Homegame Host - how would you? (1 Viewer)

[Tom]

Hi, How do you host a homegame? Does everyone bring their own drinks? Do you make them available - how would you prefer to be a guest of someone as a friend?

 

[trigs]

Most home games I go to will offer water/coffee and maybe chips. Most are BYOB and BYOS.

I personally offer water/coffee and sometimes beer, and I try to provide some food (pizza, hotdogs, chips, etc.). For the most part I am trying to entice people to come to my home game. I don't have a big list of regulars in the area and many others from other cities aren't willing to drive to my city to play (at least not yet). I enjoy hosting and I'll offer some food and beverages to keep my players coming back. Most of the time I'll receive a few bucks for donations when players are cashing out at the end of the night as a thank you for hosting and providing drinks/snacks.

 

[detroitdad]

I provide top shelf chips, tables, and company ( well, maybe middle shelf company). I also provide bourbon because that is my primary drink of choice. I also put out water and snacks.

My guests usually bring some beer and more snacks.

 

[Tom]

All Right - Yeah sound like regular Things @home when Friends are coming ...

 

[detroitdad]

All Right - Yeah sound like regular Things @home when Friends are coming ...

I consider most, if not all the guys in my home cash game as friends.

 

[Dr Lecterr]

I have a small fridge stocked with sodas and water. Always put out snacks, candy and chips. 90% of the time I have food. I let everyone just put money in a donation jar. I mostly cover the costs with that money.

 

[Darson]

I always supply food (as does anyone who hosts) but this is usually hotdogs or pizza so max outlay is ~$50. There are also bags of chips etc. Most people bring their own alcohol and they leave behind what they don't finish so the fridge seems to accumulate beer!

Of course, I do have one delinquent friend who will raid my XO shelf if he gets knocked out early. Luckily he has nice booze at his house that I help myself to when I'm there

 

[detroitdad]

All of the michigan hosts are awesome. @Azcat is right there with the best of them.

 

[Lemonzest]

You need to make it sustainable for yourself too. If you are stalking the beer fridge every week that can add up. I have a friend that offers a full stocked bar and a beer on tap all free of charge. It is nice to have access to a full bar for free but most average guys can't afford to do that on a regular basis.

Usually it is BYOB but if someone forgets beers they can help themselves.

I have found coordinating poker nights around large UFC events is really fun. We had a great time this past Saturday as there was a great UFC event so we were playing poker and betting on the fights too. You might have a different sport to follow like soccer or football...whatever makes for a fun environment to get together.

 

[Advocate]

The home games I play break down into 2 categories.

1- Chips/snacks are bought by host or different guys are tasked w bringing chips, water, pop, etc..

These are smaller games.

2- Full dinner is ordered in, one guy buys alcohol, another buys water, desert etc... everyone brings bills for what they bought. We total all up. And rake from game. Then pay out whats owed. Sometimes, we even get a dealer and rake his/her cost. Plus tip.

These are obviously bigger games.

 

[JustinInMN]

I usually make a cooler of punch and have water out as well. I encourage players to bring their own drinks and snacks. If it's a long game I usually organize a pizza buy.

 

[codeman00]

I guess I’m opposite of most. I’m completely against holding a regular game where there is a chance where I can lose a substantial amount of money and pay for everyone’s food and beverage. It doesn’t make sense to me after I’ve paid to furnish everything else. Everyone has money and can take care of their own; it’s not up to me to shell out cash every night when everyone has cash in their pocket.

That being said, my game is BYOB, with pizza being ordered and everyone chipping in for their share of pizza. If there are leftover snacks, etc that we need to get rid of, I’ll set those out but I’m never the one to go buy a bunch of stuff. Set up the expectation and the game will fall into place.

 

[Highli99]

The better the environment you can make as a host, the more players will enjoy the game (even when losing). The more players you have the more selective you can be with invites and basically curate a really good crowd. A competitive, friendly home game is truly something special that is rarely replicated in casinos.

So it's totally up to you, and everyone has different means. To each their own and do what works best for you and your game.

For me, the cost of hosting has been more than covered by the fun experiences of playing poker with friends.

A hot dog roller is highly recommended.

