Questions about a table build
First time here. Planning out my poker table build (self). I have a couple of questions.
1. I am finding conflicting information about standard oval sizes. I have found 96x42 and 96x48. Anyone know why?
2. I want a betting line on my speed cloth. I am planning on a 10 inch space between the rail and the line. However, none of the dimensions I find for pre-printed betting lines indicate they match any of the dimensions for oval tables. Put another way, the length and width of pre-printed betting lines would place part of the line further away when centered on any of the table dimensions I have come across. Anyone know why that is?
I am planning to get a custom cloth printed up to have the betting line uniform distance from the rail. I just do not understand why I am the only one who wants that. Or, I am missing something about the dimensions.
Thanks for any information!
R
David
6 Replies
Welcome the the forum, David.
There really aren't "standard" sizes. There are just common ones. Mostly has to do with the number of players you want to be able to fit comfortably and the space you plan to put it in. A lot of builders use 48 inches as that's the width of a standard sheet of plywood, so it reduces the cutting you need to do and the wastage and gives a bit more space per player. But others prefer to trim it down to make reaching chips easier for the dealer and to fit better in smaller places.
No idea about the cloth, I'm afraid.
Do a search for threads with the word "table" in this sub-forum and you'll find a lot of threads with people building custom tables. Most of them are pretty old now, but they still might give you ideas.
Thanks for the help!
For #2: The betting line is usually a little more of a circle than an oval so that dealers(especially short ones) don't have to reach far to the left and far to the right to collect the bets.
I built one for a home game 3 or 4 years ago and went 44 by 92. Deal rotates so I went with 44 inch wide, much easier to reach chips and cards. Length is 92 inches which would sit 10 players okay. I had a betting line put in, 8 inches between the rail and betting line. Everything works out great. And of course, no cell phones or drinks on the felt. I built drink carts which are are great. The cloth is custom made, expensive but worth it. Same felt Casinos use
Welcome, David. Those two oval sizes both exist because there is no true industry standard. Ninety six by forty two is more common for home tables, while ninety six by forty eight is closer to casino style and gives more elbow room. Builders choose based on seating and room size, so you see both used.
Pre printed betting lines are made to fit generic layouts, not custom rails. Rail width changes everything, and most manufacturers assume a standard rail size. That is why the line looks uneven when centered. You are not wrong for wanting a uniform distance. A custom printed rabbitroads.uk cloth is actually the best solution if you want it precise and clean. Many people just accept the mismatch to save cost.
Hey David
I purchased my cloth from this company, custom betting line and all.
They are located in BC Canada
