Hosting a .25/.25 cash game & providing food, tips? (1 Viewer)

[Booshme]

Hey guys, just looking for experienced feedback!
I’m hosting my first legit game .25 / .25 unlimited rebuys.
I bought a hotdog roller and will be providing beverages coffees and dogs (no beer / alcohol though) out of my own pocket, I’m not going to charge anyone per dog or anything like that but I was thinking of making it “cash outs round down rule” like 27.75 gets rounds to 27, do you guys think that’s fair?
There will be around 6-8 people, and I like to be generous and love to be a thoughtful host. I also don’t want to shell out money each time where I’m just paying for everyone’s food. Would it be in bad taste to have a small sign saying “donations appreciated” “tip if you feel like it” or something like that? For smaller games with my close group of friends, usually 4 players max I don’t mind and I usually end up ahead (I’m the most experienced player among them), but for bigger games I just don’t want to catch a resentment, ya know? The guys invited for the bigger game I know and are pretty considerate, I just don’t want to turn anyone off from what should be a good time.

Any advice or tips to make it a more enjoyable experience would be appreciated. My apartment isn’t the most spacious due to mainly a huge lazy boy sectional lol, so I want to make sure the space that I do have is well-attended to and thoughtful for my guests.

Here’s the flyer I made for it, if anyone has constructive feedback on that I’m happy to hear it, too.

 

[Mushmanchuman]

You’ll always end up rounding down unless you use actual change. Besides that I wouldn’t push for tips involving the food/beverages. If you are offering that as a perk to get people to your game then you eat the costs. If your players are cool they will kick you down a few bucks.

Maybe do the weeks winner buys the food for the next game. But, that sounds like you on most nights.

 

[detroitdad]

I always round down. Players usually throw in a couple bucks. At least half the players throw in additional money to help out with bourbon and snacks. Run a consistent game in everything will work itself out

 

[btbmason]

If it’s just a friendly game, I’d say just be honest with the players about expectations.

“Hey everyone, I bought this hot dog roller for us to use during poker nights but could use some help with providing the food.”

Whether that be tips, rotating supplier of dogs/buns, etc.

A lot of people chalk it up to the cost of hosting, but not everyone is in the same financial position. Friends will generally help however they can if they know help is needed.

 

[Beakertwang]

Communicating up front is key. Our host always has some snacks (granola bars, chips, etc) and drinks (soda, beer, some liquor), and just asks $1 for snacks and sodas, $2 for beer, and $3 or $4 for liquor/mixed drinks. Everyone is happy to pitch in. I usually bring my own food and drink, but I tip, especially when I win.

 

[upNdown]

Something about including that rounding down language on the flyer feels really awkward.
Personally I’m prepared to eat the costs of hot dogs and non-alcoholic drinks for my guests. What are we talking about - $20-$25?
I round down and some guys leave tips and that usually doesn’t cover my expenses completely and I’m fine with that. Small price to pay for hosting a fun night.
I don’t see any problem with putting out a sign that says “please leave a buck for a hot dog” if that’s what you want. I won’t do it, but like I said, I’ve accepted laying out $25 to feed the guests.

 

[Nymor]

I provide soft drinks and snacks and a great setup (imho). In cash games we round down to the nearest £5 which normally results in £5/10 for the house and if there are big winners on the day I unsubtly remind players that tips are welcome

 

[PhilLaFond]

I think just do what you're comfortable with, and what feels right for your group of players. For me personally, like another poster said, I'm always prepared to eat the costs of food, soft drinks, beer, mixers, etc. But almost all of my players either bring something to add to the snacks or beer, occasionally a nice bottle of whiskey, or just slip me a few bucks when they leave. Never expected, but always appreciated is the way I go.

 

[chippitydoodah]

First off the max you'll get is .75 each giving you a whopping $6. If this is significant then maybe "gambling" isn't something you should do with your money. Enjoy hosting. Enjoy using your chips. Enjoy not having to drive to and from another's game. That's worth way more than $25 for snacks & drinks in my opinion.

