Buying Your Own Poker Table: “All-In” or “Fold”?

You love the game of poker and you frequent the neighborhood casino just to get the rush that comes with betting and bluffing. It's no surprise; poker is a truly exciting game, to the extent that it has prompted thousands of individuals to buy poker tables and have them installed right in the comfort of their own homes.

Nobody can stop you from putting up your own poker room at home but will it really be a good investment? What are the key factors that should make you go “all-in” or “fold”? Here are some important ones that will help you in your decision.

1. Budget

Before thinking of buying a particular poker table, you must first have a budget to work with. This will keep you from overspending and buying things which you might regret in the future.

2. Space concerns

Next, you will need to consider the space the poker table will take up inside your game room. Keep in mind that you should never compromise your comfort as this may affect the way you and your friends play.

3. Durability

Lastly, you should factor in how often you plan to use the poker table. If you see yourself using it frequently, then better invest in something made of sturdy materials.

Convert a Vacant Room to a Game Room

A game room is one of the best places you can let loose and unwind.  Whether it is a place to relieve yourself of stress from the daily grind or to entertain your guests during parties, the game room is an entertainment paradise right inside your own home.

When transforming any space into your very own in-house game room, here are some tips that you may want to consider:

First, look at the space that you plan to use. Imagine the furniture, games, and accessories that can fit in it. Once you think the place is enough for your future gaming haven, then clear the room out and clean it.

Second, check if the area is conducive enough for leisure. If the place is too stuffy and has a hot/cold ambiance, take steps to change this.  You can start painting the walls, have more ventilation, and add fixtures if the place is too dim. If the floor is uncomfortable to step on, try placing carpets and rugs; if you have extra money, consider installing some hardwood.

The final step is turning your game room into reality. Envision how the place is going to look like. Know the game furniture that you'd be interested to buy and know where to put them.

Tips for Craps Beginners

Craps can be an intimidating game for many beginners due to the abundance of markings on the table. Hopefully, this short guide can help you understand how to start shooting dice:

Pass Line Bet

When you approach the craps table, look to see if the puck is flipped over to read “OFF”. If the puck is marked as “OFF”, you can play a pass line bet, which you will place on the pass line marker. After all bets have been made, the shooter will then roll the dice with the following results:

·         7 or 11 on first roll: EVERYONE wins

·         2, 3, 12 on first roll: EVERYONE loses

If the number is other than those numbers, the puck is then flipped over the marker with the number that was just rolled. Now the objective of the shooter will be to roll that number again before rolling a 7. Should the shooter roll the number again, everyone wins while rolling a 7 would mean everyone loses. If neither number was rolled, the shooter rolls again until there is a result.

Although there are other types of bets in the game, beginners are advised to stay with pass line bets as it is the easiest to follow and has a good chance of winning. As you become more familiar with the game, you can then try other types.

It Felt So Right

The felt is one of the more important parts of a pool table. It’s the place where your cue sticks and the frame balls see action– and where dreams are made and shattered. Any way you put it, a good felt sheet will help enhance the appearance of that dream table you want for your den, so how do you pick the best fit?

Start by analyzing your game room’s overall finish and taking note of their various design cues. They will include the colors of the paneling, the floor, and various pieces of furniture. Think about the potential mood and atmosphere you’re eyeing for the room as well. Once you have the above points down pat, you can then consult your table maker regarding your preferences.

It is important for the colors of the felt to meld succinctly with the rest of the room and avoid potential eyesore issues. For instance, some veteran players are not keen on using felt of any shade of red because the color can affect their perception of the ball and eventually their performance. In many respects, if your room is meant to show your affinity for a team, you may consider having the felt emblazoned with the team logo and the pool table itself decked in the team’s official colors.

The felt must be something that will last a long time. You may want to hone your cue skills on the same table for years.