Home Game Scheduling and Communication (1 Viewer)

[BatteredAggie]

I recently stumbled upon a simple but effective method for contacting my poker group, and I thought I'd share it with the community here. Managing a group of over 20 players for scheduling games has become a bit of a challenge. Standard group text messaging has its limitations (recipient cap of 20 people), and my group isn’t keen on using apps like WhatsApp or GroupMe, nor do they reliably check their emails. Creating a new text thread every time someone leaves or joins the group is a real hassle.

I’ve seen invite tracking sheets mentioned, but they felt too complex for what I needed. Enter iPhone Shortcuts!

Here’s what I do now:

1. I created two “Send Message” shortcuts using the Shortcuts app on my iPhone. One shortcut is for iPhone users (iMessage allows groups up to 32 people), and the other is for Android users.
2. The beauty of this setup is the flexibility. When someone new joins or leaves the group, I simply edit the shortcut’s contact list. No more manually creating new group text threads or juggling multiple apps.
3. When it’s time to send out game updates or invites, I just run the shortcuts, and the messages go out seamlessly to everyone.

For my needs, this method strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and functionality. It’s easier than setting up elaborate systems or sheets or apps and saves me the headache of re-organizing group texts every time there’s a change in the lineup.

If you’re facing similar challenges with managing your poker game invites, give this a try! I’d love to hear if it helps or if anyone has other creative solutions.

 

[Machine]

I don't like apples options, on Android you can send 1 message to multiple people not in a group as a group message. It breaks it up into individual sms texts

I'll explore the shortcuts options on iPhone as I prefer it over Android

 

[jayfiggy]

Definitely going to be trying this out! My group seems eerily similar in terms of not checking email, not wanting to use WhatsApp etc…

 

[DeeVee8]

I send out a google form to all members via individual email and I post the link on my group's website. I can also send the google form link via text. Players RSVP and it creates a spreadsheet that everyone can see.

http://www.voodoopoker.club/calendar.html

 

[Machine]

I found this walkthrough and it really does the trick.

I want to add in a custom date from the calendar app, but I haven't figured that out yet.
Figured it out, you have to add a Date action, then you can call the Date action in the Text block.

@BatteredAggie thanks for posting this, it changed my life!!!

More of a quick start guide
Create a group in your contact list, add contacts

Go into iOS Shortcuts, Add 'Find All contacts where' select Group is ContactListName
Repeat with each item in Contacts
Add Date -> Specified Date January 1
Add Text Block -> Type message and reference the Date variable
Sent Text to Repeat Item (Contact)
end repeat

it is easier than you think...

 

[ItsAlwaysLupus]

I use an app called partiful. That is pretty handy. It will send out invites via mass text. When they click the text it takes them to invite. I co-host a 2 table cash night and host my own single table cash game once a month. For the 2 tables it's good because it's first come first serve and it will create a waitlist even so if we have people drop out we can add the next person up. Since I've started using it 3 other players have picked it up for their games.

You an also send custom messages out too. I always send a reminder text on the Monday before my Friday games. It's remarkable how many grown adults don't put stuff on their calendars. Whenever I send reminders we always get 1 or 2 "ah I double booked and have to drop" messages back.

 

[GR_]

My group uses a discord server to coordinate our games. Me and one other person trade off hosting and the regulars indicate their interest/availability for that week's game. New players are reached out to individually, but if they become a regular in the game they are invited to the discord group.

 

[Preditor]

I use an app called partiful. That is pretty handy. It will send out invites via mass text. When they click the text it takes them to invite. I co-host a 2 table cash night and host my own single table cash game once a month. For the 2 tables it's good because it's first come first serve and it will create a waitlist even so if we have people drop out we can add the next person up. Since I've started using it 3 other players have picked it up for their games.

You an also send custom messages out too. I always send a reminder text on the Monday before my Friday games. It's remarkable how many grown adults don't put stuff on their calendars. Whenever I send reminders we always get 1 or 2 "ah I double booked and have to drop" messages back.

I second Partiful. Text based, and wonderful little app. Required people to sign up, but one of the easiest sign ups ever (just a phone number).

 

[erdried]

Smart suggestions here!