First time player. First time host

My friends and I decided to stop talking about hosting a game and actually get down to business. The problem is none of us have ever played poker before. I reached out to some other friends that I know have played plus some others that I figured would be interested and I amassed a pretty solid list of potential players. 8-12 really interested depending on scheduling, another 8 maybes. Of these 12 potential regulars only 2 have any poker experience and no one has done any serious play. In terms of materials, other than chips, I'm all set.

From reading the forum I've learned that "poker" is really dozens of different games and formats and Im feeling a bit lost on where to start as a host. What is the best format for a single table of new players? Should I attempt hosting two tables as a new host? I do have enough people for it, but also I don't yet know what I'm doing. My group of friends is also interested in black jack so I'd appreciate if anyone can explain how chip breakdowns and hosting works for that.

When it comes to chips I want to get custom Tinas and the set I designed supports 1|5|25|100|500|1000|5000|25000 tournament denominations. I know I won't need all denominations for a single set. I've come to enjoy chips as an artistic medium and would love to own each, or at least most, of them one day, so I'd like a hosting plan that allows me to grow into the game and expand my set in the future.

As far as I know none of my friends are big gamblers, so this is mainly a social event. If I went the cash games route, I think micro stakes with many buy ins would be preferred. $5-25 per buy in. In the future I think I could convince my friends to go up but not yet. For tournaments the buy-ins could range from $15-30. Knowing my crew they would rather play 2 fast tournaments, a tournament+cash, or tournament+blackjack per night than one large tournament. Side games like bounties, high hands, and any other ways to pay out more people would be appreciated. I saw one post that made each player submit scratch offs when buying in that could be awarded as prizes and thought that was pretty sweet.

So essentially, any advice on setting up a hosting plan as a beginner, for beginners, would be appreciated!

Welcome! Since you are new to it all, one table is where you want to begin. I’d also suggest playing a micro stakes cash game to avoid worrying about setting up a blind structure, timing, eliminations, etc.

You are all new, so having a relaxing night and figuring out the flow of gameplay, correcting mistakes as you make/see them, and making sure you have the rules right are going to take a few games.

Start with hold ‘em as it’s the most well-known poker variant today, and most of your players have probably seen it on TV at some point.

If you play .05/.10, tell your crew that the buy-in is $10, and to plan on having 3 buy-ins for the night. That limits all your players to a max $30 loss. Set a defined time to play with a set stop time. Tell them Game 1 is going to be a night of learning.

This helps keep things friendly and allows everyone to know what to expect. It also allows you to host and play without feeling overly burdened with responsibilities.

Enjoy!

Welcome — there's a wealth of excellent information across this forum; enjoy!

Welcome to PCF! You’re definitely in the right place to find information.

Welcome to PCF! A lot of good information on the site that should help you get your game started. With regard to chips, search the threads for information so that you don't make some of the common mistakes on the quantities and denominations you will need to fit your game. From your post it looks like you have a good start.

Just keep it simple and keep it fun for all as you get started. Micro stakes is the way to go for cash games as it will limit any one person's losses as they learn the game. Some of the most fun I've had playing poker is a micro stakes family game. If the stakes grow in the future let it grow naturally, the most important thing to get the game going and keep it going is for everyone to enjoy the evening and the socialization with friends.

Tournaments are another good way to keep the individual cost down. Every Christmas we have a family tournament with 15-20 players and a $5 buy in. It includes everyone from Aunts and Uncles to 12 year old nieces and nephews and we have a blast.

Welcome!

We have many excellent members, and it’s possible a local one could lend a hand. Maybe mention which city you’re located in?

There are numerous finer points, but nailing the basics can be tough even if you think you know the game.

I wouldn’t recommend playing holdem, but it’s the simplest and most direct version, and you can watch it on YouTube or on TV.

Begin by learning the hand rankings. You really want guidance from someone experienced. You could visit your nearby casino to play, unless you’re underage.

Welcome Aleck all the best in hosting and hoping the squad!

As a host there is a lot that goes into planning a game. My advise for your first couple games is keep it to single table from 6-10 players. This will allow you to feel it out and learn and get experience. If you expand too quick you may have a failing game. Once you get a few games under your belt you’ll be able to learn and be a better host and also be able to see which players you want back and to build off

Good luck brother !

