How do you handle seating arrangments for a home cash game?

A thought I've had on my mind for a while, but figured I asked the crew here.

How do you assign seating at your home cash games?

I've thought about doing random buttons for seat assignment so no one gets to pick where they sit. There's definitely certain folks you want to sit on their left vs right, and some you don't might acting before. The complication is some of us older guys don't see as well so need to sit in certain seats. There's also the complication of not everyone at the table being well versed for splitting pots.

How do you run your home games?

Tournament - randomly assign except maybe a competent player/dealer or two in oval table middle seats. Cash - sit wherever you want when the game starts.

We draw cards for seats before every tournament. Ace is the button and chooses where he wants to sit then it goes in order to his left after that.

We draw cards for seats before every tournament. Ace is the button and chooses where he wants to sit then it goes in order to his left after that.

What about your cash games?

Cash - sit where you want as the earliest arrivals always take the seats with the best TV view so it's always been random. :LOL: :laugh:

Tournament - Seating buttons.

Cash - sit where you want as the earliest arrivals always take the seats with the best TV view so it's always been random. :LOL: :laugh:

Tournament - Seating buttons.

LOL, yes this is very true. When I host, it's in the game room upstairs and the TV is only on one wall. This is especially true if there's a game on and someone has an active bet on that game...

Used to do sit where you want until a certain player started immediately sitting on my left (I'm all time dealer, so fixed position) every single game. He's a local grinder, and knows what he's doing. Went to draw for seats every since and it's fine.

Used to do sit where you want until a certain player started immediately sitting on my left (I'm all time dealer, so fixed position) every single game. He's a local grinder, and knows what he's doing. Went to draw for seats ever since and it's fine.

I think cash games are always, by default, sit where you want. But if you have people abusing it, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Casual game and cash games, sit where you want. More serious games and tournaments draw seats.

Right. You go to the poker club/casino and you're given the next open seat but you always have the option for a seat change. I don't think anyone is abusing it heavily yet, but I do notice one or two people who always want to sit in particular positions to some of the action players. Not everyone wants to act after, some want to sit before them so they can compound the action. It is a friendly home game, but the bank/stacks can get pretty big at the end of the night. Our players do band together when there's a late player though and assign a designated seat to that late player depending on who they are so I guess it goes both ways lol.

I have a weekly cash game that is usually cheeseburger-stakes NLHE followed by an hour or so of dealer's choice bomb pots with tons of split pots.

When I'm running the game, I always get a mid-table seat so I can collect antes, manage pots, move cards around, etc., and keep the bank on a table behind me.

Everyone else sits wherever they want. In reality, though, there are 4 or 5 players who gravitate toward the same seats every time, so there is almost a preordained seating arrangement. But if any of those people show up late and someone else takes it, tough luck. No dibs.

your house/your game

tell them where to sit

lol

What about your cash games?

I'll let you know after I host my first cash game 😅 I would maybe do the same? Something about random seats seems more fair to me. But there's a lot to be said about giving priority to people that are punctual and letting them choose seats. But then that opens you up to certain bumhunting and people trying to gain position on potentially weaker players in your game.

Used to do sit where you want until a certain player started immediately sitting on my left (I'm all time dealer, so fixed position) every single game. He's a local grinder, and knows what he's doing. Went to draw for seats ever since and it's fine.

Damn. You can’t allow bum hunting.

More important than seat positions is who gets a seat at all. VIPs first. Fun plays second. Nits last. The better the VIP, the more nits are allowed because you can play around them.

If it is a one table game. Take a seat that is open when you arrive. If it is a multi table event I have seating tokens available.

One table: since we play almost every week with the same ish players; we typically do random seat darw except for host.

Two tables. Semi random. One big boy one more casual table. Still draw for your exact seats.

First 2-4 in the door can choose.

I have the players random draw cards. Ace gets the button and first choice of seating location.

One table: since we play almost every week with the same ish players; we typically do random seat darw except for host.

First 2-4 in the door can choose.

I think this is key. Having the same group often, we should continue to reward those who show up to play on time.

Any one who shows up late has to fit where the open seats are.

For cash, they just pick seats as they arrive and we haven't had issues.

For tournament, it is all randomly assigned via draws.

For tournaments that my wife and her best friend are playing... they sit next to each other regardless of whether or not I randomly assigned seats already. Sigh. Happy wife, happy life right?

My game is 80% the same players so we do random for variety.

your house/your game

tell them where to sit

lol

Agreed, but I'm also all about keeping the players happy and keeping the game running.

A thought I've had on my mind for a while, but figured I asked the crew here.

How do you assign seating at your home cash games?

