The downside of board games is that you have to set them up to play then tear them down when you're done. For some games, this is a monumental undertaking because there's loads of parts and pieces needed to play. It's even worse if you have a game which takes several play sessions before you can complete it... and you have cats. Leaving a game out on my dining room table and expecting everything to still be in the same place come morning is insane in my house. Jake and Jenny would destroy it. Not out of malice... but out of fun.

Because it's a game after all.

It's because of cats that I've long wanted a gaming table. Which is to say a dining room table where you can remove the top and have a play area underneath. That way you can uncover and play whenever you like and not risk any cat-related tragedies.

The problem is that gaming tables like this have historically cost $1,500 or more for a decent one. The one I had my eye on was $2,400. Which might as well be $10,000, and I can't possible spend that kind of money for games.

Then I saw a game table on Amazon which looked to be very good quality... at a fraction of the price. So I took a chance and ordered it.

And it was indeed shockingly high quality. Not for the price, but shockingly high quality period.

But it arrived damaged.

Surprisingly, the company I purchased it from shipped me a replacement top! And here it is...

In the photo I am playing a small game, so I only uncovered half the table. For larger games or many players, you can uncover all of it. The thing even came with a bunch of cup holders which attach to the side for drinks or snacks!

I am very, very pleased with it. And it makes a great impression when friends show up to play.

Which is why I ordered the smaller coffee table version for my living room, so I can set up solo games for myself while watching television.

Meaning I have two gaming tables in my home now! Can you believe it?

Take it from me, people... dreams really can come true.