Top 5 Must-Have Accessories for Hosting the Perfect Poker Game at Home in 2025

1. A Solid Poker Table or Table Cover

When I first started hosting, I thought any old table would do. Big mistake. Nothing kills the vibe faster than cards catching on a rough surface or players struggling to grab chips off a glossy dining table. A proper poker table—or at least a good table cover—makes a world of difference.

I started by investing in a folding poker table top. It worked well enough—it turned my dining table into a felted card table and protected it from chips and drinks—but it wasn’t as convenient as I’d hoped. Folding tops are heavy, awkward to move, and don’t offer much padding for picking up cards.

What I discovered was padded, neoprene table toppers. They roll into a 6" size with a carry case, are waterproof, have enough give so you can easily pick up your cards, and let cards slide easily to every player. I've taken them on bachelor parties, cabin vacations, and put them on folding tables. When I'm done, it goes in a closet and takes up practically no space.

If a full table isn’t in the cards (pun intended), a high-quality table cover is an easy and affordable upgrade.

2. A Poker Chip Set is Non-Negotiable

When I first started hosting poker nights, I thought using pennies and nickels would be fine. Big mistake. It slowed the game down, made betting confusing, and felt amateurish. A proper chip set doesn’t just make the game smoother—it transforms the entire experience.

Even a basic set of 300 chips will elevate your game. Chips are easier to handle, stack neatly, and keep everyone on the same page. More importantly, a good chip set has clear, easy-to-read denominations, so players can quickly identify values—even in low light. This makes the game run more smoothly and eliminates frustrating mid-hand questions like, “Wait, what’s this chip worth?”

You don’t need to splurge on high-end chips just yet (that’s an upgrade for later). Look for a starter set with well-marked designs and distinct colors for each denomination. Even an affordable set can make your poker nights more professional, easier to manage, and a whole lot more fun.

3. Professional Playing Cards

Here’s something I learned the hard way: not all playing cards are created equal. Those cheap paper cards you buy at the grocery store? They’re going to warp, tear, and stick together after one or two games. I’ve seen it happen over and over.

Now, I only use plastic-coated or 100% plastic cards. They shuffle smoother, last longer, and can survive the inevitable spilled drink without becoming useless. Bonus: they make you look like you know what you’re doing, even if your bluffing skills say otherwise.

And here’s a tip to take your game up a notch: always have two decks in play. While one hand is being dealt, the second deck can be shuffled and prepped for the next round. It keeps the game moving faster and ensures the cards stay fresh throughout the night.

4. A Dealer Button

“Whose turn is it? Who just dealt? Wait, who is it on?” Sound familiar? If your early poker nights were anything like mine, these questions probably came up more than a few times. It might seem like a small detail, but not keeping track of the dealer position can quickly turn into a headache. Luckily, there’s a simple fix.

A dealer button is one of the easiest ways to keep your game organized and running smoothly. It’s especially important in games like Texas Hold’em, where the dealer position affects the blinds and the order of play. Without one, you’ll spend half the night arguing over who’s supposed to deal next or who paid what blind last hand—and trust me, that’s not fun for anyone.

Even a basic plastic dealer button gets the job done, and it adds a nice professional touch to your setup. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference in how smoothly your games run.

5. Automatic Card Shuffler

Most people aren’t exactly pros when it comes to shuffling cards—let alone dealing them consistently. While not strictly essential, an automatic card shuffler can make your life a lot easier, especially if you’re hosting games with less experienced players or larger groups.

Automatic shufflers save time, keep the game moving, and ensure an even shuffle every time. No more clumsy hand shuffling or awkward piles of cards—it’s a quick, reliable solution that players of all skill levels will appreciate. Plus, if you’re running longer games or multi-deck setups, it’s an absolute game-changer.