Family friendly home cash game setup for beginners (1 Viewer)

[Chrisja77]

They saying “I didn’t know what all I didn’t know” applies here. This will probably be lengthy and slightly rambling so I apologize in advance.

A little history. We had a fairly often occurring card game back in the late 90’s early 2000’s with my father in law and a group of close friends. We usually rotated dealer and played 5 draw or 7 stud with a .05 ante for stud and .25 ante for draw games. Raises were capped at .50 or $1 depending on who was playing that night and crazy wild card games would get thrown in as the night progressed and the alcohol flowed. There was very little structure and terms like spread limit weren’t known even though that’s loosely what we were playing. It was absolutely some of the best nights of my life. Sadly, everyone moved away or passed on and the game died.

Fast forward to today and I’m at a time in my life I want to get these games back together but this go round I’ll be the old timer and almost everyone else will be inexperienced or absolute beginners. These will include my children, son-in-law, brother and sister-in-law, and eventually other friends we find to bring in. I want to keep things fun and stakes low so they can learn and I can remember. As everyone gets more comfortable, stakes might be raised but these will never be big games with $100 or more multiple buyins. The “beginners” in this group are young and starting out in life and the thought of gambling and losing $30 or $50 frightens them. To them, a $20 buyin is a fairly mid stakes game right now.

So to do this right I’m trying to learn structure so they can be taught correctly from the start. I would like for them to be able to leave my table and play at another’s and know enough rules, structure, and etiquette they aren’t lost.

So, with that in mind…here are my thoughts on how to set this up so it’s fun and educational for all.

-We will be using an octagon table with 6-8 players max with a rotating deal.
-I plan on introducing them to spread limit first..I think I fully understand it myself but there are so many small changes from the random rules we had back in the day.
-The chips I bought are .05, .25, $1, and $5 denominations so that should lend itself well to continue with the .05 or .25 ante structure I grew up with and perform with a .05/.10 blind structure when we play holdem games.

Here is a very rough sketch of house rules I made up to pass out to all the players. I read and used parts from multiple ones I found on here so if some of the rules or wording looks familiar, just know plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery! I also tried to add enough information that the absolute beginners would have some idea of what to expect without completely writing a how to play poker tutorial. Please look them over and let me know your thoughts. Let me know if something is structured wrong or if I’m headed in the right direction. What changes would you make for this to be a fun and educational experience for everyone?

 

[bluegill]

I would remove the "I see your .25 and raise you .50". You can't 'call' and 'raise'.
"I see your .25" is the same as saying "I call your .25", which is a call.

 

[Bacon Dad]

Nice rule sheet. With my ocd, I prefer to have all the betting information together in a table. Make it easier to find and keep it simple.

You mention things that are considered binding. Break the habit of saying “I see your xxx and raise you XXX.” Your first action at the table is binding. When you speak the first part, “I see your xxx”, you’re done. There is no raising after that because what is binding is you calling the original bet (“I see your xxx”). Same principle is applied if you miss speak your bet amount and push in the wrong chip amount. Your first action is binding.

If you want to raise a bet, simply say “I raise the bet to XXX” or “I raise the bet from 0.25 to 0.50”. There are a couple of ways to verbalize your action for betting, although I think the first one I mention is probably the most common.

Good luck and keep it fun.
Make hotdog sandwiches.

 

[Bacon Dad]

I would remove the "I see your .25 and raise you .50". You can't 'call' and 'raise'.
"I see your .25" is the same as saying "I call your .25", which is a call.

Beat me to the punch!

 

[allforcharity]

0.05/0.10 is great blinds and would consider spread upper limit of $1 so no freak outs. NL probably wouldn't fly well here.

Or, do tournaments.

 

[Chrisja77]

I can for sure see that, makes total sense. I updated the rules to reflect and lowered it to a 3 bet max to simplify things for now.

 

[Chrisja77]

0.05/0.10 is great blinds and would consider spread upper limit of $1 so no freak outs. NL probably wouldn't fly well here.

Or, do tournaments.

I definitely plan to do tournaments also but would like to get the cash games started and then decide on a set of tournament chips before walking down that aisle.

 

[allforcharity]

I definitely plan to do tournaments also but would like to get the cash games started and then decide on a set of tournament chips before walking down that aisle.

You can easily do tournaments with cash denom chips, just modify the structure. 0.05, 0.25, 1, 5, 25, 100 are ideal multiples.

 

[Chrisja77]

I would remove the "I see your .25 and raise you .50". You can't 'call' and 'raise'.
"I see your .25" is the same as saying "I call your .25", which is a call.

Nice rule sheet. With my ocd, I prefer to have all the betting information together in a table. Make it easier to find and keep it simple.

You mention things that are considered binding. Break the habit of saying “I see your xxx and raise you XXX.” Your first action at the table is binding. When you speak the first part, “I see your xxx”, you’re done. There is no raising after that because what is binding is you calling the original bet (“I see your xxx”). Same principle is applied if you miss speak your bet amount and push in the wrong chip amount. Your first action is binding.

