Bridge requires the use of just a handful of accessories for a proper face-to-face game.

The card deck is the most obvious one. Bridge players are also going to need bidding boxes, scoring sheets, pencils or pens, and a decent bridge table for a comfortable playing experience. Trump markers point out the trump suit.

If you’re not shuffling by hand, add a battery-powered card shuffler to the list, too.

I’d like to use this time to put the spotlight on the bridge table as game accessory. For a table game, you’re going to need a table – and for the sake of everyone who has to be there, you want your bridge table to be good.

Selecting a table for your next game night?

Here are 6 things that matter when buying a bridge table.

1. New… or used?

New bridge kits are available from the majority of bridge supply stores and online retailers. Usually, a table is included, and most of the other accessories listed in the introduction for this post are part of the kit in most cases.

But bridge players can also consider buying used.

Check antique stores, charity shops, and bridge-interest forums for any used deals. Remember that the seller might not always know they’re selling a bridge table – for example, if it’s something that was passed on to them.

New or used? That’s the first bridge table-related question you should ask.

2. Foldable… or not?

There are bridge tables that fold, and bridge tables that don’t.

It sounds like a bridge maxim, but it actually just refers to the construction of available bridge tables out there.

Do you intend to put your bridge table away when you’re done, or is it a permanent piece of furniture standing around the room?

Decide if it should fold up from there, or not.

3. Felt-covered… or plain?

Available table options will mean that bridgeurs have the choice of felt-covered tables, or not. Felt is what keeps the cards from sliding around – and well, felt is just what gives it the unique feel of a card table.

That’s entirely up to the individual player, and the type of bridge table they’re hoping to buy.

Does felt just scream card room to you?

Well, there’s your answer.

4. Level… or wobbling?

Always check a prospective bridge table for its likelihood to wobble or move about.

Sometimes, the table isn’t the problem, but the surface you’re trying to place it on – and yes, it can make you realize that your house or bridge club appears to be sinking in on one side, too…

Don’t automatically say no to a table that wobbles. First, figure out why, and figure out if the table is worth trying to fix the problem. A book of matches (or a few playing cards) can stop the problem right there.

5. Heavy… or light?

Some tables are heavy, and some tables are light.

Foldable tables have the advantage of being lighter than their counterparts, although a heavier table can be far more solid.

Do you intend to move your table around, or keep it there?

It’s another reason this question is an important one for selecting your bridge table.

Also, keep your physical ability in mind. It’s hard to own a bridge table that you require three other players to move.

6. Comfortable seating… or painful?

The last point on this list has less to do with the table, but remains relative to how comfortable it will be for anyone seated at it.

Select comfortable chairs, though also make sure that they are relative to the size of the table. Too high (or too low) will make players strain, and if it’s uncomfortable enough, nobody might show up to the next one. Don’t underestimate just what a comfortable chair can do for your bridge game!