Hosting a Home Game

The Home Poker Night is something of an institution in many communities but what makes a good night into a great night? We've put together a few pointers to make your Poker Nights the highlight of the week.

                                             Some Essentials
The sky is the limit with a home game. You could organise a multi-table tournament for that big game atmosphere or you could get a few friends or work mates round for a blast. Some things you will need either way are several decks of cards, some poker chips be they plastic or better still clay poker chips which can now be bought relatively cheaply and a table. The table should be large enough to seat up to eight people comfortably but small enough to allow easy access across the table. The chairs should be comfortable.

                                              Game Varieties
There are now many varieties of Poker that most players all know the rules of so why not play a few different types during the evening. As well as Texas Holdem and Omaha try Crazy Pineapple Poker and Big 2 Poker for a change. It will keep things fresh by allowing people who maybe better at some types than others their time in the sun and will make others think more about the strategies and tactics in a less familiar game. Why not allow the dealer decide which game to play to give an element of surprise to the proceedings.

                                               Who To Invite
An important aspect that determines the success or failure of the evening is the relative levels of skill of the people you invite to the game. They should be not only interested in the game but they should be fairly experienced and have a good working knowledge of the rules and play. Whilst playing a group of fish may well pay your mortgage you do not generally want to fleece all your friends of their hard earned cash and stopping to explain the rules all the time does little for the flow of the game.

                                        Food and Entertainment
The days of getting by with just the sound of shuffling cards, clinking chips and the smell of cigar smoke being enough to give the game atmosphere are well and truly gone. Now a days you should be offering at least nibbles like crisps and crackers but fresh cut sandwiches, pies and chipolatas will go down well with the odd beer or coke.

Why not have a little competition going on along side the card game for the best poker chip trick.

There is nothing like music in the background to create some atmosphere or why not schedule the game to coincide with a TV show on the WPT or WSOP. It will help create the same atmosphere of a multi-table tournament  and give rise to topics of conversation whilst lubricating the gambling instincts.

                                    The  'Home Game' from Home
A virtual home Poker Game is now a reality for many friends. Particularly good for friends whose work and family commitments have caused them to move away. Friends and relatives can now meet up in several of the online poker rooms including Gamguru's for a 'Home Game' from their own homes. The chat function is great to catch up on all the gossip whilst playing.

To share the hassle of running the games if you have a regular group you could take it in turns to host the game at each of your own homes or take responsibility for part of the nights proceedings like food, drink, music etc. Perhaps most importantly welcome your friends warmly, stay upbeat and positive and help everyone to have a great night.