Could I receive an invitation?

Give Chris a watch

Cash Game

Tournament

GL!

Lots of good advice here. Welcome!

Good Luck and most of all make it fun!

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll definitely stick to one table for now.

Start with hold ‘em as it’s the most well-known poker variant today, and most of your players have probably seen it on TV at some point.

I would never advocate playing holdem, but its the easiest / most straightforward game, and you can watch it on youtube and or TV.​

This place is a riot! I think I will start with hold em. Will I need different chip breakdowns for different games? I know no-limit and limit require different sets but will Omaha and co as well? If so are they better played with different sets or could I extend the NLHE set I get to support?

Welcome! Since you are new to it all, one table is where you want to begin. I’d also suggest playing a micro stakes cash game to avoid worrying about setting up a blind structure, timing, eliminations, etc.

You are all new, so having a relaxing night and figuring out the flow of gameplay, correcting mistakes as you make/see them, and making sure you have the rules right are going to take a few games.

...

If you play .05/.10, tell your crew that the buy-in is $10, and to plan on having 3 buy-ins for the night. That limits all your players to a max $30 loss. Set a defined time to play with a set stop time. Tell them Game 1 is going to be a night of learning.

This helps keep things friendly and allows everyone to know what to expect. It also allows you to host and play without feeling overly burdened with responsibilities.

This sounds like exactly what I want. I brought up tournaments because I wanted a way to cap potential losses for the night nut limiting buy-ins is a good idea too. There aren’t a lot of vendors of cheap 5¢ chips. I could get them from Tina (https://www.pokerchipforum.com/glossary/terms/tina.206) but I'd have to wait a while. Perhaps the Pharaohs. I could also use 5-25-100-500 tournament chips.

Ive been playing around with starting stacks for micro stakes and I came up with the following breakdown:

150x 0.05

150x 0.25

100x 1

50x 5

450 chips

10x 15-13-6 $10 starting stacks

I then came across an old post that suggested:

100x 0.05

200x 0.25

100x 1

100x 5

25x 20

500 chips

10x 10-18-5 $10 starting stacks

Which would be better from a gameplay standpoint?

Start with understanding the ranking of hands. You really want someone who knows what they are doing. You could goto your local casino and play, unless you are not of age yet.

Is NLHE good for that or are there better games? I saw in a thread that a game called stud is good for beginners. Can I use the chip count above for that?

Give Chris a watch

Cash Game

Tournament

GL!

I watched both of those. His cash breakdown is at higher stakes than my group will play, the tournament breakdown I plan on copying if I decide to host a tournament

Can I get invited?

View attachment 1572164 (https://www.pokerchipforum.com/attachments/1572164/)

Sure once I know what's going on

Which option would be superior from a gameplay perspective?

5c/10c Mapping - $20 Maximum Buy-In in 200 Big Blinds

Chip Denominations

5c/25c/$1/$5/$20

Maximum Buy-In Starting Stacks

10x 5c (50c)

18x 25c ($4.50)

15x $1 ($15)

Chips Required - 500 Total Chips

100x 5c ($5)

200x 25c ($50)

150x $1 ($150)

25x $5 ($125)

25x $20 ($500)

Total Bank: $830

This is intended for $20 starting stacks. Simply remove some $1s to achieve your $10 starting stack. Rebuys are allowed using only quarters and ones, and players may make change among themselves for nickels.

This is for $20 starting stacks. Just reduce the number of $1’s to make your $10 starting stack. You can do rebuys with quarters and ones only, and players can make change with each other for the nickels.

Nice pretty close to what I was thinking. Why fewer 5s in favor of 1s?

One thing I would do (that I did) is to have a first night with no stakes just to learn. I did that with my group and we only met for like 3 hours. Play will be super slow and lots of questions will be asked. Its all good. As time goes on, things get faster. Once everyone is comfortable for the next game, add some low stakes.

My first game I hosted with some stakes, I actually fronted the prize. Winner got $40. 2nd got $20. 3rd got a six pack to take home. Everyone had fun and contributed pizza. It was a blast for only $60 out of pocket.

One thing I would do (that I did) is to have a first night with no stakes just to learn. I did that with my group and we only met for like 3 hours. Play will be super slow and lots of questions will be asked. Its all good. As time goes on, things get faster. Once everyone is comfortable for the next game, add some low stakes.

