The definition of game table has grown to include a wide variety of sporting genres. Once reserved for historic classic such as chess and backgammon, the term game table now includes modern favorites like air hockey, foosball. The once common card table has given way to game table designs that feature a number of amenities for the player.

Board games have long been a part of world history. Dating back over five thousand years, various board games have endured to modern times. All board games have one thing in common and that is the need for a flat surface or a table. Even in ancient times, board games have had an element of portability and simplicity.

One of the oldest board games is backgammon. Various histories of the enduring games date its introduction to between sixteen hundred and three thousand BCE. Regarded as a game reserved for royalty and other elites, relics and artifacts of this ancient game have been found through the Middle East. Some historians place the beginnings of backgammon in ancient Mesopotamia, or what is now modern day Iraq. There is no doubt that backgammon also has roots in the Roman and Greek empires, Egypt and Ethiopia.

Chess is another gaming classic that has inspired players, artists and authors. Chess is said to have originated in south central Asia, most likely in India during the sixth century CE. Spreading throughout Europe and the Middle East, chess rivaled backgammon as the game of kings. Considered a game of universal appeal, the games pieces have been a central focus of artists for thousands of years. Designers have not overlooked the game board as an indispensable part of the game. Like most board games, chess is a game of patience and strategy with players often sitting for prolonged periods of time.

Chess has become a worldwide game of challenge and is played by people young and old, rich and poor. Combining the game board and a table has long been a subject of designers and artists. Throughout the history of board games, the game table followed many of the same design progressions as other types of furniture. In public parks, game parlors and private homes, it is not uncommon to find a chess board that has been integrated into a game table.

A very popular form of game table combines several board games, complete with playing pieces and the appropriate game board. It is not uncommon to find game tables which combine popular board games like chess, backgammon, checkers and other games like mahjong. Drawers provide storage for all of the necessary games pieces. Some unique designs feature table tops that will flip over, exposing another game board.

Another popular form of game table has its roots in the folding card table. Card playing has always been a social affair using a kitchen table or other similar table. Small folding tables are still referred to colloquially as card tables. Gaming tables are common features in casinos and card parlors, with all of the features one would expect to find in a casino style table such as cup holders, felt table tops and chip trays.

Poker has always been a social game, especially when played among friends. With the increasing popularity of poker, more folks are making a game table part of their home decor. Similar to the tables one might find in casino or card room, many home game tables feature comfortable seating and all the amenities one would expect to find in a first rate card room. With storage for chips, playing cards, some styles of card tables can be converted to a standard table with features like finished table tops, perfect for dining or other uses.

So whether you prefer a leisurely game of chess or the high stakes action of Texas hold em, there is a game table set just right for you.