 

[TricycleClub]

My games are a little bigger ($1/$1 of were playing mixed games or $1/$3 if its Holdem). I provide a variety of drinks and snacks. Some players bring their own and/or we order food together during the game. We’ve been playing together for a while and it’s become customary to tip a few bucks to the host (I.e. if I’m cashing out for $357, I may tip $7 if I’m up or $2 if I’m down, or more if I know the host had a bad night at the table). I’m definitely on the side of eating the cost of providing food and beverage. Being able to host a regular game with a solid group of players is well worth it. I wouldn’t put the “round down” on the flyer. I think making a general announcement before the game and as players arrive is best. And definitely be OK if you have a buddy who ran bad and doesn’t end up tipping. With that being said, bankrolls vary but I think it would be assumed in a .25/.25 game that rounding down would occur. However, as the host I would always be prepared for the guy who’s looking to cash out his quarter(s). Just make sure he doesn't get an invite to the next game LOL

 

[Machine]

Welcome!​

Post your flyer on our flyer thread here (also check out others)

We have a what do you server at your poker game thread here

Something about including that rounding down language on the flyer feels really awkward.

Same, I wouldn't really put it on the flyer, I would explain when cashing ppl out, I don't pay out anything less than a dollar. If they get weird about it, offer everyone to toss in the less than a dollar change and play a showdown hand of a crazy circus game, or double board PLO.
Again this is normal and I wouldn't call it out, IF you have a player that really cares about .75, they aren't likely to be a player.

There is a New Member thread in my signature that you might find informative.

 

[upNdown]

Communicating up front is key. Our host always has some snacks (granola bars, chips, etc) and drinks (soda, beer, some liquor), and just asks $1 for snacks and sodas, $2 for beer, and $3 or $4 for liquor/mixed drinks. Everyone is happy to pitch in. I usually bring my own food and drink, but I tip, especially when I win.

Wow! Why isn’t everybody doing this? For all the talk we do around here about tipping or raking to cover costs, this is the perfect solution.
If the host doesn’t want to foot the bill for the food and drink, make the charges clear! No need to pretend that’s not what’s happening, by having a light rake or a hospitality charge. Be upfront and clear. As a guy who is happy to bring his own beer and doesn’t need to be fed, this is perfect.

 

[Booshme]

You’ll always end up rounding down unless you use actual change. Besides that I wouldn’t push for tips involving the food/beverages. If you are offering that as a perk to get people to your game then you eat the costs. If your players are cool they will kick you down a few bucks.

Maybe do the weeks winner buys the food for the next game. But, that sounds like you on most nights.

I always round down. Players usually throw in a couple bucks. At least half the players throw in additional money to help out with bourbon and snacks. Run a consistent game in everything will work itself out

If it’s just a friendly game, I’d say just be honest with the players about expectations.

“Hey everyone, I bought this hot dog roller for us to use during poker nights but could use some help with providing the food.”

Whether that be tips, rotating supplier of dogs/buns, etc.

A lot of people chalk it up to the cost of hosting, but not everyone is in the same financial position. Friends will generally help however they can if they know help is needed.

Communicating up front is key. Our host always has some snacks (granola bars, chips, etc) and drinks (soda, beer, some liquor), and just asks $1 for snacks and sodas, $2 for beer, and $3 or $4 for liquor/mixed drinks. Everyone is happy to pitch in. I usually bring my own food and drink, but I tip, especially when I win.

Something about including that rounding down language on the flyer feels really awkward.
Personally I’m prepared to eat the costs of hot dogs and non-alcoholic drinks for my guests. What are we talking about - $20-$25?
I round down and some guys leave tips and that usually doesn’t cover my expenses completely and I’m fine with that. Small price to pay for hosting a fun night.
I don’t see any problem with putting out a sign that says “please leave a buck for a hot dog” if that’s what you want. I won’t do it, but like I said, I’ve accepted laying out $25 to feed the guests.

I provide soft drinks and snacks and a great setup (imho). In cash games we round down to the nearest £5 which normally results in £5/10 for the house and if there are big winners on the day I unsubtly remind players that tips are welcome

Hey guys I’m really glad I asked! I’ll just provide freely and if anyone feels happy to add a buck or two of their own volition without me asking I’ll graciously accept! And thanks for the flyer advice, I’ll remove the round down portion and just let ppl know during the game. Honestly, now that I’m thinking about it I’ll probably have to convince the guys not to tip more than a minor amount, I’m blessed to have a really strong group of guys in my circle, and I know for myself I’d like to offer something to the host, or at the very least bring something tasty for the next home game.