My first game I hosted with some stakes, I actually fronted the prize. Winner got $40. 2nd got $20. 3rd got a six pack to take home. Everyone had fun and contributed pizza. It was a blast for only $60 out of pocket.

A couple no stakes nights are a good idea. Did you guys play cash or tournament style?

With no stakes we played tournament style. 20k stacks. 12, 12, 5, 7, 2. Didnt color up. Blinds increased modestly each time we went around the table. Only had two players bust and immediately put them back in. Everyone was learning after all. Bets get wild and stupid but that's part of learning. Once I staked a game people tightened up.

My group are gamers not gamblers so any stakes have to be really low. Fronting a prize myself made everyone comfortable. They played like there was something on the line but no one had risk of loss.

Do you know any good YouTubers who teach the various bet types and how to bet? I don’t mean just the distinction between a call and a raise, but how to express those actions verbally. Specifically, what are the rules about what players are allowed to say and how they should say it? What are all the relevant hand gestures? There won’t be anyone nearby to teach etiquette or correct us when we make mistakes.

Poker is more verbal. To check, you simply tap the table. Announce your calls. When you raise, state the amount you’re raising to. Staying silent works for very serious games. For a casual home game, just say it aloud. It doesn’t need to be overly formal.

We don’t follow things like the one-chip rule or similar. String betting isn’t a problem when players verbalize. Here’s a basic etiquette video, but don’t stress it. Enjoy the game. Being rigid about etiquette just makes people anxious. My players dirty-stack, have random stack heights and arrangements, and do other little things that annoy the hell out of me, but I let it slide.

The only thing I insist on is respecting the damn betting line! Lol

This place is a riot! I think I will start with hold em. Will I need different chip breakdowns for different games? I know no-limit and limit require different sets but will Omaha and co as well? If so are they better played with different sets or could I extend the NLHE set I get to support?

Should be able to use the same set, Pot Limit Omaha.

Do you know any good YouTubers for learning the different types of bets and how to bet? I don’t mean the difference between a call vs raise, but how to verbalize those actions. Basically what are the rules for what players allowed to say and how they say them? What are all the hand movements. There will be no one around to teach etiquette and call us out when we mess up

I found these two videos from PokerStars to be a good intro, I sent them to my players when we started. Not entirely comprehensive but a good start.

I endorse many of ideas all mentioned above...

keep is as simple as possible so - 1 game (e.g. Hold Em cause it is the most played of them all), play cash (not tournament), limit the stakes, promote the videos with your crew cause if even half of them watch that will be helpful. You may even want to start the first night by watching the videos together to address questions people WILL have!

Other suggestions...

Not being as die hard a chipper as most people on this forum, I'd recommend getting a cheap set of chips off FB MKtplc just in case your endeavor doesn't make a go of it. You can get oodles of chips for a tiny amount of money, though you're not likely to find denominated ones in of the preferred denominations.

I would also highly recommend using Venmo, or Paypal or CashApp or Zelle (but only one of these, not more than one!) to take money and to cash people out. This dramatically simplifies things. If you want to "promote" your game to hard cold cash down the road you could do so....but i wouldn't be surprised if you opt not to given how easy Venmo is!

I'll touch back if I think of anything else to add.

HiveKueen

I would also highly recommend using Venmo, or Paypal or CashApp or Zelle (but only one of these, not more than one!) to take money and to cash people out. This dramatically simplifies things. If you want to "promote" your game to hard cold cash down the road you could do so....but i wouldn't be surprised if you opt not to given how easy Venmo is!

Seconded. I prefer cash in my game because that's what I'm used to but I let my players top-up with Zelle if they want (whatever helps money get on the table). This works because I have a bank of about 5 buy-ins that I keep in low denominations to make change at the end of the night.

Speaking of making change... if you do use cash you will often not have exact change. Have a rule for how you will handle that. At my house we chip-race for the fracs (flip a card for each odd 25c chip each player has, top X high-cards get a dollar). Or you could play a winner-take-all hand of hold'em or anything else that people are comfortable with, people tend not to care about literal coins.

But yeah, digital would be simpler nowadays if everyone's set up for it.

Poker is a game of turns and information.

You may do anything you choose ONLY ON YOUR TURN.

