Whoops... 9 players, 8 seats... What do I do? (1 Viewer)

[fish72s]

Play some music ....have everyone walk slowly around the table.....stop the music......
everyone scrambles for a chair....the player left w/o a chair gets to play solitaire in the kitchen.
......or not.

 

[fish72s]

Ask if there are 2 good friends or a couple that are willing to play as a 'team'. They get one buy-in and split any money they make but
only one player gets to play any one hand at a time.

 

[FDLmold]

One table of 5, one table of 4 perhaps?

 

[QuiQuog]

I don't like the idea of one of your invitees bringing someone else and putting you out of your own game. If it were me, I would simply say, sorry, but the game is full already. Besides, if you look at it from the perspective of the uninvited guest, he probably would be uncomfortable being the cause of you not getting to play anyway. If you really want to accommodate him, you could make the swapping terms with him.

You might also look at it as an opportunity to get a larger table. There's probably a game vendor in Boston that has a table available. Maybe even to rent?

 

[pltrgyst]

Play some music ....have everyone walk slowly around the table.....stop the music......
everyone scrambles for a chair....the player left w/o a chair gets to play solitaire in the kitchen.
......or not.

Greg, you've been spending too much time at high altitude. Time to come back to Florida and play poker...

 

[Kensco]

The BIL factor changes things dramatically.

If it were my BIL, I'd tell him he over stepped and he needs to walk back the invite he made.

 

[AWenger]

What are my options if all 9 players show?

Other thoughts short of somehow squeezing the 9th player on the table or moving to a dining room table

It’s a limit cash game

Break up into 2 tables, if possible.

Back when I hosted somewhat regularly (No limit holdem, 10 seat table), if there were more than 10 players a night, we would split into 2 tables until it a few folks left and it got down to 10 handed. At one time, I only had 1 actual table--a dining room table. So if we needed a 2nd table, we'd make a makeshift table out of a coffee table and there would be 4 to 6 of us sitting on a couch or folding chairs around the coffee table. Keep in mind this was a lower stakes, friendly game, self-deal. And in that format, it I don't mind playing 2 table shorthanded some nights, and one benefit of shorthanded, is you get to play more hands per orbit, and more hands per hour.

 

[abby99]

Break up into 2 tables, if possible.

Back when I hosted somewhat regularly (No limit holdem, 10 seat table), if there were more than 10 players a night, we would split into 2 tables until it a few folks left and it got down to 10 handed. At one time, I only had 1 actual table--a dining room table. So if we needed a 2nd table, we'd make a makeshift table out of a coffee table and there would be 4 to 6 of us sitting on a couch or folding chairs around the coffee table. Keep in mind this was a lower stakes, friendly game, self-deal. And in that format, it I don't mind playing 2 table shorthanded some nights, and one benefit of shorthanded, is you get to play more hands per orbit, and more hands per hour.

If splitting into two tables is off the table (pun intended), then . . .

First choice: BIL should rescind the invitation because the game was already full when you were informed. You didn't realize the game was filled until you checked the rsvps. Skip this option if you intend to recruit this player for your game.

Second choice: Give up your seat when the 9th person arrives, and tell your players that you'll be sitting out until somebody leaves for the evening. Chances are that they'll insist that you play and will squeeze around the table. Do not tell them who the 9th person is or how he came to be invited. No point in outing your BIL.

I've played around a coffee table, too!

 

[JustinInMN]

But if everyone shows up, either make the last person to show up or the last person to RSVP the first alternative.

I do think this is the answer, and should motivate people to be on time. But I would stand down as host if it would be for the good will of the game if everyone did show up.

 

[toynoob]

Also count on someone cancelling.

Count on 4 cancelling if you are close to my neck of the woods.

 

[toynoob]

Got it.

Thanks all for the feedback. Makes sense.

I could never ever sit out once I sat down. When you get in your seat those chips are your territory. The gagle picking chips up them sitting down, I mean what do you do for a whole orbit of play? I'd just go home.

 

[Trihonda]

Hmmm...tell the player who signed up last that he is on the wait list? Sorry but respond faster next time?

Yup, this

 

[sir bluffs alot]

SIT OUT YOURSELF or go buy a cheap alternative oval table.

 

[Trihonda]

Given the BIL factor, I’d kinda be miffed if my one chance to host/play in a while was subverted by someone inviting an uninvited player to my game, and it made me have to sit out... I’d tell the 9th player that you’re glad he was willing to play, but unfortunately his RSVP was not received until after the game was full... I’d tell him he’s welcome to come hang out, and be an alternate, and that’s it’s very possible you’ll get a no show for an open seat.

The other factor I’d consider, is I’d be VERY uncomfortable playing someone’s game where the host was not playing. It’d be obvious that somone extra showed, and I’d feel weird. And that’s without being the BILs buddy... why make your guests feel awkward.

 

[davin]

Btw I always over book by one person because there will always be someone who cancels

 

[WhiteMamba1646]

play all 9 but make the last person that get's there stand while he plays as punishment for being last lol

 

[Kyle]

If you know for sure that 9 will show up then consider renting a 10 person table from a local rental store. I assume it wouldn't cost that much for a day.

Sucks to do up front but that may be the short term cost of hosting a regular game or a game with more the 8 players.

After this night of poker, consider buying or building another 10 person table. Then maybe try to grow your game and host more times per year.

 

[WedgeRock]

5 on the octogon, 4 on the dining room table. You got a PCF rolltop when they we're available, right?

As soon as someone leaves, combine at 8.

Draw cards for who gets what table.

 

[CraigT78]

5 on the octogon, 4 on the dining room table. You got a PCF rolltop when they we're available, right?

As soon as someone leaves, combine at 8.

Draw cards for who gets what table.

This is really a solid option. I don't get any cancellations on game day, in 3 years of hosting regularly all my cancellations come a day or so before. That's why I wait-list.

If you have 9 - this is what I'd do. Play 5/4 until someone is out.

 

[Justin Olson]

curious on what happened?

 

[Gobbs]

No way I want to play four-handed half the night.

 

[Justin Olson]

Curious that none of players or friends had an old fold up fat cat, ESPN, or barrington to borrow

 

[PlaidDragon]

Hmmm...tell the player who signed up last that he is on the wait list? Sorry but respond faster next time?

I JUST did this for my upcoming game on the 17th. Have 8... 9th responded affirmative. He'll fill in if someone cancels. If we somehow get 10, I'll open it up to two tables of 5.

 

[Rhodeman77]

curious on what happened?

He posted in the home game thread that they ended up 7 handed. It was never an issue.

 

[WedgeRock]

5 on the octogon, 4 on the dining room table. You got a PCF rolltop when they we're available, right?

As soon as someone leaves, combine at 8.

Draw cards for who gets what table.

I also would've made sure everyone knew in advance that there was a possibility of playing on two tables... Don't want anyone showing up expecting to play 8 handed on the octogon and end up 4-handed on the dining room table...

Glad it was all a false alarm.

 

[Steamtrain]

Pardon me, is there room for 2 more players, my friend lives on the cul-de-sac across from the Mazda dealer.
He is very skinny.

 

[trivialpiper]

I have squeezed 9 around my octagon table once. Wasn't comfortable, but less whining than if someone had to sit out.

 

[fish72s]

Obvious solution is obvious:
Play Japanese style; on the floor w/o a table or chairs.

 

[gmunny]

Do you an alternate table, like in the dining room or kitchen? Just throw a blanket on the table and squeeze 9 on that table.