Thank you all, this helps a ton!

 

[Booshme]

Wow! Why isn’t everybody doing this? For all the talk we do around here about tipping or raking to cover costs, this is the perfect solution.
If the host doesn’t want to foot the bill for the food and drink, make the charges clear! No need to pretend that’s not what’s happening, by having a light rake or a hospitality charge. Be upfront and clear. As a guy who is happy to bring his own beer and doesn’t need to be fed, this is perfect.

Yeah, for sure. I think if it ever gets to the point where it bugs me at all I’ll share openly about it and have faith in that good clear honest communication. I don’t think it’ll get there but it’s good to know people appreciate it

 

[detroitdad]

Hey guys I’m really glad I asked! I’ll just provide freely and if anyone feels happy to add a buck or two of their own volition without me asking I’ll graciously accept! And thanks for the flyer advice, I’ll remove the round down portion and just let ppl know during the game. Honestly, now that I’m thinking about it I’ll probably have to convince the guys not to tip more than a minor amount, I’m blessed to have a really strong group of guys in my circle, and I know for myself I’d like to offer something to the host, or at the very least bring something tasty for the next home game.

Thank you all, this helps a ton!

Wow, somebody that asks for advice and actually listens. Nice! Run a solid, consistent game and you will be just fine.

 

[upNdown]

I’m blessed to have a really strong group of guys in my circle

One more thought on this. I’ll usually get tips from winners. But I noticed one guy never tips. He also happens to be my best friend in the group. And when I thought about him not tipping, I also thought about all the football Sundays I’ve spent at his house and all the food he and his wife have fed me. So from his perspective, if I eat at his house, why would he tip when he eats at my house?

Just another dynamic to consider.

 

[detroitdad]

One more thought on this. I’ll usually get tips from winners. But I noticed one guy never tips. He also happens to be my best friend in the group. And when I thought about him not tipping, I also thought about all the football Sundays I’ve spent at his house and all the food he and his wife have fed me. So from his perspective, if I eat at his house, why would he tip when he eats at my house?

Just another dynamic to consider.

Yep. . Sometimes I will collect money for a bigger dinner that I'm cooking, I tell the other local hosts not to pay for the same reason

 

[SteveEH]

Glad you decided to eat the costs, and I'm confident people will donate in one way or another occasionally (I get bottles of booze, leftover beer, and snacks).

I say "round to the nearest when cashing out" so I don't have to keep change on hand.

Are your players familiar with rebuying in cash games? If not I'd set the expectation to bring 3 buy ins for the night. You imply this by mentioning rebuys, but I'd make it crystal clear.

 

[Chubbs]

I wouldn’t ask for tips or donations. If you are providing the food then you should just accept that you will eat most of the costs. In my game (same stakes as you) I only provide very basic snacks (chips and dip or cookies, something like that) so the cost is minimal. If people want more substantial food they can make a food run or DoorDash it and everyone can chip in if they want that food. My game doesn’t start until after 8pm so everyone has eaten dinner already and aren’t expecting to be fed anything substantial.

 

[detroitdad]

I wouldn’t ask for tips or donations. If you are providing the food then you should just accept that you will eat most of the costs. In my game (same stakes as you) I only provide very basic snacks (chips and dip or cookies, something like that) so the cost is minimal. If people want more substantial food they can make a food run or DoorDash it and everyone can chip in if they want that food. My game doesn’t start until after 8pm so everyone has eaten dinner already and aren’t expecting to be fed anything substantial.

That makes sense. Our game start at 6:00 p.m. sometimes I grill before the game. I will provide the protein. I will ask a couple of guests to bring sides. It always works itself out

 

[Nine_high]

I provide everything at my games, including dogs, beer, bourbon, soft drinks, all of it. I tell this to first timers. I also tell them "feel free to bring anything you'd like but not required."

I can generally cover supplies for around $50-$60, about half a buy in. Costco dogs and buns, a case of beer, snacks, some condiments and maybe a side.

While I never ask for it, I accept offerings of food, a lot of guys BYOB, a couple guys never show up without a crockpot of baked beans or a bottle of whiskey or rum. I accept tips, which some players will toss me a $10 or something, but I never ask for it. I just pocket it discreetly and thank them.