You may not do anything when it isn’t your turn. Not even pose a question, (unless that question is “whose turn is it”), because it isn’t your turn.

Want to make a bet? Wait until it’s your turn.

Want to fold? Wait until it’s your turn.

Curious how much is in the pot or how large a bet is? Wait until it’s your turn to ask.

If you act out of turn, you reveal information to the other players. That can give someone an advantage during the hand. If you ask a question out of turn you MAY be indicating your intent — out of turn.

These points are surprisingly difficult for newcomers to learn; some players go decades and still act out of turn. #1 seat announces “all in” and #9 seat immediately asks “how much is it” even though four other players remain. That question should be ignored until it’s their turn.

Welcome!

If you have enough players for an MTT, or a 2 table game, don’t be afraid to run it. I started with 2 table games right out the gate. I quickly acquired 2 poker tables and dove right in.

There is plenty of information right here on PCF to see you through. Structure. Chips. All information you need is here. You can find amazing posts by amazing members like @TheRealStephen12 (https://www.pokerchipforum.com/members/17573/) or @BGinGA (https://www.pokerchipforum.com/members/333/) and a few others. I’ve personally never had a “failing” game as previously mentioned because I had too many people. More the better. Always be recruiting, I say. If I can get more people, I want to expand to 3 tables.

Anyways, it’s a lot of fun. There are enough resources here for a new host to find his/her footing for an STT or MTT.

May i suggest a hot dog roller and good music! My group loves the dogs!

10x 5c (50c)

18x 25c ($4.50)

15x $1 ($15)

This recommendation above of non-barrel breakdowns is much more typical for tournament buy-ins than cash in my experience.

As a longtime cash host, I absolutely would not recommend doling out lots of chips for cash games in quantities less a barrel, unless you really like (a) making mistakes, (b) getting fussy, and (c) your players counting their chips seventeen times and always somehow thinking they got the wrong amount. Unless (d) your players actually demand odd amounts.

It just makes life infinitely easier especially as buyins come at you fast as gametime approaches. By keeping chips in racks in barrels of 20, you can easily see and calculate what you are doling out, and also what you have left. Yeah, you can always set up your initial buyins in advance. But that counting thing (c, above) will come in. And also in a cash game no one is required to buy in for the max, so you may have to break down those pre-created stacks.

I’d suggest a $15 buy-in, i.e. 150 big blinds max which is fairly common... broken down as:

20 x .05 = $1

40 x .25 = $10

4 x $1 = $4

The four $1s is breaking the barrels rule, but is necessary due to the stakes... Still it is a lot harder to mess up giving out three barrels plus 4 high-denoms than multiple odd-sized stacks of 10, 15, 18 etc. (Another way to go might be to make the buy-in $11, then you only give each player one $1 chip to start.)

I’d also suggest that any rebuys be made only in $1s, with players getting change from neighbors i.e. what is already on the table.

If you have 9 players and you want to be prepared for a total of about 25 max buy-ins (on the high side) over the course of the night, including the initial rebuys, you are going to want a set of about 800 chips, I would say. You might want this to include a barrel of $5s just in case.

And also in a cash game no one is required to buy in for the max, so you may have to break down those pre-created stacks.

Should a minimum be set or should I allow someone to buy in for a few bucks and give them all quarters? Perhaps introducing 1¢? Also how to deal with cashing people out in the middle of a game? This aspect seems particularly complicated. What appeals to me about tournament play is paying everyone out at one time. Perhaps home rules about certain cash out breaks?

I’d suggest a $15 buy-in, i.e. 150 big blinds max which is fairly common... broken down as:

20 x .05 = $1

40 x .25 = $10

4 x $1 = $4

I like this. I prefer to buy even racks of chips anyway. It should work with black jack as well

As a longtime cash host, I absolutely would not recommend doling out lots of chips for cash games in quantities less a barrel, unless you really like (a) making mistakes, (b) getting fussy, and (c) your players counting their chips seventeen times and always somehow thinking they got the wrong amount. Unless (d) your players actually demand odd amounts.

I agree...ish. Another option is to set up the initial buy-ins on the table in advance. Barrels make things easier but they're not THAT important for initial buy-ins (rebuys, yes).