I've thought about doing random buttons for seat assignment so no one gets to pick where they sit. There's definitely certain folks you want to sit on their left vs right, and some you don't might acting before. The complication is some of us older guys don't see as well so need to sit in certain seats. There's also the complication of not everyone at the table being well versed for splitting pots.

How do you run your home games?

Sounds like you need a round table!

Sounds like you need a round table!

I have one, but I'm not always hosting as we started a rotation. Sometimes I bring a matt and chips to one of the other guys house.

I use seating tokens ever since I caught the cheat. I'm paranoid now, so I try to remove any possible angle from my game.

I might try seating tokens next time. I'll have myself as 1 and everyone else just fills in from there up to the number of people we have playing. You're right, on a round table everyone is basically on the same place as far as view and helping with the pot goes. The rectanglar tables will have to be handled differently.

I might try seating tokens next time. I'll have myself as 1 and everyone else just fills in from there up to the number of people we have playing. You're right, on a round table everyone is basically on the same place as far as view and helping with the pot goes. The rectanglar tables will have to be handled differently.

I draw a token as well, but as the bank, whatever number I am starts at my seat. So I always have the same spot at the table, but the number changes. I have round tables and multiple TVs so really the only person who gets screwed is the guy to my left because he is in direct contact with the AC flow. This is why my players bring hoodies in August.

Cash and Tournament - we draw for seats, but since I'm the permanent Dealer, I get a center seat and then everyone sits accordingly.

We've been starting our cash games earlier these days, so we actually have a dinner break. When we return, we re-draw - it's a nice change.

:)

Poker is all about position so I've NEVER understood the whole you can sit wherever you want philosophy some people take when playing cash games.

Why would you do it for tournaments & not cash????

No need to make your argument to the contrary because I will die on this hill 🤣

Part of it is for the challenge! I want to show I can beat them no matter where I sit. It doesn't always play out the way I plan..

FCFS. Mostly.

One game the hosts tells you where youll be bit you can request a specific seat ahead of time or a seat change as well.

Poker is all about position so I've NEVER understood the whole you can sit wherever you want philosophy some people take when playing cash games.

Why would you do it for tournaments & not cash????

No need to make your argument to the contrary because I will die on this hill 🤣

Cash is just a less restrictive format. No definite start and end time, stakes can change, game can change, people come and go as they please.

Compare to tournaments, where you could conceivably have Spirit Airlines (RIP) level fights erupting over seat choice in competitive tourneys for big money. Then someone has to step in to make decisions, and it's better to just save the headache and do assigned seating so everyone can stay civil and on schedule.

Never seen it become an issue in cash. You just sit down and play. If you jump seats a lot, you get penalized with extra blinds. You may also get shut down by the house/host if it's disruptive or you're clearly trying to harass someone.

Cash is just a less restrictive format. No definite start and end time, stakes can change, game can change, people come and go as they please.

Compare to tournaments, where you could conceivably have Spirit Airlines (RIP) level fights erupting over seat choice in competitive tourneys for big money. Then someone has to step in to make decisions, and it's better to just save the headache and do assigned seating so everyone can stay civil and on schedule.

Never seen it become an issue in cash. You just sit down and play. If you jump seats a lot, you get penalized with extra blinds. You may also get shut down by the house/host if it's disruptive or you're clearly trying to harass someone.

Sure, I get that. In a casino where everyone is on a different time table. But at most home games I play in, including mine, the potential to lose "BIG MONEY" is in the cash game NOT the $100 or whatever amount tournament. So I would argue it's more important where you're sitting at home cash game vs a home tournament because you have a lot more to lose.

Also my home game is weekly with roughly the same crew. Each week is it's own 6 hour episode. People don't show up late or leave early without good reason. There's no hit 'n run like in a casino because if there is guess what? You're not invited back!

Semi annually I will have a bigger game that starts earlier & like @Gavin (https://www.pokerchipforum.com/members/3001/) I will do a re-draw midway through if someone requests it.

Ultimately you're right though when you say it's not a big deal. And neither is having seats randomized : )

Sit where you want. However, most players had a favorite seat.

Ultimately you're right though when you say it's not a big deal. And neither is having seats randomized : )

I agree. It's not my preference, but randomization doesn't really hurt anyone either, if you don't mind the extra responsibility.

For years I liked pick your own seat at games I went to and games I hosted, but I just got tired of always sitting by the same people for better or worse so I started to do random draw.

For years I liked pick your own seat at games I went to and games I hosted, but I just got tired of always sitting by the same people for better or worse so I started to do random draw.

In fact, maybe three years ago, there was a heated debate on this exact topic, and I think I was adamant at pick your own seat. Lol

I do like the random seating approach especially when it’s a round table.

Only problem with that is, if I run bad I’m blaming myself. Fuck.

