The splash of the chips, the clinking of ice-filled juice, and tension so thick it could be cut with a knife. These are but a few of the prerequisite experiences and actions you experience when you partake in a serious game of poker. The popular game has been a staple among card players and gamblers alike, with new tournaments popping up all over the world over the years. While the online poker scene has seen incredible growth in recent times, the feeling of the felt on luxury poker tables will always win the hearts of dedicated players.
There is a hurdle; however, that is faced by many who prefer the live atmosphere of a poker game. That hurdle is accessibility. The rise in online poker has seen many poker establishments close their doors, and while it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, online poker is on the rise.
The great news, however, is that there is, in fact, a solution for those who can’t experience the thrill of a live game. Home poker rooms have become a thing! Poker players are creating their very own live-action poker environments from the comfort of their own homes. So, if this sounds like something that interests you, here are some tips on how you can create the perfect one.
Pick the Best Space
The first step in creating your home’s poker room is to choose the best and most conducive space in your home for the game to be enjoyed and experienced by everyone. This means you should preferably have a semi-spacious room that more than four people could navigate around comfortably, and keep in mind whether or not the space can accommodate some features you might want to add, like a mini-bar or a television.
Setting, Atmosphere, and Design
Once you’ve got a space in mind, you’re going to need to think about how you can create the perfect atmosphere for a game of poker. The atmosphere is largely dependent on the design of the space as well as the setting and features in the space. The choice of décor and color in the room can affect the atmosphere in a big way, so it would be helpful to think through what kind of flooring you want and what color the walls and ceiling will be.
Do you need a sound system for background music? Does an air conditioner need to be installed to avoid a stuffy and uncomfortable temperature? What about the lighting in the room? These are all questions you should think about and figure out when designing your poker room at home. Ask for help if you need it!
Lighting is particularly important because everyone will need to see their cards at all times, but it can’t be too harsh because of the effects it has on the overall atmosphere. Installing light dimmer switches is a great way to better control the lighting and overall atmosphere.
Furnishings
When it comes to tables and chairs, there are endless possibilities for you to mull over. Poker tables come in various different styles and shapes, and having a professional poker table in your room is essential if you’re looking to recreate the best of Las Vegas. Look for an elegant and classy table that is inviting and exciting to play on, as well as big enough to play on!
When it comes to chairs for poker, there are no specific styles that go with a poker table, so you have free reign to pick the ones you like. The key here would be to aim for comfort over everything because of the length of a poker game. You want players to feel at home and comfortable because they could very well be sitting there for hours at a time.
Over and above the table and chairs, think about what extras you’d possibly like to add to the space. Is there room for a couch? Guests who aren’t playing may want to sit back and relax while the game unfolds. What about side tables for the water? You definitely don’t want players leaving a condensation ring on your pristine poker table from their drinks!
Chips & Cards
The final piece in the design of your perfect at-home poker room is the kind of chips and cards you have. These can have an effect on the overall experience if they look silly or cheap, so you want to make sure you get professional-grade, durable cards (which are plastic and not cardboard), as well as easy-to-clean chips that are good-looking and elegant in their design.
The Perfect Poker Room
There you have it. You’ve got everything you need for a world-class poker game in the comfort of your own home. All that remains is to organize a game and invite your friends along!
