We’re in the process of bringing our home game back up and have decided to switch over to octagon tables.

We have a nice 8 foot oval with speed cloth and a nice oak race track. No cup holders like a previous table we owned but a very nice table just the same.

Years ago we made a couple of octagons out of 4x4 plywood and placed a clothed circle in the center for cards and pots. They worked well for overflow from our ovals. They were just a little small. I’m in the process of adding some birch plywood and extending the width of the tables from 48” to 60”. The actual 4x4 piece will be foamed and clothed and become the new card, bet, pot surface. We’ll ditch the circles.

A spacious, comfy octagon will be better in my opinion. It has a smaller footprint, is a little more intimate, and just brings people closer together for dealing and raking chips. Also, you can very effectively light an octagon with any old dining room light that are free everywhere on Craigslist. We’ll do a fresh build on something a little elaborate once we’re in the dead of winter.

Who else likes the octagon?

Kong up here in MN

Never cared for the oct, as it is either cramped, or if you build it larger the chips in the middle are out of reach for everyone. If you are self dealing and it rotates, I can see the point of one, as dealing from the ends can really suck.

Our home games have a rotating dealer. So in addition to the difficulties of dealing to the ends you’ve got some folks that aren’t very good dealers.

The octagons can be either cramped or too vast. You have to find the sweet spot size wise. We’ve also had a croupier stick for pushing chips around.

Thanks for the insight.

Kong

I've played on different octagon for years, not so bad for a self dealt game. 60 to 62 inches diameter works best. 48 inch felt with a 6 to 7 inch rail. You are not cramped and can still reach the chips within reason. Players might have to get into the habit of pushing chips. No drinks or stuff on the table, game would run better with drink carts or side tables.

Right on. I just brought one an octagon home that I had lent out. 56 inches between players across.

When we do a fresh build we’ll do 60”

Thanks for the insight

Kong

For our self-dealt home game with up to 8 players I like a 3.5'x6' oval.