New Home Game Tips (5 Viewers)

[a_bates95]

Hey all! New member here and pretty new to poker overall! I am hosting my first monthly home game this Saturday and we are all pretty novice. Any tips for making this game more competitive and enjoyable for the long term? Current setup is going to be 25c/50c with a $25 buy in with a rebuy capped at $50 total. Thanks for any help!

 

[Rhodeman77]

If it’s a cash game you don’t cap max rebuys. If you want to cap buy-ins play a tournament instead. Also 100bb buy-in is pretty standard. So I’d either change the blinds to 25/25c or the starting buy-in to $50.

 

[dd44]

If it’s a cash game you don’t cap max rebuys. If you want to cap buy-ins play a tournament instead. Also 100bb buy-in is pretty standard. So I’d either change the blinds to 25/25c or the starting buy-in to $50.

Definitely implement these suggestions. You can also change the blinds to 25¢/25¢ and make the starting buy in $50 as well, many people prefer starting 200 big blinds deep. And if you haven’t already, get some plastic cards (Copags and Broken Arrow are good and cheap) and some denominated chips. I would also recommend a poker table topper.

 

[SteveEH]

Everyone will recommend min $25 buy in for .25/.25 blinds. You can also do buy in ranges of 100 to 200 BBs to allow some players to risk more and others to risk less. If your game is mix of poker enthusiasts and recreational players I would not recommend a "match the stack" rule as this will give the sharks a big advantage and you will lose recs over time.

Setting players' expectations to bring multiple buy ins for the night, in your case $75 minimum is a good idea. I'd recommend polling players to find out how much they're willing to risk each session and pick the median.

Providing drinks and snacks helps.

Finally a nice table/topper, chairs, plastic cards and chips. For good value, most here will also recommend the broken Arrow vendor for cards and Tina hybrids chips.

 

[Sisu41]

Personally, I do .25/.25 $20-40 starting buy in, match half the stack rebuy, but pretty much everyone keeps doing 20 evey time.

 

[GGHank]

Welcome to PCF! There's a ton of resources here for chip breakdowns and many people's experiences running home games. Good luck with your game!

 

[a_bates95]

If it’s a cash game you don’t cap max rebuys. If you want to cap buy-ins play a tournament instead. Also 100bb buy-in is pretty standard. So I’d either change the blinds to 25/25c or the starting buy-in to $50.

I think I am going to go ahead and make blinds 25c/25c then try to work the group up to starting buy in of $50 if I can. Thanks for the reply!

Definitely implement these suggestions. You can also change the blinds to 25¢/25¢ and make the starting buy in $50 as well, many people prefer starting 200 big blinds deep. And if you haven’t already, get some plastic cards (Copags and Broken Arrow are good and cheap) and some denominated chips. I would also recommend a poker table topper.

Thanks for the tips! I am going to do 25c/25c for the blinds and try to work the group up to $50 buy ins eventually. I do have some copags on the way as well as 600 decent denominated chips. I have a mat on the way as well but if this first home game goes well I think I’ll build a table!

Everyone will recommend min $25 buy in for .25/.25 blinds. You can also do buy in ranges of 100 to 200 BBs to allow some players to risk more and others to risk less. If your game is mix of poker enthusiasts and recreational players I would not recommend a "match the stack" rule as this will give the sharks a big advantage and you will lose recs over time.

Setting players' expectations to bring multiple buy ins for the night, in your case $75 minimum is a good idea. I'd recommend polling players to find out how much they're willing to risk each session and pick the median.

Providing drinks and snacks helps.

Finally a nice table/topper, chairs, plastic cards and chips. For good value, most here will also recommend the broken Arrow vendor for cards and Tina hybrids chips.

Thanks for the info! I’ll try to gauge the group this first time and Rework the structure. We are all very novice players including myself so a bit of the blind leading the blind but I also doing the work to learn so I can try to steer this home game in a more mature direction.

