DND Battle Game Mat 48" x 72" - Wargaming Tabletop Map for Warhammer 40k, Dungeons & Dragons, RPG - Vinyl Jungle Terrain Gaming Board - Perfect for Tabletop Strategy Games & Roleplaying Adventures

This was purchased for playing Star Trek Attack Wing (STAW). What people recommend for games like STAW and Star Wars X-Wing (STXW) is a 3ftx3ft star map which is padded like a yoga mat (slip resistant bottom) to prevent movement of game pieces.When you search for game mats on Amazon (as of 6/20/17) you can find mats similar to this without a slip resistant bottom for around $25-30, and if you want the slip resistant bottom it will cost you $75-80.The slip resistant bottom is a must, but I just didn't want to spend more... so I took a chance. It was scary as hell buying an non-reviewed item which is why I'm reviewing this for you.The reason I picked this mat is because it comes in multiple sizes. I got this one in the 48" square size. The reason is because you get more flexibility of game play with a mat larger that "36 square (some of STAW's "miniatures" like the Borg Cube are huge and take up a ton of space).It came rolled, in a long rectangular box - totally adequate. The nylon like material is similar to what you would see hanging at an outdoor bar (which I believe is the metaphor they use in the items description), with small waffle like stitching for texture (similar to Seersucker weave which I was excited to see because that should prevent tearing). The print quality I am happy with, they are not going to be able to make it pristine because of the texturing, but it is a great trade of both because of the non-rip quality it adds as well as adding an extra non-slip feature to the surface of the canvas. Once you lay it out and put some books on it, it flattens out pretty quick.Now you have to deal with the slipping issue, because like other mats of this style it does not have a nonslip bottom. I went to a lumber supplier and had them cut me a 40# square of Sanded Plywood (1/4" thick soft wood). They will not cut angles at most hardware stores line Lowes or Home Depot, so I took the piece home and cut off the corners to match the size and shape of the felt top of my poker table. The mat was wrapped over the wood, with the excess material stapled and duct taped to the back.I am incredibly happy with the finished product. It looks incredible, it plays incredible. By stapling it to wood I lost the ability to roll it up and transport it easily but I knew that going in. The total cost for all the materials and alterations was under $50. It looks so good, even my buddies who do not play STAW request I leave it on the table when we play poker.It's a great mat!