Depends and I can understand there is considerable argument.

First of all we have different ideas what clutter is. But I think it is quite up to the gaming parties what is acceptable under which circumstances.

Sometimes I have little issue with opponents mug of coffe being on the table. Simply because the other tables are occupied and it does not really hinder at that point.

Dice is another issue. Rolled dice should be removed asap, they are just in the way for the next roll, movement etc. As in casualty markers take a look at minibits dice frames. My 10mm armies will all hold dice  frames and coloured dice as to mark current unit strength. Problem solved.

For other items (bag of crisps, sandwich etc) there is a chair, table reserved next to the gaming table. Such stuff is simply unacceptable on the board. Rulebook belongs offboard as rules should be memorised and if need be the rulebok can be quickly accessed anyways.

So much for my oppinion on this

Quote from: Techno on 05 December 2012, 11:14:14 AM
What about 'work desks' ?....Let alone gaming tables !

Dont worry Techno - " A clear desk is the sign of a sick mind!"

Quote from: Just a few Orcs on 07 December 2012, 08:00:15 AM
Dont worry Techno - " A clear desk is the sign of a sick mind!"

Yeah, nothing inspired ever came out of a tidy mind. 

 
But I've ended up being SUCH a hypocrite.....In articles I've written in the dim and distant past, I always stressed that you need to keep your desk tidy.
Unless your me, of course.
Cheers - Phil.

"Ordnung braucht nur der Dumme, das Genie beherrscht das Chaos." - Albert Einstein

Eine Tasse Kaffee, bitte.
  - Freud (attributed)

Quote from: FierceKitty on 07 December 2012, 11:58:27 AM
Eine Tasse Kaffee, bitte.
  - Freud (attributed)

As long as you don't put it on the gaming table. 
Colin

Ein deutscher Gruß? Hier im Forum? 

German Greetings from Edinburgh 

ein großes Bier bitte

I think I understood that one !
Cheers - Phil.