 

[Munchies11]

Besides the game logistics. Do your best in creating a good atmosphere for the players. If you can providing food and drinks can go a long ways. Or have each player chip in $5-$10. Everyone wants to enjoy their time playing so ensure a good playing environment. Comfy seats, decent table, tv with sports in the background . These details go a long way !

 

[Rhodeman77]

I prefer music in the background over a tv being on. It will slow the poker game down a lot if several people are more focused on the tv than poker. And with new players learning the game it will already be slow. Having them be even more distracted could lead to arguments when someone gets their action skipped because they are too distracted.

But if you need the tv to get people, do what you have to do.

 

[Munchies11]

I prefer music in the background over a tv being on. It will slow the poker game down a lot if several people are more focused on the tv than poker. And with new players learning the game it will already be slow. Having them be even more distracted could lead to arguments when someone gets their action skipped because they are too distracted.

But if you need the tv to get people, do what you have to do.

Fair enough.. but if there is a must watch sports game then it’s mandatory for us! I’m from toronto so doesn’t affect us much because we barely win anything….my Jays were soooo closeeee! Sorry still open wounds there lol

 

[vulp]

IMO, if players need music or a TV running in the background, it usually means they’re bored or not paying close enough attention to the game.
The host might need to raise the stakes or spice up the game (straddle, bomb pots, ...).

 

[a_bates95]

IMO, if players need music or a TV running in the background, it usually means they’re bored or not paying close enough attention to the game.
The host might need to raise the stakes or spice up the game (straddle, bomb pots, ...).

We played one time before with this group about a year ago prior to planning the official monthly game. Everyone was pretty locked in and engaged so I don’t think distraction should be an issue. None of us knew what we were doing then though, for example almost every hand everyone would limp pre-flop with basically no pre-flop raises. Should be fun to see how this group grows!

 

[4SUMERZ]

I have my blinds at $0.25/$0.25 8 player table. $25 initial buy in. Guys can top up an extra $25 when their stack gets below $7. Unlimited buy in. 4.5 hr sessions
I offer lite snacks and drinks on the house. Guys will toss in a few $$ occasionally but I don't ask or mind if they don't.
We also each toss in $2.00 in a high hand pot of the night. It's a fun night of socializing with friends and a few $$ to win or lose. No one ever goes home rich or poor.
Dealer choice between 2 card hold'em. pineapple, and high Omaha.
I have a game minimum once per month, sometimes 2 a month prior to the end of the poker season, and the start of the golf season. We play from Oct-April.

 

[a_bates95]

I have my blinds at $0.25/$0.25 8 player table. $25 initial buy in. Guys can top up an extra $25 when their stack gets below $7. Unlimited buy in. 4.5 hr sessions
I offer lite snacks and drinks on the house. Guys will toss in a few $$ occasionally but I don't ask or mind if they don't.
We also each toss in $2.00 in a high hand pot of the night. It's a fun night of socializing with friends and a few $$ to win or lose. No one ever goes home rich or poor.
Dealer choice between @ card hold'em. pineapple, and high Omaha.
I have a game minimum once per month, sometimes 2 a month prior to the end of the poker season, and the start of the golf season. We play from Oct-April.

That sounds like exactly what I’m looking for!

 

[4SUMERZ]

That sounds like exactly what I’m looking for!

Hope your home game goes well. We have a blast, lots of chatter, and surprisingly the $2 high hand pot keeps things interesting until the end.

 

[Kyle]

 

[jxfan]

Going to second $25-$50 buy in for .25/.25 blinds; that's what I run for my game and it has worked well for hosting a fun evening of poker without breaking the bank! In terms of rebuys, I think it depends on the group you're playing with - matching half big stack is pretty standard, so if you're down a couple buy ins, you can at least try to make some back. But again, if your group is more there for the company/conversation and less so the poker, you can just keep the buy in and rebuy the same at whatever you settle on. Either way, the important thing is to have fun!

