Home Game Rules (1 Viewer)

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I am working out a paper for my Cash Game (No Limit Holdem 0.10/0.25). Any suggestions ? Things to add?

Here are my rules so far:

-Buy In 40 - 300 BB, Rebuy can be done up to 75% of the biggest Stack.

-Generally we take the rules of Roberts. If anything happends that isn't in Roberts, I decide.

-Multiple Running is possible (max 4 times) and both players agree

-In a coinflip situation it is allowed to split the pot

-You can't buy chips during a hand in which you are involved.

-to avoid hit and run, please announce you exit 1 hours before you leave.

-If a player cashes out and wants to return later, he has to bring at least the same amount of money again to the table

-If a player gives credit to another for player it is there own thing. I don't take any responsability for that.

-If all players agree we can do a Straddle

-Please handle chips, cards, table carefully

-3 strikes rules: if you missbehave (calling names ect) you get a strike. 3 strikes and you are out for
 
I am working out a paper for my Cash Game (No Limit Holdem 0.10/0.25). Any suggestions ? Things to add?

Here are my rules so far:

-Buy In 40 - 300 BB, Rebuy can be done up to 75% of the biggest Stack.

-Generally we take the rules of Roberts. If anything happends that isn't in Roberts, I decide.

-Multiple Running is possible (max 4 times) and both players agree

-In a coinflip situation it is allowed to split the pot

-You can't buy chips during a hand in which you are involved.

-to avoid hit and run, please announce you exit 1 hours before you leave.

-If a player cashes out and wants to return later, he has to bring at least the same amount of money again to the table

-If a player gives credit to another for player it is there own thing. I don't take any responsability for that.

-If all players agree we can do a Straddle

-Please handle chips, cards, table carefully

-3 strikes rules: if you missbehave (calling names ect) you get a strike. 3 strikes and you are out for
I don't know if I like the rule of being able to split the pot in a coin flip situation. I think it could cause some issues. At least specifically designate the percentages for what constitutes a coin flip in your opinion. For example, something like 45%-55% or closer, because when we say coin flip in poker it's rarely exactly 50%-50%. Does 60%-40% still count as a coin flip?

Also, the announcing one hour before leaving seems like a lot. What if someone gets an emergency call from home? I don't have a hard rule as I've never had hit and run issues at my home game, and players are pretty good with providing a warning before hand. Personally, I'll announce my leaving an orbit or two early.
 
Any rules to spice up the game like bomb pots? Those are typically a hit at all the home games I've hosted.
 
Any rules to spice up the game like bomb pots? Those are typically a hit at all the home games I've hosted.
What does your group use for bomb pots? In both my regular recreational events and in more serious games, I have found bomb pots to have very little (<5%) effect on bet sizing.
 
Typically we'll have everyone put in 3-5 BB, which makes the pot HUGE, even in 6 player games.
I’m looking to introduce some new variations when my home games kick off again. Bomb pits sounds fun, also things like double boards, crazy pineapple. I’d like to introduce mixed games but not sure a lot of my guys would pick them up.

question on bomb pots - how often do you play them? Every X orbits, once an hour? Thanks
 
Any rules to spice up the game like bomb pots? Those are typically a hit at all the home games I've hosted.
I award a "bomb pot" chip that can be deployed at any time during the session to the first player to win with a full house or higher every cash game. Spices things up once in a while. We do bomb pots with that and last hand of the night.
 
I’m looking to introduce some new variations when my home games kick off again. Bomb pits sounds fun, also things like double boards, crazy pineapple. I’d like to introduce mixed games but not sure a lot of my guys would pick them up.

question on bomb pots - how often do you play them? Every X orbits, once an hour? Thanks
We do them every other orbit +1, that way the same person doesn't get the button every time.
 
