Welcome back to another episode of the Smoke and Steel podcast! I’m Walt, and in this episode, I want to share the story of how I finally landed the perfect domino table for our cigar sessions – an authentic H. Upmann brand table.
The Search for the Perfect Cigar Lounge Domino Table
Several years ago, I was introduced to Cuban-style dominoes (double nines) at our local cigar shop. What started as casual Thursday night games quickly became a regular tradition, with multiple tables running simultaneously in both the front room and private lounge. The camaraderie, trash talk, and cigar smoke created the perfect atmosphere for this classic game.
When our group transitioned to hanging out at a local social club, we commandeered a poker table for our domino games. While functional, it wasn’t ideal – the large round shape meant some players had to pitch dominoes across the table to others, disrupting the natural flow of the game.
Why Regular Tables Don’t Work for Dominoes
If you’ve ever tried playing dominoes on a non-domino table, you know the challenges. My Samsonite folding table at home was 2 feet deep and 6 feet long, which meant players on opposite sides had completely different playing experiences. Some would be playing “short” while others played “long” – not exactly comfortable for extended gaming sessions.
The Facebook Marketplace Hunt
My friend Eric and I started scouring Facebook Marketplace for domino tables. We found a Montecristo table listed as a “poker table” (it wasn’t), but the seller was clearly a professional reseller with over a hundred items listed. When she rejected my fair offer, I wasn’t surprised, and the table eventually sold to someone else.
I explored other options, including brand-new tables manufactured in Reading, Pennsylvania. However, none were cigar-specific, and I wasn’t interested in tables featuring flags or animals. As a group of cigar enthusiasts, I wanted something that would fit in a proper cigar hangout.
The Oliva Table That Almost Was
I reached out to my longtime contact at Oliva, hoping they might have a table available. Dave got back to me with great news – they were sponsoring a domino tournament in Miami and had beautiful tables at the ready. The table was perfect for my needs and love of Oliva cigars.
Unfortunately, the freight charges were absolutely killer. Freight would have cost $200 and I would have had to unload it myself ($500 if they unloaded it). I just couldn’t justify spending more on shipping than the table itself, even though I really wanted it.
Discovering the H. Upmann Domino Table
Just when I was about to settle for a basic card table from Walmart, fate intervened. While browsing Facebook Marketplace (actually looking at motorcycles), I spotted the perfect domino table – an H. Upmann table that caught my eye immediately.
What Made This Table Special
This H. Upmann domino table had several features that set it apart from typical cigar shop tables:
- Unique domino rack design: Instead of the usual cigar-shaped holders with painted ash, this table had slots routed directly into the ledge
- Dual-purpose corner inserts: Rather than simple cup holders, it came with metal inserts featuring both an ashtray and cup holder in each corner
- Classic branding: H. Upmann is a recognizable, classic cigar brand that fits perfectly in any cigar lounge
- Practical functionality: The built-in ashtrays solved my concern about needing floor-stand ashtrays
The Rescue Mission
I had a problem – my car had died and I’d thrown out my back, making it impossible to drive over an hour away to pick up the table. That’s where my friend Mark came to the rescue. After showing him the photos, he immediately said, “What are you crazy? Tell the guy you want the table. I’ll drive you down to get it. You need this table – it belongs in this space.”
Mark’s enthusiasm and willingness to help made all the difference. We coordinated the pickup for Sunday (which happened to be my birthday), and everything worked out perfectly.
A Bonus Discovery: Old Havana Cigars
On our drive back from picking up the table, Mark spotted Old Havana Cigars right off Route 202 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Despite being pressed for time, we decided to make a quick stop since Mark had gone out of his way to help me.
What We Found at Old Havana Cigars
The shop was compact but well-stocked, housed in a narrow building with a square walk-in humidor. While pricing was on the higher side, the selection was impressive:
- Rare finds: They had the Padron Fuente collaboration box on display ($178 per stick)
- Quality selection: I picked up a Foundation Olmec and a Liga T-52
- Unique layout: The lounge was located behind the humidor, accessible through narrow doors
- Cigar accessories: Plenty of humidors, ashtrays (including older branded stuff you don’t see much anymore), and even an Opus X dog bowl.
Setting Up the Perfect Cigar Lounge Domino Experience
The H. Upmann table is now set up and ready for action. With the built-in ashtrays and cup holders, we have everything needed for the perfect cigar and domino combination. The table may have some dings and dents, but that just adds character – and honestly, it’s going to see plenty of use with our group.
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The search for the perfect domino table taught me that sometimes the best finds come when you least expect them. Thanks to Mark’s help and a bit of luck, we now have the ideal setup for combining two of our favorite pastimes – great cigars and dominoes.