If you want to raise a bet, simply say “I raise the bet to XXX” or “I raise the bet from 0.25 to 0.50”. There are a couple of ways to verbalize your action for betting, although I think the first one I mention is probably the most common.

Good luck and keep it fun.
Make hotdog sandwiches.

Just added a new rules sheet above this to reflect the raise wording issue. I completely see why…goes back to the loose unorganized way I was taught and don’t want to pass along!

And I have a hotdog roller in my Amazon cart…just trying to convince my wife that that’s not going overboard for poker nights! Hahaha

 

[Chrisja77]

You can easily do tournaments with cash denom chips, just modify the structure. 0.05, 0.25, 1, 5, 25, 100 are ideal multiples.

Could is one thing. But they would have so much more fun with big stakes chips flying around looking like a high roller that I think a separate set is almost required. Lol

 

[bigdonkey]

I would have a list of acceptable games to be played, otherwise someone is gonna call some cockamamie game they haven't played in a decade, and remember (or misremember) a rule in the middle of the hand.

 

[Bacon Dad]

@Chrisja77
Give this website a look. There's a lot of good info here. Check out the info on Robert's Rules of Poker.

I hope this link works.
https://homepokertourney.org/

 

[TheYeti]

I don't like the out of turn action is binding rule. I have never been in a poker room where that is the rule. Definitely not the rule at my home game.

You say rebuys can be any amount under $40. What if I have $32 on the table, can I add another $40 for a total of $72? I would re-word that to say "you may rebuy at anytime to increase your stack up to the max buyin ($40)".

If you are playing .05/.10 stakes, rounding down to the nearest dollar at cashout could be taking a good chunk of someone's winnings, no? I would make a trip to the bank and get a few rolls of nickels, dimes and quarters for your bank. I would also encourage the players to bring change with them.

 

[Chrisja77]

I don't like the out of turn action is binding rule. I have never been in a poker room where that is the rule. Definitely not the rule at my home game.

You say rebuys can be any amount under $40. What if I have $32 on the table, can I add another $40 for a total of $72? I would re-word that to say "you may rebuy at anytime to increase your stack up to the max buyin ($40)".

If you are playing .05/.10 stakes, rounding down to the nearest dollar at cashout could be taking a good chunk of someone's winnings, no? I would make a trip to the bank and get a few rolls of nickels, dimes and quarters for your bank. I would also encourage the players to bring change with them.

Interesting thoughts and I don’t disagree.

 

[upNdown]

I don't like the out of turn action is binding rule. I have never been in a poker room where that is the rule. Definitely not the rule at my home game.

Really? That's a pretty standard rule everywhere, in my experience.

 

[Eriks]

Really? That's a pretty standard rule everywhere, in my experience.

Agreed. Could easily be used to angle otherwise.

 

[TheYeti]

Really? That's a pretty standard rule everywhere, in my experience.

Agreed. Could easily be used to angle otherwise.

You guys may be right, I haven't played that much in casinos (maybe 3 dozen times) and it's never came up at the tables I've played. Guys in my home game do it fairly often, especially later on in the evening after the adult beverages have been flowing. I don't hold it against them, I just tell 'em to take it back.

 

[merkong]

Unpopular opinion, I think it’s too much. Start simple. I sort of dislike the vast majority of it. I might be inclined to dissect it but suffice it to say you have beginners. One buyin amount, a lot of it is common etiquette and they’ll learn, stick to Hold’em if they’re new etc etc.

Good for you for spreading a game. It’s awesome.

As for the add on rule. We simplified. Find the big stack, determine what half of that is, that’s what you can add. Even if the “adder” is only a few bucks short of the big stack. If they’re new and as you say spooked by losing big money, you won’t be adding on often.

Keep it simple. The list of house rules is good to have but as a host I don’t want to come off as militant.

Good luck.

 

[Machine]

As for the add on rule. We simplified. Find the big stack, determine what half of that is, that’s what you can add. Even if the “adder” is only a few bucks short of the big stack. If they’re new and as you say spooked by losing big money, you won’t be adding on often.

For a 'Family' or 'Friendly' game I would not match 1/2 stack, this is actually an advantage for better players, and you should not do it. Stick with your max buyin for rebuys

I agree with @merkong as to a lot of it being too much.

1) The game is for fun ... You don't need this, you're stakes will set the tone for fun.
2) All chips must be purchased from the house.. if you need to explain that people can't bring their own chips to put in the game, then you might reconsider giving an aptitude test prior to allowing them to play.
3) I wouldn't list this, I would set the expectation of cash and if they are short later you can spot them if they send the funds electronically, but that would be a convo
4) "Going South" - we've had good convo on this, and Either put it in, or let them go south =) noting this for reconsideration.
6) I wouldn't put it on the sheet, I would STERNLY warn the first person that I seen doing it.
8) I would take this off, and let it be a convo at the start of the game
9) Too verbose, shorten it
11) Too verbose, shorten it
13) I wouldn't list this
15) I wouldn't list this
16) Too verbose, shorten it

 

[Machine]

P.S. also this

and this

 

[merkong]

“For a 'Family' or 'Friendly' game I would not match 1/2 stack, this is actually an advantage for better players, and you should not do it. Stick with your max buyin for rebuys”

I agree with you for the family/friendly setting. Our game has evolved into an Uber competitive low stakes affair. Good advice.