Everyone once in a while I like to spice things up when I host a game (we take turns hosting, there is pizza and the typical poker fare). One night I bought 4 $5 scratch off tickets and would "splash" the pot on the hour WITH the bomb pot. That was actually a lot of fun, but no big scratch off winners that night. WHen playing hold em for an entire night I think it is important to add some new like bomb pots, random straddles, and what have you. have fun with it!

PS

One night we had a new guy and he did not know what a bomb pot was. We explained and he was like "im not playing bomb pots..." This sucked the air out of the room and made things somewhat awkward. DONT BE THAT GUY lol
 
I am working out a paper for my Cash Game (No Limit Holdem 0.10/0.25). Any suggestions ? Things to add?

Here are my rules so far:

-Buy In 40 - 300 BB, Rebuy can be done up to 75% of the biggest Stack.

-Generally we take the rules of Roberts. If anything happends that isn't in Roberts, I decide.

-Multiple Running is possible (max 4 times) and both players agree

-In a coinflip situation it is allowed to split the pot

-You can't buy chips during a hand in which you are involved.

-to avoid hit and run, please announce you exit 1 hours before you leave.

-If a player cashes out and wants to return later, he has to bring at least the same amount of money again to the table

-If a player gives credit to another for player it is there own thing. I don't take any responsability for that.

-If all players agree we can do a Straddle

-Please handle chips, cards, table carefully

-3 strikes rules: if you missbehave (calling names ect) you get a strike. 3 strikes and you are out for
No mistreatment of players or dealers...is key...!!!
 
comments in red

-Buy In 40 - 300 BB, Rebuy can be done up to 75% of the biggest Stack. 300bb is already big. Do you really need the 75% rule? just a thought.

-Generally we take the rules of Roberts. If anything happends that isn't in Roberts, I decide. "Robert's rules of poker apply unless otherwise stated here" should do it

-Multiple Running is possible (max 4 times) and both players agree "Running it twice is allowed" 4 times??? no thanks

-In a coinflip situation it is allowed to split the pot Running twice will reduce variance. I would leave this out. Also, if people are looking to reduce variance, reduce the max buy ins. At some point, you gotta play cards.

-You can't buy chips during a hand in which you are involved. Surely covered in RROP. Redundant statement, unless your players need this really drilled home

-to avoid hit and run, please announce you exit 1 hours before you leave. "Please announce your intent to exit 1 hours before you leave" would be a more friendly way of accomplishing same goal.

-If a player cashes out and wants to return later, he has to bring at least the same amount of money again to the table "NO RAT-HOLING" Honestly, not really an issue in most home games, you could probably leave this out and handle case by case.

-If a player gives credit to another for player it is there own thing. I don't take any responsability for that. "House does not give credit" then let players figure it out on their own

-If all players agree we can do a Straddle I would recommend either allowing a single straddle or just saying NO Straddles. Getting 9 players to agree on straddles will never happen....I guarantee at least 3 want them and at least 3 don't, whether they admit it or not.

-Please handle chips, cards, table carefully YUP

-3 strikes rules: if you missbehave (calling names ect) you get a strike. 3 strikes and you are out for 3 strikes rule: If your behavior warrants 3 corrections, you will be _____________" (banished/burned at stake/taunted a second time/given a pacifier and made to play with it in your mouth). Insert your favorite and roll with it.
 
A couple other things to consider in your home game rules:
-stance on drinking/smoking/weed
-does cash on table play?
-Your stance on sex on table
 
My #1 home game rule is that home game stakes should be “fun” stakes meaning that the need for hard and fast rules will be mostly unnecessary. Anything from .5/.10 - .50/1 does not usually represent life changing money for anyone and an attempt to put strict rules in place generally just stuffs up the game and makes the game seem more serious than it is to players who are just looking to have fun and drink a few beers.

I also only play with a small circle of friends that I trust and any other players who join are usually vouched for by them. So yeah, sometimes someone will rebuy for like 10 bb’s or want to rabbit hunt or something but at these stakes those things are basically minor annoyances and not a major concern. I’d rather have a full game with people who might be doing some annoying things from time to time than play 4 handed with people who want the perfectly run home game.