Used to do sit where you want until a certain player started immediately sitting on my left (I'm all time dealer, so fixed position) every single game. He's a local grinder, and knows what he's doing. Went to draw for seats ever since and it's fine.

My buddy does this bc he read it’s good to sit to the left of the loosest most aggressive player…but he still doesn’t understand why, so it’s cool.

Raise.

My buddy does this bc he read it’s good to sit to the left of the loosest most aggressive player…but he still doesn’t understand why, so it’s cool.

Raise.

I do like the random seating approach especially when it’s a round table.

That’s the second or third time I’ve seen somebody mention a round table. What’s the significance? Position-wise, there’s no difference. Is it because sitting on the end of an oval sucks, if you’re passing the deal? I understand that.

That’s the second or third time I’ve seen somebody mention a round table. What’s the significance? Position-wise, there’s no difference. Is it because sitting on the end of an oval sucks, if you’re passing the deal? I understand that.

We self deal and for splitting pots everyone’s in the middle seat

This is every player at Degen when the OF table breaks.

This is every player at Degen when the OF table breaks.

#Oldfashionedtableneverbreaks

Choose your seat, but when I host, I ask that another friend of mine who also hosts/full-time deals when he hosts, sit across from me in the middle of the oval. He takes over when I have to get chips/food/drinks/bathroom breaks, and I return the favor.

I always sit middle and become seat 1, so I can manage action. Then everyone else draws for seats. Experienced players 100% try to position themselves with advantage against certain players and my policy is to always let the less studied players have the best chance at walking away a winner.

Seating buttons because otherwise people get nitty about where they’re willing to sit.

I’ve seen this implied in this discussion, and I don’t think a separate thread is needed for this question…

What duties/obligations, if any, are expected from the middle seats of a full oval table?

Recently played in a game where neither middle seat was helping collect the muck, assist in the dealing process (moving cards that weren’t pitched far enough), pull in the pot, etc. I mentioned they could help in some of those aspects, but was initially met with blank stares.

Wondering if hosts and players have any expectations in this regard.

I’ve seen this implied in this discussion, and I don’t think a separate thread is needed for this question…

What duties/obligations, if any, are expected from the middle seats of a full oval table?

Recently played in a game where neither middle seat was helping collect the muck, assist in the dealing process (moving cards that weren’t pitched far enough), pull in the pot, etc. I mentioned they could help in some of those aspects, but was initially met with blank stares.

Wondering if hosts and players have any expectations in this regard.

100% middle seats on an oval table should be helping split the pots and moving cards around. I'll gently request them to do it as a reminder from time to time, but if they continue to be useless for those tasks, I'll make clear to the group (again) that if you choose to sit in the middle seats, you're responsible for those to tasks. If they somehow end up in those seats again, they will need to switch seats with someone else. Think of it as the emergency exit rows on a plane.

This is also why a round table for mixed games is superior. Everyone is the middle seat now :)

I’ve seen this implied in this discussion, and I don’t think a separate thread is needed for this question…

What duties/obligations, if any, are expected from the middle seats of a full oval table?

Recently played in a game where neither middle seat was helping collect the muck, assist in the dealing process (moving cards that weren’t pitched far enough), pull in the pot, etc. I mentioned they could help in some of those aspects, but was initially met with blank stares.

Wondering if hosts and players have any expectations in this regard.

I got tired of sitting in the middle for this reason. Some days I just want to sit back and play

I got tired of sitting in the middle for this reason. Some days I just want to sit back and play

I also need a break from time to time so I ask others to help out on those days. Also splitting a mixed game pot that's multiway with multiple all ins after a few bourbon can be really challenging! It's worst when one person is splitting the pot and someone else is trying to argue the actual amount.. sigh.

I also need a break from time to time so I ask others to help out on those days. Also splitting a mixed game pot that's multiway with multiple all ins after a few bourbon can be really challenging! It's worst when one person is splitting the pot and someone else is trying to argue the actual amount.. sigh.

I chopped 4 way double board bomb pot that took 10 mins once. One person for 3/4 and there were 4 side pots.

I got tired of sitting in the middle for this reason. Some days I just want to sit back and play

Same, man. I don't mind helping, but is is a weight off my shoulders to not have to do it. Having a dealer can be nice for this reason, as long as it's not making the game hemorrhage money.

FWIW, I notice the slow play/lack of middle seat assistance A LOT more if I’m stuck.

I’m the same as others; don’t love sitting in the middle seats bc of the implicit/explicit expectations, but understand those come with the “prime” seats

It’s better if everyone chips in a little bit. There are some seats near the middle that can also help out. It’s a bit of work to host a game, even more work when you are making sure there’s food, snacks and drinks available. Clean it before and after games also takes time and effort. I’m to the point where I have a group that wants to play every two weeks but I’m not willing to host that much. Will default back to picking up Togo once in a while and have also asked others to rotate hosting.