 

[sammydj]

Started out .05/.10 but it was a shove fest, now doing .25/.25 $50 max and I think its perfect for us. Mostly been hold'em and horse race game but I'm trying to get some other variants worked in, crazy pineapple has been a hit. Seven-deuce game is always on. Cards, chips, table, and chairs! I always do snacks, our favorite is hot dogs in the croc-pot, "croc dogs" (no hot dog roller here). I'll also do sausage and cheese with crackers, or some Oreos and Goldfish. I do music and TV, TV muted with something chill on. Pool, golf, bass fishing tournaments.. Hope that gives you some ideas, good luck hope its a great time.

 

[jxfan]

If it’s a shove fest you know the stakes are too low

 

[a_bates95]

Started out .05/.10 but it was a shove fest, now doing .25/.25 $50 max and I think it’s perfect for us. Mostly been hold'em and horse race game but I'm trying to get some other variants worked in, crazy pineapple has been a hit. Seven-deuce game is always on. Cards, chips, table, and chairs! I always do snacks, our favorite is hot dogs in the croc-pot, "croc dogs" (no hot dog roller here). I'll also do sausage and cheese with crackers, or some Oreos and Goldfish. I do music and TV, TV muted with something chill on. Pool, golf, bass fishing tournaments.. Hope that gives you some ideas, good luck hope it’s a great time.

I think I’m going to wait to start adding some mixed games after a few times but I appreciate hearing the mixed games that have been hits with other groups! Might need to add some dogs to the menu as well! Thanks!

Going to second $25-$50 buy in for .25/.25 blinds; that's what I run for my game and it has worked well for hosting a fun evening of poker without breaking the bank! In terms of rebuys, I think it depends on the group you're playing with - matching half big stack is pretty standard, so if you're down a couple buy ins, you can at least try to make some back. But again, if your group is more there for the company/conversation and less so the poker, you can just keep the buy in and rebuy the same at whatever you settle on. Either way, the important thing is to have fun!

The group is definitely more there for the company but I hope to grow the level of poker play over time! I think the buys and blinds are something I’ll need to tweak after feeling out the group some. Thanks for your input!

View attachment 1658187

That’s awesome haha

 

[a_bates95]

First night went really well, +$26 myself and nobody left feeling sore. Not super high rollers around here so the total buy-ins came to $280 for a 25c/25c game 7 ways. With all I’ve put into chips and other supplies I’ll just need to be +$26 another 40 times or so but I was more than willing to pay the upfront cost to get a good monthly game going!

 

[4SUMERZ]

First night went really well, +$26 myself and nobody left feeling sore. Not super high rollers around here so the total buy-ins came to $280 for a 25c/25c game 7 ways. With all I’ve put into chips and other supplies I’ll just need to be +$26 another 40 times or so but I was more than willing to pay the upfront cost to get a good monthly game going!

Congrats on a successful session. Sounds like everything went well. For curiosity, what games did you play, and what was the highest hand of the night?

 

[Gojira777]

Congragts on your success!!

I‘m also pretty new to hosting. What I have learned over the last few games I‘ve hosted:
Be strict with rules/house rules. Especially with unexperienced players. Things like don‘t hide your big chips behind your stack, always keep your cards visible, try to be aware where the action is to not slow down the game too much. These things happen with new players unintentionally. Of course don‘t be a dick about it. I try to find a good mix of a fun social event and a solid poker game where people feel safe. I always try to make sure people understand why the rules/house rules exist.
I‘ve noticed after just a few games the game will quickly flow more natural. Players know how do deal and act, and even kindly point out things to other new players that make mistakes.

Also mentioned earlier, make it a fun atmosphere. My fiance (who also plays with us) always makes food and snacks for everybody, we provide soda, beer and whisky, and have some backround music. Also an ashtray outside for the smokers.