If you are playing higher than micro stakes in home games then yes, there should be more strict rules in place. When there is hundreds or thousands of dollars on the table things can get tense even with friends.
 
My #1 home game rule is that home game stakes should be “fun” stakes meaning that the need for hard and fast rules will be mostly unnecessary. Anything from .5/.10 - .50/1 does not usually represent life changing money for anyone and an attempt to put strict rules in place generally just stuffs up the game and makes the game seem more serious than it is to players who are just looking to have fun and drink a few beers.

I also only play with a small circle of friends that I trust and any other players who join are usually vouched for by them. So yeah, sometimes someone will rebuy for like 10 bb’s or want to rabbit hunt or something but at these stakes those things are basically minor annoyances and not a major concern. I’d rather have a full game with people who might be doing some annoying things from time to time than play 4 handed with people who want the perfectly run home game.

If you are playing higher than micro stakes in home games then yes, there should be more strict rules in place. When there is hundreds or thousands of dollars on the table things can get tense even with friends.
I cannot understate how wrong this mindset is.

If a game has set rules, it avoids creating problems. Sure nickel-dime isn't "life changing", but it's beginner stakes. This is where you learn the game. You become comfortable. You develop habits.

It's up to you if you want to develop good or bad habits in your group.

I'd rather be told "you can't pull back a bet" in a game where the mistake costs me 75¢ than learn it later in a casino where the mistake costs me "life changing money".

Rules are there for a reason. They should always be enforced. Nobody should be a dick about enforcing them at low stakes, but they should always be available and enforced.
 
-In a coinflip situation it is allowed to split the pot
I really don’t like this, but maybe it’s the tournament player in me.
What I do know is that if I’ve put a bunch of chips into a multi-way pot, and I end up folding before the river (something that could happen when playing this deep) no way am I okay with the other two guys just chopping up my money.
 
-Generally we take the rules of Roberts. If anything happends that isn't in Roberts, I decide.
This actual rule is in Robert's already :).

2 – HOUSE POLICIES

DECISION-MAKING

1. Taking a seat in a poker game means you agree to abide by the rules for that game and the decision-making process used in it.

2. The proper time to draw attention to an error or irregularity is when it occurs or is first noticed. Any delay may affect the ruling.

3. If an incorrect rule interpretation or decision is made in good faith, there shall be no liability incurred by the decision-maker.

-In a coinflip situation it is allowed to split the pot
I don't think I like this idea one bit. Not only is "coin flip" situation poorly defined, it does lend itself to be exploited for collusion. This is why running multiple times is a far fairer approach.

-If a player gives credit to another for player it is there own thing. I don't take any responsability for that.
Love this rule.
 
I cannot understate how wrong this mindset is.

If a game has set rules, it avoids creating problems. Sure nickel-dime isn't "life changing", but it's beginner stakes. This is where you learn the game. You become comfortable. You develop habits.

It's up to you if you want to develop good or bad habits in your group.

I'd rather be told "you can't pull back a bet" in a game where the mistake costs me 75¢ than learn it later in a casino where the mistake costs me "life changing money".

Rules are there for a reason. They should always be enforced. Nobody should be a dick about enforcing them at low stakes, but they should always be available and enforced.
I agree and to be clear I am not suggesting a no holds barred, anything goes game. If someone were to pull back a bet they would obviously be told that it is not “allowed”. But if it was an honest mistake by someone who just started playing, the person in the pot with them might tell them “hey that’s not really allowed just remember for next time”.

Again, I am referring to home games with friends. Specifically the home games I attend where I know everyone and there is little to no chance of cheating or angle shooting. If your game were filled with unknowns or people trying to learn the game to move up into playing in a casino then it’s a different story and strict rules should be followed.
 
