Keys To A Good Home Game

If you’re hosting a poker game at your house, you want to make your friends and/or acquaitances feel comfortable and able to focus on poker.  However, you also need to be firm in your guidelines because a wavering host gives rise to disputes.  You need to clarify the rules before the game just in case any conflicts arise, you can douse them fast before anyone gets upset.

The first rule should be that you have final say in all matters, no exceptions.  Have everyone assent to this.  This way even if nobody is sure on a rule, you will have the final word and that will end it.  If such a situation does arise, rule quickly and consistently.  Secondly, enforce common rules of poker.  For example, don’t allow obvious reactions to a flop when a player has folded their hand.  This is frustrating when you are in the hand.  Another common source of disagreement is what to do in the event of an exposed card.  Clarify house rules on this. Additionally, you might want to add a rule that if someone gets up to talk on the phone, go smoke, or whatever else that if they’re not in their chair when the action is on them, they fold.

Another tip is to take breaks every hour or hour and a half to give a break in the action so you can chip up and get drinks.  Also, designate yourself as the host to get drinks so you don’t have multiple people milling around during the course of the game.

If you follow these rules, you’ll set yourself up for a solid evening of poker.