Side games (1 Viewer)

[Bobguy27]

I was wondering what side games people implemented first into their home games and how they introduced them. Everyone i play with is starting to get comfortable with texas holdem so now i would like to add optional twists on it every now and again. Some options ive thought about are 72o, nit tax, bounty games,bomb pots, but not sure how to introduce these to players who have never seen or played these before.

 

[TheYeti]

We did the Seven-Duece game for a couple years. Too many players were losing their stacks chasing that $1 from every player so I nixed it about a year ago.

Introduced bomb pots a couple years ago. At first, it went horribly...completely my fault - I originally thought rolling a pair of dice to determine the bomb pot ante was a great idea, it wasn't. Antes could be as low as $2 per player, or as high as $12. At a 25¢/50¢ it got a little ridiculous to say the least. I changed it to $1/$3* per player and it runs much smoother now.

*I've put a lot of thought into our bomb pots - I wrote it all down here.

Tried the Nit Game but my players didn't care for it. May try introducing it again since I already have the buttons for it.

No bounties, we are cash game only.

As far as how to introduce them, you just tell your players how it works and then play.

 

[Jimulacrum]

I was wondering what side games people implemented first into their home games and how they introduced them. Everyone i play with is starting to get comfortable with texas holdem so now i would like to add optional twists on it every now and again. Some options ive thought about are 72o, nit tax, bounty games,bomb pots, but not sure how to introduce these to players who have never seen or played these before.

Skip the Hold'em gimmicks and introduce a new game that generates action on its own merits.

Double Board Omaha would be a good start.

 

[Machine]

There is a ground breaking new article on this let me see if I can find it for you, also you can use the search function, but use circus games or mix games

The article highlights circus game progression from most basic to crazest.

Thread 'Machine’s Post-Flop Apologetics'
https://www.pokerchipforum.com/threads/machine’s-post-flop-apologetics.139230/

 

[Bobguy27]

We did the Seven-Duece game for a couple years. Too many players were losing their stacks chasing that $1 from every player so I nixed it about a year ago.

Introduced bomb pots a couple years ago. At first, it went horribly...completely my fault - I originally thought rolling a pair of dice to determine the bomb pot ante was a great idea, it wasn't. Antes could be as low as $2 per player, or as high as $12. At a 25¢/50¢ it got a little ridiculous to say the least. I changed it to $1/$3* per player and it runs much smoother now.

*I've put a lot of thought into our bomb pots - I wrote it all down here.

Tried the Nit Game but my players didn't care for it. May try introducing it again since I already have the buttons for it.

No bounties, we are cash game only.

As far as how to introduce them, you just tell your players how it works and then play.

Thanks for the advice, the website is super clear and might be a great help in trying to explain and implementing into my home game. Also ive never thought about having triggers for bomb pots other than timers or amount of orbits and seems like a lot of fun

 

[Nightowl]

My team loves the insanity wheel. Let everyone add something and spin it every so often.

 

[Jaxen]

I brought up the Nit Game for our game in 2 weeks and the response and echo was:
"I gotta pay other people money when I'm not winning pots?"
I guess I have 2 weeks to make it sound a little better.

 

[Jimulacrum]

I brought up the Nit Game for our game in 2 weeks and the response and echo was:
"I gotta pay other people money when I'm not winning pots?"
I guess I have 2 weeks to make it sound a little better.

Tight players? I figure they will always object to the nit game.

 

[detroitdad]

If you play Dealers Choice you won't need any side games

 

[rum3002576]

that wheel is interesting spin on things. i like that

 

[Candazor]

My team loves the insanity wheel. Let everyone add something and spin it every so often.

Loving this!

 

[dannyssteez]

Skip the Hold'em gimmicks and introduce a new game that generates action on its own merits.

Double Board Omaha would be a good start.

Yeah double board plot bomb pots are very fun once in a while, can just sometimes be a mess chopping stuff up especially if someone gets quartered

 

[dannyssteez]

If you play Dealers Choice you won't need any side games

True, but probably have to teach a bunch of different formats too, and start with lower stakes until everyone gets the hang of them.

 

[Nightowl]

that wheel is interesting spin on things. i like that

Oh the people love it. Empties out the pocketbooks lol.

 

[FinnPD]

get a set of quality craps dice for the table. You will need 3 dice to play the game 456.

here are the rules.

The game commonly known as 4-5-6, Cee-lo, or C-Lo is a three-dice gambling game with variable rules depending on regional or group preferences. In the most standard "banking" variation, players bet against a designated banker who rolls three dice to determine wins, losses, or point values.

Standard Banking Rules​

• Automatic Win for Banker: The banker wins all bets if they roll a 4-5-6 (known as "Cee-lo"), Triples (e.g., 5-5-5, 6-6-6), or a Pair plus a 6 (e.g., 2-2-6).
• Automatic Loss for Banker: The banker loses all bets if they roll 1-2-3 or a Pair plus a 1 (e.g., 3-3-1).
• Point Rolls: If the banker rolls a Pair plus a 2, 3, 4, or 5, that odd die becomes the "point." The banker must re-roll until they establish a point, win, or lose.
• Player Turns: Once the banker’s point is established, players take turns rolling to settle their individual bets against the banker using the same win/loss/point logic.

Common Variations​

• Straight Win/Loss: Some groups treat 4-5-6 as an instant win for any player who rolls it, and 1-2-3 as an instant loss.
• Simplified Scoring: In casual "street dice" versions, players may roll to get the highest point value from a pair, where Triples beat any pair, and 4-5-6 is the highest possible roll.
• Side Bets: Many groups incorporate side bets on specific outcomes, such as betting on whether the roll will be high or low, or on specific combinations like "heads" (two dice showing the same face).

Due to the lack of universal rules, it is recommended to agree on specific outcomes (especially regarding 1-2-3 and pair values) before starting.

Youtube Link

 

[SixSeven]

My players love to play the side game, "suits." It has nothing to do with the NHLE or Omaha game directly and it makes it a really fun thing for the 4 players to do.