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I agree and to be clear I am not suggesting a no holds barred, anything goes game. If someone were to pull back a bet they would obviously be told that it is not “allowed”. But if it was an honest mistake by someone who just started playing, the person in the pot with them might tell them “hey that’s not really allowed just remember for next time”.

Again, I am referring to home games with friends. Specifically the home games I attend where I know everyone and there is little to no chance of cheating or angle shooting. If your game were filled with unknowns or people trying to learn the game to move up into playing in a casino then it’s a different story and strict rules should be followed.
One of the first poker books I ever read....TBH, don't even remember which one....had this very simple quote: "Rules don't CONfine, they DEfine". The stakes don't matter, what matters is that everyone has the ability to know the rules. DEFINING the house specific rules should never be discounted. So I also respectfully disagree with your stance that "home game stakes do not require such rules"
 
In all modesty, I think I have the right approach when I wrote my rules up.

Brief points of emphasis on the front end, including an explanation of how decisions are made and that a comprehensive rule set is available for consult. There is a more technical page with specific amendments to the rules, but probably not significant.

http://frclub.mygamesonline.org/FreeRiverClubBasic.html

I can really only recall one controversy about a hand dealing with a burn-and-turn in the past few years, and that was settled pretty quickly.

But rules should be treated as a catch-all for just in case. Better to have a place to look and never need it, than the other way around.
 
I agree and to be clear I am not suggesting a no holds barred, anything goes game. If someone were to pull back a bet they would obviously be told that it is not “allowed”. But if it was an honest mistake by someone who just started playing, the person in the pot with them might tell them “hey that’s not really allowed just remember for next time”.
That is a soft, but fair enough way to enforce a rule. My point being that basic rules should not be allowed to slide. Their first string bet, you may let it go, but everyone at the table is then on notice. There is no "everybody gets one". Mistakes are best taught that the action is wrong, then told why the action is wrong. I have had many players feel comfortable speaking up (even in a casino) because they learned in my games what the rule is, and why even simple, "honest mistakes" could be used for cheating.
Again, I am referring to home games with friends. Specifically the home games I attend where I know everyone and there is little to no chance of cheating or angle shooting. If your game were filled with unknowns or people trying to learn the game to move up into playing in a casino then it’s a different story and strict rules should be followed.
You are new, but there are threads around here discussing how people have found "old friends" that cheat - even in low-stakes games.

Besides, you don't know what anyone's view on the future is. Always treat your players with respect, but have them respect the rules. You don't know who will be invited to play elsewhere. Why allow bad habits to develop? There is never, ever, any downside to teaching the proper rules.
 
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One of the first poker books I ever read....TBH, don't even remember which one....had this very simple quote: "Rules don't CONfine, they DEfine". The stakes don't matter, what matters is that everyone has the ability to know the rules. DEFINING the house specific rules should never be discounted. So I also respectfully disagree with your stance that "home game stakes do not require such rules"
I’ve forgotton the golden rule that the internet is a horrible place for a nuanced opinion lol. The sentence “home game stakes do not require such rules” is a massive oversimplification of what I was trying to say but I understand how you can get that from my post.

Listen, at the end of the day we are all on this forum because we love the minutiae and authenticity of the game. If it were up to me, I would have custom paulson chips, a professional dealer, and a designated floorman to clarify any disputes that were to come up. Realistically though I realize I am the minority, at least in my home game where everyone is fine playing with dice chips and old paper cards.

To be clear again, I think it would be crazy to play for any significant amount of money in a home game with random people if there were no strict guidelines in place. My original post was intended to describe the game that’s available to me specifically and is NOT how I would run a game if I were hosting a recurring game with a mixed group of people regardless of the stakes!

And to clarify further, the game I’m referring to is one that I attend not that I host so I guess I was basing my analysis from the point of view of someone who has had to make the game fit me and my standards rather than being able to impose my standards on someone else’s game.
 
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