghkanic]

As for lights, I have them on my table, and play regularly at another game where the table has a similar wraparound light. I do think these add a worthwhile ambiance, and noticed that it makes it easier to read your hand.

 

[pkr_newbee]

what's the custom topper recommendation? is there a particular brand / material? i'm currently leaning on barrington as well. will be from 5-6 people at most to start.

 

[TheYeti]

what's the custom topper recommendation? is there a particular brand / material? i'm currently leaning on barrington as well. will be from 5-6 people at most to start.

These are awesome, I've got two so far.

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/made-to-order-custom-table-toppers.96993/

 

[chipinla]

Has anyone suggested the Barrington with a topper yet?

 

[springbox]

48" round I wouldn't try to seat more than 6 at. Nothing new to add, but I'll agree with everyone else, a Barrington 'for now' is your best option without dropping some serious $$$. They're fine without the topper, but better with. My main complaint is not the center seam, but how poorly cards slide across whatever felt surface they use. Oh, the built in cupholders are super shallow too.

Check CL/facebook marketplace, I only ever find trash but there's a chance you come across an actually nice table at a good price.

 

[Hotus777]

There’s a guy in SoCal on OfferUp that has a Triton octagon table for $900, you could probably get him down lower on it too.

 

[Mushmanchuman]

If you do decide on a build and go with round, 48’ is gonna be too small. 54-56 inches seems to be the set spot. We have a 60’ and sometimes you gotta stand up to collect the pot.