I round down to the $5 when I cash people out. I put it aside and whoever is left when the game breaks we play a hand of thermonuclear armageddon pineapple for all the roundoff. I never keep anything to myself unless it's explicitly given to me.

 

[merkong]

I just tell my players, and it did take a little time to sink in, this isn’t a soup kitchen. I spread my hot dog roller, 2 lbs. of sloppy joes, a wall of potato type chips, a huge bowl of Halloween like candy, the dozen plus Dunkin Donuts (comped from my backer), and beverage fridge with soda and water. They know to at the very least cover the food or it’ll go away.

It’s well covered each and every week.

 

[merkong]

Players provide their own alcohol although it’s not much of a drinking game and some bring their own sports drinks etc but I don’t do the bring a side dish etc. Just more stuff for me to clean up, deal with containers etc.

Games with food in almost any capacity, also not a let’s break for the breaking of the bread game, rock.

Gotta have food. I held off for awhile with the requisite “they’re going to make a mess” but glad I came around. 120 sessions in 2 years. Food is good.

Going to experiment with frozen pizzas as a side station. Get a pizza cooker, cook, slice into squares and keep warm. Seems easy enough.

Food. Food. Food.

 

[Mushmanchuman]

I used to have everyone chip in and order a pizza. Then we would take a food/smoke break.

This killed the game on more than one occasion. Either the game slowed down afterwards and broke soon after. Or we had a few guys leave during the food break.
The hot dog roller stopped all that. Now if you are hungry you can scarf a dog in between hands or grab a plate and continue playing. There is no pause in the action now and everyone is fed. Works perfect for me.

 

[elemeno]

At my game everyone brings food/drink and the host provides chip/table/chairs.

 

[merkong]

I used to have everyone chip in and order a pizza. Then we would take a food/smoke break.

This killed the game on more than one occasion. Either the game slowed down afterwards and broke soon after. Or we had a few guys leave during the food break.
The hot dog roller stopped all that. Now if you are hungry you can scarf a dog in between hands or grab a plate and continue playing. There is no pause in the action now and everyone is fed. Works perfect for me.

The host with the most (and a roller).

It needs to be in Hosting 101

 

[springbox]

I'd just ask everyone if they're cool chipping in $2 or $3 for food. Hotdogs and non alcoholic beverages shouldn't be too expensive.

Personally I just eat the cost of food/beverages because its affordable, it's one less thing to think about, and I was taught growing up that hosts are supposed to feed/entertain their guests.

 

[merkong]

I'd just ask everyone if they're cool chipping in $2 or $3 for food. Hotdogs and non alcoholic beverages shouldn't be too expensive.

Personally I just eat the cost of food/beverages because its affordable, it's one less thing to think about, and I was taught growing up that hosts are supposed to feed/entertain their guests.

All valid points but you don’t have to absorb that cost especially because it is so cheap. $25 will do it. 9 guests, do the math. I wouldn’t sweat it if they only covered the meat and buns. My family spends as much time in the lounge during the week grabbing a water or a soda as any player.

I’m a tipper. Restaurants, a stylist, the gents that delivered my piano… I’m not a schmuck and I, in a way, sort of don’t approve of that kind of behavior and my players get it.

 

[MrBoosh]

Being a host is great for lots of reasons but it can be a little bit of work to run a quality game. You definitely need to do it because you love it and not to make a profit from tips or rake. It sounds like you have a great plan for snacks and food, especially with the new hot dog roller! I would make sure you focus on the actual game as well. Decent cards, chips and a table are always nice things to help your game feel nice, but I would put some effort into the actual game play. Shuffle behind with two decks can keep the game moving much quicker. Also focus on maintaining proper rules and etiquette at the table. I feel that if you can maintain a well run game, it will be much easier to grow your game over time.

Also, set your expectations up front from the beginning. If you want everyone to pick in some kind of snack or soda, just let everyone know before your first big game. Then it will be much easier to make it into a habit for all your players as your game continues to grow.

I'm sure that your game will be great! You already have the PCF ace up your sleeve. The advice you get from this site will help you to have one of the best games around! Good luck and I'll have to try to make a trip down sometime when you have a game.

 

[Danhr]

I would not ask for donations or tips. It’s not cool when it comes to friendly games. Just trust that most people are generous and will tip you out just to show their appreciation. That way there’s no pressure on people and it’ll keep a better atmosphere for future games.