 

[Machine]

I agree with you for the family/friendly setting. Our game has evolved into an Uber competitive low stakes affair. Good advice.

My game is competitive, and there is a LOT of action, most of my guys only play at my game, I'd say I have about 7 core guys, so I'm only filling 2 or 3 per game.

Well I also have friends or players that play with me in other games like 2 to 3 times a week, and I like to have them in the game occasionally. The first thing they complain about is, can I match stack or can I re-buy for 2x, 'No'.

My buy-in has evolved based on the players, 20-80 buy in (.25/.5), about 3 hours later you can buy in for 100. I typically buy in for 40 at the start, as does one other player, everyone else max buys all night.

 

[Eriks]

You guys may be right, I haven't played that much in casinos (maybe 3 dozen times) and it's never came up at the tables I've played. Guys in my home game do it fairly often, especially later on in the evening after the adult beverages have been flowing. I don't hold it against them, I just tell 'em to take it back.

I agree on not policing too hard amongst a group of friends. But it’s worth keeping an eye on repeat offenders. I almost always try to judge these things on intent. Except on the one chip rule. It’s come up and been explained so many times at this point, so I just say ”call” every time.

 

[Chrisja77]

Y’all are probably right with the too many rules criticism and keeping it fun with family…I was just trying to prepare them for when they had the chance to play elsewhere since that’s a luxury I never had. I’ll revisit this and get stricter as needed.

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

Y’all are probably right with the too many rules criticism and keeping it fun with family…I was just trying to prepare them for when they had the chance to play elsewhere since that’s a luxury I never had. I’ll revisit this and get stricter as needed.

I understand this mentality but warn against it: I did the same exact thing. But was told/realized/learned 90% of my players don't play elsewhere and just have a blast at my game and that makes me happy!

 

[springbox]

I've never bothered with a rule page even for beginners because I figure no one's going to really read it, and it might seem a bit intimidating. If you are going to use one, I'd keep it very short to only the most key points, such that anyone could read and understand it in a few minutes maximum. List the min/max buy, the blinds, the game type, and one or two important bits of rules/etiquette. Most things you can explain in the game. Like the one chip rule, I wouldn't write it down, I would tell people as the game plays. If someone fucks up and is trying to raise with 1 chip without saying anything, I would remind them about the 1 chip rule, but be lenient and let them take the action they clearly intended to. Same goes for things like string betting, protecting your cards, etc. Call it out gently when it comes up, rule on it in a friendly manner, but remind people what the expected behavior is. Stuff like that comes up decently often when I play, someone will try to raise for less than the allowable amount (betting will go, 25c -> 75c, then someone will try to raise to $1 for... some reason), I'll tell them it's not a legal raise but allow them to either call or make a legal raise. A lot of rules are designed to discourage angling or enhance clarity, with newbies at a home game I think it's fine to not be too strict.

 

[Eriks]

I've never bothered with a rule page even for beginners because I figure no one's going to really read it, and it might seem a bit intimidating. If you are going to use one, I'd keep it very short to only the most key points, such that anyone could read and understand it in a few minutes maximum. List the min/max buy, the blinds, the game type, and one or two important bits of rules/etiquette. Most things you can explain in the game. Like the one chip rule, I wouldn't write it down, I would tell people as the game plays. If someone fucks up and is trying to raise with 1 chip without saying anything, I would remind them about the 1 chip rule, but be lenient and let them take the action they clearly intended to. Same goes for things like string betting, protecting your cards, etc. Call it out gently when it comes up, rule on it in a friendly manner, but remind people what the expected behavior is. Stuff like that comes up decently often when I play, someone will try to raise for less than the allowable amount (betting will go, 25c -> 75c, then someone will try to raise to $1 for... some reason), I'll tell them it's not a legal raise but allow them to either call or make a legal raise. A lot of rules are designed to discourage angling or enhance clarity, with newbies at a home game I think it's fine to not be too strict.

Exactly how I do it. Detailed written rules are only going to be read and fully understood by those that already know them anyway.

 

[TX_Golf_N_Poker]

Could is one thing. But they would have so much more fun with big stakes chips flying around looking like a high roller that I think a separate set is almost required. Lol

You are 100% correct and I'm really surprised that anyone here would suggest using the same chips for both cash games and tournaments. That's usually one of the first things long time PCFers warn n00bies not to do.

You are on the right track with all this organization and planning. For years I played nothing but nickel dime cash games with family and close friends. Those were simpler times and that style of poker is a lot of fun and very social. Best of luck with your game, and do keep us up to date on how it develops.

 

[SteveEH]

I agree with others that say keep it simple. If people are brand new I send them a YouTube before and we do a couple of practice hands at the beginning. I ask them to trust me to handle things that come up through the night (like an exposed card during dealing etc.).

Here's an example of the rules I communicate on the invite:

Hold'em ONLY until they know the basics.

 

[Machine]

Have you had a game yet?