 

[abby99]

When i host, I prefer to provide the chips/cards/table-friendly snacks (i.e, not greasy) myself. I also provide bottled water, some beer, and some soda. Anyone who wants something not listed on the invitation needs to bring their own.

 

[Rhodeman77]

Here is a thread about my home game.

https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/rhodeman77’s-cash-games-pics-and-stories.32215/

 

[jcooper911]

I always grab an 18 pack of Miller Lite, but its technically BYOB so people usually bring theirs - mine is just a supplement for if we are short or people forget or whatever. I also have soft drinks for the couple of players that dont drink.

Pizza we just order in and I will usually just take a small amount ($5 odd) from each person who wants some but i will pay half usually.

 

[honkydevil]

I try to make a nice spread of snacks/appetizers: deviled eggs, lil smokies, chips n salsa, veggie tray, cook a pizza. I still need a hot dog roller. I’ll have a few bottles of bourbon, rye, a case of light beer, water, iced tea.

I think it’s nice to just have everything there. I personally would rather donate money than have to byob my own stuff to go to a home game.

 

[Rhodeman77]

I try to make a nice spread of snacks/appetizers: deviled eggs, lil smokies, chips n salsa, veggie tray, cook a pizza. I still need a hot dog roller. I’ll have a few bottles of bourbon, rye, a case of light beer, water, iced tea.

I think it’s nice to just have everything there. I personally would rather donate money than have to byob my own stuff to go to a home game.

Agree 100%. I’ve never had a player complain about $1 per hand I collect to cover everything provided.

 

[honkydevil]

Agree 100%. I’ve never had a player complain about $1 per hand I collect to cover everything provided.

I would like that because win or lose you don’t have to worry how much to tip.

 

[JustinInMN]

Agree 100%. I’ve never had a player complain about $1 per hand I collect to cover everything provided.

I think this is what it comes down to, if I am paying a rake in a home game, I expect a lot provided.

If the game isn't raked, I will tip the host, especially if I take anything provided.

I don't object to raked games, but I would hate to be in a jurisdiction where the authorities have a stick up their ass.

I don't provide a ton because we play pretty low and I just can't expect big tips when I host.

 

[FDLmold]

Get a hot dog roller. Everything else is secondary!

 

[DrStrange]

The players are my guests. I provided drinks & snacks for short week night games and a full dinner for weekend games. The players often chip in some cash or bring extra stuff for the feast. I don't break even, nor do I expect to. We host ~40 games in my home each year and subsidize the game ~$2,000 each year.

The spread

• DrStrange
• Feb 3, 2016

Blueberry cobbler & Blue Bell ice cream

• DrStrange
• Feb 3, 2016

It is all about the fun! -=- DrStrange

PS: Same thing when we host family Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter etc. We don't come close to covering costs.

 

[Moxie Mike]

The better the environment you can make as a host, the more players will enjoy the game (even when losing). The more players you have the more selective you can be with invites and basically curate a really good crowd. A competitive, friendly home game is truly something special that is rarely replicated in casinos.

So it's totally up to you, and everyone has different means. To each their own and do what works best for you and your game.

For me, the cost of hosting has been more than covered by the fun experiences of playing poker with friends.

***hot dog roller remark intentionally omitted ***

This.

If you're hosting a card game - and good for you for taking the initiative - my opinion is that you are obligated to make sure your guests are comfortable. This means decent cards, decent chips, decent table/chairs, etc. This also means basic snacks and beverages.

In our* game, we start at 7 so dinner isn't a consideration. But I always make sure there's water, a handful of beers, some pretzels, etc. for people to enjoy. I don't deliberately make sure there's 8 different flavors of Heineken on hand, but if I see we're getting low on something, I'll pick it up before the game. There's an understanding amongst the group that everything in the fridge or on the snack table is fair game, and if you bring something it's fair game for all.

We also have sort of a tradition where last week's tournament winner brings something like a $20 bottle of liquor or something tasty for the room. Which reminds me... since I won last time, I better make a stop

*Yes I said 'our' game. Even though it's my space and equipment, the game belongs to everyone.

 

[Advocate]

The players are my guests. I provided drinks & snacks for short week night games and a full dinner for weekend games. The players often chip in some cash or bring extra stuff for the feast. I don't break even, nor do I expect to. We host ~40 games in my home each year and subsidize the game ~$2,000 each year.

