Poker table shapes?

[JimHammer]

I played a home game the other night on a recently completed racetrack table. Nice padded rail, finished racetrack area with built in cup holders, and a padded velveteen playing surface. The only problem is dealing from one end to the other. My question is: What is the best shape for a home poker table?

[Dr. Neau]

I guess I don't understand why the racetrack shape is so popular...

Yeah, it's ideal for a permanent dealer, but how many of us have that?

[SamIAm]

I hear what you're saying, but a lot of the reason I use nice chips is that it feels more like a casino. Heck, the only reason we use <font color="green">green felt</font> is because they do in casinos.

That race-track shape is the way poker tables are supposed to look. I agree that this is a silly reason. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]
-Sam

[CripAces]

I use green felt because then the cards don't slip on the table so much.

[kodonnell]

I have a 6' diameter round table. It is ideal for games where the players deal. It has a 4' diameter table surface (felt right now, sometimes velvet), with an 8" racetrack and a padded rail. The only problem I have had is shorter people have a problem scooping pots sometimes, but overall, I love it.

[Lottery Larry]

That, and it can get a bit crowded when you try to get 10+ people at the table

[megabit]

If you are going to pass the deal around the table the answer is round hands down.

[kodonnell]

Actually, there are drink holders and positions for 10 people. It really fits 10 quite comfortably and 11 in a pinch. We had 12 once, but that gets a lot cramped. Also, try playing a 12 handed game....wheeeee!

[Slacker]

I definitely prefer round or octagon since it allows all players to have a reasonable view of all the other players. Being on the flat side of a long table sucks, since you can't really see the others on you same side very well.

It's only good for 8 players (although we did pull of 9 the last time we played), but my friends home-made octagon is perfect.

It's about 60" across, has a cedar strip racetrack, cupholders, awesome padded rail, and pool table felt playing surface.

[MeridianFC]

Round is best but oval (racetrack style) allows you to cram the most folks into one table.