A couple of years ago after my first few games of playing A&A Global at a sit down table, it became clear to me that if I were to build a customized table, the design must allow players to move around freely. Of course there are many portable stools around in case players get tiered, but even after many many games on my customized table. I still think it’s the way to go.
However, I continue to see lots of pictures of other peoples customized tables that are sit down types. I see big comfortable chairs that swivel, and in confined areas that provide everything a player needs within arm reach. Now I can see how they might get away with it in Anniversary edition, or 1942, but in Global no matter how well the effort to design a table that offers a player everything within a few feet… there is still tons of movement around the table (and I’m not just talking bathroom trips).
What is the case for sit down tables that are built low with comfortable chairs vs. a table that rests higher with bar stools, which allows standing room and steady traffic?. One thing about our move around table is… players rarely ask another player to move a piece for them, or pass them something.
What are your thoughts A&A table builders, and game players?
YG,
––I think it only makes sense to provide for both ‘movers’ and ‘sitters’ as I can’t imagine there would EVER be a game where BOTH viewpoints wouldn’t be utilized.
----For those of us with enlarged gaming tables, mine is 48"x108" or 4’x9’, it at times becomes necessary to move around to actually see the ‘situation’ and any counter strategies that may be available.
––And you also have to consider the ‘excitement’ factor of an IMPORTANT battle and all of the interested parties wanting/needing to see and or be a part of the ‘action’.
----While I totally agree that any gaming table being created should reflect the interests of it’s owners/players,…IMHO you are correct and gaming tables really need to make allowances for ‘movers’. My ‘gang’ of players have found this to be true in the 30+ years we’ve played this great game of “Axis & Allies”.
"Tall Paul
Understood TP, however, I think it goes without saying that both concepts will incorporate some of it’s rival traits. My question is more about prominence between one or the other.
I agree completely with your point about the global version. There is just no possible way to keep people from moving around. A great example is the U.S. , they are set on opposite sides of the board, you could not feasibly consolidate it. I did however, set up the UK just like you did by sticking them right in the middle. I honestly didn’t give any thought as to whether or not I was factoring foot traffic in, I’m glad you didn’t post this before I built my table because then it might have ended up different haha.
Like you, I’m curious to see what people say about the sit down tables. I’m also kind of interested to see to what extent people factored in the movement during their build…
I personally like to have an are dedicated soley to the game and a near by table for refreshment along with good seating. Believe it or not this can be done. I prefer drinks especially to be well away from the board, a simple TV tray can do this. I don’t have a custom board. but I am uusually able to set up an arrangement that accomodates both.
After having a beer spilled into the Italian box and a beer spilled all over my settlers of catan board… yes, drinks need to be separate!
After having a beer spilled into the Italian box and a beer spilled all over my settlers of catan board… yes, drinks need to be separate!
Ouch, that hurts just reading about it.
I just now saw this post - here is my plan for a table I’m currently building. I’m expanding it to accomodate six guys. After some study, I realized that six guys cannot sit at a table three to a side. Only the guy in the middle can access the full map in that arrangement. The only way to do it is to put two guys to a side and one guy on each end, like this:
The blue represents an enlarged custom map (for Ann. Edition type play). The green rectangles are custom dice rolling trays. The purple rectangles are custom sized battleboards. The grey rectangles are player reference cards. The brown rectangles are piece trays sitting on card tables. The card tables can hold extra chips, cash, snacks, etc. Cup holders will be fastened to the table legs to prevent liquid spills.
As you can see with this arrangement, almost every player will have access to everything he needs. Italy will sit on the left side, USA on the right side, Britain on the top right, Russia the top left, Germany the bottom right and Japan the bottom left. The only player that will have trouble is the USA, who can’t reach his eastern seaboard easily, but other than that I don’t think there will be a bad seat in the room.The black line to the right represents a free standing production chart that will be custom made from a restaurant menu.
This table is 4 X 6 ft, which is pushed to what I think is the limit of a sit-down game and would not work for the global games.
Der Kuenstler,
That layout looks great. I think your fellow players will be quite pleased.