The spread

• DrStrange
• Feb 3, 2016

Blueberry cobbler & Blue Bell ice cream

• DrStrange
• Feb 3, 2016

It is all about the fun! -=- DrStrange

PS: Same thing when we host family Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter etc. We don't come close to covering costs.

I get that. Its very generous of you.
But the other 8 or 9 players that you host every week on your dime, are also enjoying themselves. They get the use of your home, table, cards, chips, food and drinks. Its Not like a family holiday dinner. Its a Weekly event. I wouldnt even feel comfortable w you fronting all that every week. There is absolutely nothing wrong w splitting the food and drinks 9-10 ways. Its $20 a head max, in most cases.

As far as the legalities of “rake”. This isnt profit rake. No one is profiting on the game. Theres no Molly Bloom here. The total rake amount is exactly equal to the expense of food and drink. Everyone confirms and agrees.

 

[Old State]

Since I tend to personally like most of the people I play cards with, I host the same way I would if people were coming over for drinks, etc. Many bring their own beer or booze but I also have a fully stocked bar and two beers on tap plus cans and bottles. Also bottles of water.

For poker I never cook anything and just have snacks out. My major concern with food is that it’s not messy or greasy. I don’t want that crap near my cards and chips. Years ago there was a regular who used to often come right from work with a some kind of messy sandwich. The first time he did it he tried to sit at the table and eat a meatball hoagie. I politely asked him “what the f##k is the matter with you?” and told him to sit at a fold up table I had and wash his hands before he entered the game. He kind of laughed and said “you serious?” . I kind of laughed and asked him the exact same thing.

 

[codeman00]

I get that. Its very generous of you.
But the other 8 or 9 players that you host every week on your dime, are also enjoying themselves. They get the use of your home, table, cards, chips, food and drinks. Its Not like a family holiday dinner. Its a Weekly event. I wouldnt even feel comfortable w you fronting all that every week. There is absolutely nothing wrong w splitting the food and drinks 9-10 ways. Its $20 a head max, in most cases.

As far as the legalities of “rake”. This isnt profit rake. No one is profiting on the game. Theres no Molly Bloom here. The total rake amount is exactly equal to the expense of food and drink. Everyone confirms and agrees.

Very generous indeed. I’d never miss that game either if food and drinks were always paid for me. Why would I go anywhere else?

The problem is there are a lot of people that will take advantage of a situation if allowed too. Some (like me) will always offer $ to help out. But I feel bad for the host that some players just walk out freeloading for the night and it especially sucks when I feel like I need to give more to help out.

 

[FlushBlack]

I'll host a game around any big fights being beamed in, and Anzac Day (next week) every year. I supply the nice chips, table, food (good BBQ) and a place to sleep it over if need be. I expect my punters to bring their own drinks and a spare shirt.

 

[Tom]

I always supply food (as does anyone who hosts) but this is usually hotdogs or pizza so max outlay is ~$50. There are also bags of chips etc. Most people bring their own alcohol and they leave behind what they don't finish so the fridge seems to accumulate beer!

Of course, I do have one delinquent friend who will raid my XO shelf if he gets knocked out early. Luckily he has nice booze at his house that I help myself to when I'm there

All Right

 

[Tom]

I'll host a game around any big fights being beamed in, and Anzac Day (next week) every year. I supply the nice chips, table, food (good BBQ) and a place to sleep it over if need be. I expect my punters to bring their own drinks and a spare shirt.

Also good - but are you still concentraded while Playing?

 

[Tom]

Since I tend to personally like most of the people I play cards with, I host the same way I would if people were coming over for drinks, etc. Many bring their own beer or booze but I also have a fully stocked bar and two beers on tap plus cans and bottles. Also bottles of water.

For poker I never cook anything and just have snacks out. My major concern with food is that it’s not messy or greasy. I don’t want that crap near my cards and chips. Years ago there was a regular who used to often come right from work with a some kind of messy sandwich. The first time he did it he tried to sit at the table and eat a meatball hoagie. I politely asked him “what the f##k is the matter with you?” and told him to sit at a fold up table I had and wash his hands before he entered the game. He kind of laughed and said “you serious?” . I kind of laughed and asked him the exact same thing.

Sure...maybe for me its the same