 

[Gojira777]

I don‘t know how many players you have in your pool but always be reqruiting! We started with 8 and we are at 12 now. For the next game one guy asked if he could bring 2 friends that want to play. Be prepared for short handed games, not everyone will have time everytime you want to play. But in my opinion, set dates far enough in advance (I do 2-3 weeks) and stick to them. Don‘t change things around because only 5 or 6 people sign up. Last week we played a tourney 5 handed and it tourned out to be a really fun game!

 

[4SUMERZ]

I don‘t know how many players you have in your pool but always be reqruiting! We started with 8 and we are at 12 now. For the next game one guy asked if he could bring 2 friends that want to play. Be prepared for short handed games, not everyone will have time everytime you want to play. But in my opinion, set dates far enough in advance (I do 2-3 weeks) and stick to them. Don‘t change things around because only 5 or 6 people sign up. Last week we played a tourney 5 handed and it tourned out to be a really fun game!

I also announce a game 1 week in advance, give them 2 days to acknowledge and reply as a yes or no, and when that deadline has passed, I go to my spare list to fill my 8 spots. I have a full table 99% of the time and never less than 7.
Most of my players are retired so it does make it somewhat easier to get people there.

 

[jxfan]

First night went really well, +$26 myself and nobody left feeling sore. Not super high rollers around here so the total buy-ins came to $280 for a 25c/25c game 7 ways. With all I’ve put into chips and other supplies I’ll just need to be +$26 another 40 times or so but I was more than willing to pay the upfront cost to get a good monthly game going!

Glad that people had fun! Sounds like you’ve found a sweet spot

 

[sammydj]

First night went really well, +$26 myself and nobody left feeling sore. Not super high rollers around here so the total buy-ins came to $280 for a 25c/25c game 7 ways. With all I’ve put into chips and other supplies I’ll just need to be +$26 another 40 times or so but I was more than willing to pay the upfront cost to get a good monthly game going!

Ayy glad it went good. Yep "winning" for me is getting a game on, any actual $$$ just covers the "gear and beer" I say. Some other notes: For scheduling, for us, its Thursday. Thursday is our night. Thursday or bust. Until I started hosting it was a different night almost every week, based on work schedules or whatever have you. No more. Thursday or we take the week off, which is good every now and then.
As host you're the house, your say is final its not a democracy, so knowing rules as the host is especially important. And yes, always be recruiting, had two of our little groups OG regulars move away and it was months before we got it running regularly again.

 

[TheYeti]

First night went really well, +$26 myself and nobody left feeling sore. Not super high rollers around here so the total buy-ins came to $280 for a 25c/25c game 7 ways. With all I’ve put into chips and other supplies I’ll just need to be +$26 another 40 times or so but I was more than willing to pay the upfront cost to get a good monthly game going!

You're going to fit right in around here. That's the best attitude for a poker host to have!

 

[mdt11]

Congrats! I wrote up some reflections after a year of hosting here: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/lessons-from-a-first-year-host.139057/

 

[a_bates95]

Congrats! I wrote up some reflections after a year of hosting here: https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/lessons-from-a-first-year-host.139057/

Great thread, thanks!

You're going to fit right in around here. That's the best attitude for a poker host to have!

Yeah to be honest I like looking at the chips almost as much as I enjoy playing them so I don’t mind the cost!

Ayy glad it went good. Yep "winning" for me is getting a game on, any actual $$$ just covers the "gear and beer" I say. Some other notes: For scheduling, for us, its Thursday. Thursday is our night. Thursday or bust. Until I started hosting it was a different night almost every week, based on work schedules or whatever have you. No more. Thursday or we take the week off, which is good every now and then.
As host you're the house, your say is final its not a democracy, so knowing rules as the host is especially important. And yes, always be recruiting, had two of our little groups OG regulars move away and it was months before we got it running regularly again.

Gear and beer and bragging rights. I can live with that! Haha