If your only desire is to show up and play, that’s fine, but understand that any bit you do to help out is appreciated and helps continue future games.

For cash games sit where you want approach I see choosing first as a disadvantage. Those choosing near last have better ability to select where they sit relative to key players.

For cash games sit where you want approach I see choosing first as a disadvantage. Those choosing near last have better ability to select where they sit relative to key players.

Agreed, and partly it feels like rewarding those who show up later than the early folks. Of course, it's possible they show up very late and they get the worst seats left but if they show up in the middle they do get more options of where to sit.

Agreed, and partly it feels like rewarding those who show up later than the early folks. Of course, it's possible they show up very late and they get the worst seats left but if they show up in the middle they do get more options of where to sit.

We do random seats at times, seat where ever you want at times.

Tournament Director with forthe most part. some adjusting to split up couples.

I sit in the same spot as the host for convenience to kitchen, chips, cards, etc. Everyone else draws for their seat. Exceptions if there is a game on that someone wants to watch. I prefer to keep it random though.

At a home game one time, I showed up, and player A was the only other one there. Player A fancies himself a good player but is kind of a miserable nit/shitreg. I took a seat directly across the table from him, and went to the bathroom. When I came back, player A had moved his stuff into the seat directly on my left.

I sit in the same spot as the host for convenience to kitchen, chips, cards, etc. Everyone else draws for their seat. Exceptions if there is a game on that someone wants to watch. I prefer to keep it random though.

At a home game one time, I showed up, and player A was the only other one there. Player A fancies himself a good player but is kind of a miserable nit/shitreg. I took a seat directly across the table from him, and went to the bathroom. When I came back, player A had moved his stuff into the seat directly on my left.

I have some players that seats select just like that! I noticed that handful of folks prefer to sit on my left and will sometimes go out of their way to try and get those seats. That's partly why I'm thinking of doing random seating arrangements but with me being seat 1 if I'm hosting.

I have some players that seats select just like that! I noticed that handful of folks prefer to sit on my left and will sometimes go out of their way to try and get those seats. That's partly why I'm thinking of doing random seating arrangements but with me being seat 1 if I'm hosting.

Take it as a compliment I guess :)

IMO, once players start doing this it’s no longer a friendly home game and hosts should absolutely be within their rights to randomize seating.

Take it as a compliment I guess :)

IMO, once players start doing this it’s no longer a friendly home game and hosts should absolutely be within their rights to randomize seating.

That's where my mind is as well. I'm trying to avoid any bum hunting attempts. While it's done in a joking manner and discussed pretty openly (I'm coming for your stack) it starts to feel a bit unfriendly especially when repeated. Implementing a fair seating system that's random could help remove that.

Also to note, so far it's not done to target any of the weak players as it's mostly done to sit to the left of those who drive more action so still done as an advantage to them.

Open seating - cash

Assigned seating - tournament

Saturday I introduced seating chips to the game. I was seat 1 and the rest were clockwise from where I sat. The one guy I didn't want seated on my left ended up picking seat 2 :ROFL: :ROFLMAO:

The seating chips say all in on the side shown and on the opposite it's a ticket with a seat number.

First-come, first-served, to encourage arrivals on time.

@Taghkanic (https://www.pokerchipforum.com/members/3190/)

Saturday I introduced seating chips to the game. I was seat 1 and the rest were clockwise from where I sat. The one guy I didn't want seated on my left ended up picking seat 2 :ROFL: :ROFLMAO:

The seating chips say all in on the side shown and on the opposite it's a ticket with a seat number.

You have the correct side of the dealer button face up. This is an active debate at my home game.

You have the correct side of the dealer button face up. This is an active debate at my home game.

It's not really a debate, but it's good to find out who has bad taste :ROFL: :ROFLMAO:

For me -

Cash is open and tournament is assigned.

The more important question is whether someone is allowed to change seats over the course of the night. IMO that is generally a hard no, especially if it’s gonna change the cards that I get. No way am I gonna start to run hot only to have someone move from my right to my left and get all my good cards. No way.

The REAL question is what is pictured on the back of that dealer button :unsure:

The more important question is whether someone is allowed to change seats over the course of the night. IMO that is generally a hard no, especially if it’s gonna change the cards that I get. No way am I gonna start to run hot only to have someone move from my right to my left and get all my good cards. No way.

Slight variation - if the losing player is about to leave offer him a seat change to keep him in the game lol

Weekly home game, usually FCFS, but some people request to reserve seats if there is an important game they want to watch when the host has a TV.

The REAL question is what is pictured on the back of that dealer button :unsure:

For science!

I now understand why there is a debate. Might need a poll thread for that one