I’d suggest a $15 buy-in, i.e. 150 big blinds max which is fairly common... broken down as:

20 x .05 = $1

40 x .25 = $10

4 x $1 = $4

That's a lot of quarters, 40 per player? You could have later players buy change off the first players, but why not just give out one barrel each in the first place? 20/20/9 = $15. That's still enough change for the table.

And be careful if you're handling cash, nobody's going to give you $15 in exact change, be prepared with a bunch of extra $5s. Or set the buy-in to $10 and be prepared with a bunch of extra $10s (which people will give back to you for rebuys). Or go to $20 if you think your game supports that.

Should a minimum be set or should I allow someone to buy in for a few bucks and give them all quarters? Perhaps introducing 1¢?

Cash games almost always have both a minimum and a maximum buyin.

Sometimes they are uncapped, meaning an unlimited maximum. Other games allow the maximum to increase to half the biggest stack as the night goes on. So say someone ran their stack up to $50, now the max allowed becomes $25.

I've never heard of a game without a minimum. (It would be super-annoying if someone kept buying back in for 25 cents and shoving every hand preflop, right?) In casinos the minimum is somewhere between 30-60 BB depending on the stakes.

Also how to deal with cashing people out in the middle of a game? This aspect seems particularly complicated. What appeals to me about tournament play is paying everyone out at one time. Perhaps home rules about certain cash out breaks?

I've never heard anything like that for a cash game. Players can cash out anytime.

Good etiquette generally prevents people from cashing out soon after winning a big pot—"hitting and running"—but it happens plenty. That said doing so is usually a ticket to losing your invitation to future games.

As host I try to cash people out as immediately as possible when they ask, unless something is going on that demands my attention. If I'm also playing in the game I will usually tell the dealer to deal me out the next hand.

It's not often that these happen all at once, except when you get down to shorthanded play and people decide the night is over. Then you may have to do 2-4 cashouts in a row. But during the game you're realistically only dealing with one at a time, spaced well apart.

I agree...ish. Another approach is to place the initial buy-ins on the table beforehand. Barrels simplify things but they're not ESSENTIAL for initial buy-ins (they matter more for rebuys).

That's a lot of quarters, 40 per player? Later arrivals could buy change from earlier players, but why not just hand out one barrel each to start?

The quarters will be the primary chip in play at 5¢/10¢. They're often called the workhorse chip.

The 5¢ pieces will mostly be used preflop, and sometimes only for the blinds depending on how exact players are with their bets; they also serve to make small change.

For example, someone opens a standard bet of 2.5x -- .10 x 2.5 = 25 cents -- one chip. The button raises to 70¢ -- three chips, awaiting 5¢ change. The small blind folds. The big blind calls, adding two more fives and two 25s. The opener folds.

After change is made the pot contains four 5¢ chips and five 25¢ chips, a $1.45 pot.

After the flop the 3 bet a continuation of 80¢ (one five and three 25) and the big blind calls with a $1 chip, taking four fives in change.

The pot headed to the river is $2.05, and includes four 5¢, eight 25¢ and one $1 chips.

The big blind donks the river for $2.25 and the opponent folds.

BB recovers a pot made up mostly of 25 cent chips.

So if you don't want players constantly making change with the pot or with each other, it's worth having many more workhorse chips than the bare minimum.

Also, many casual players like having larger stacks and tend to play more loosely when they do...

Should a minimum be set or should I allow someone to buy in for a few bucks and give them all quarters? Perhaps introducing 1¢? Also how to deal with cashing people out in the middle of a game? This aspect seems particularly complicated. What appeals to me about tournament play is paying everyone out at one time. Perhaps home rules about certain cash out breaks?

As I understand the etiquette, the best practice is to give an orbit's notice of your intent to cash-out (an easy way to do it is to announce on your last big blind and leave when it gets around to you again). That way there's no impression that you're leaving just because you want to lock up winnings from a good hand. Of course, if you bust you can just pick up and go.

For the rest of the table, I found it's helpful to have a known end time and have that be the beginning of the last orbit (set an alarm). That way people aren't all fidgeting wondering who should be the first to say "it's getting late..." Go with what's convenient for you as a host, if you want to go to bed at midnight start kicking people out at 11:15 or so =)

As far as having cash for change -- For a game with stakes like these, you'll want lots of small bills.

I’d recommend encouraging players to round down to the nearest quarter when cashing out. It gets a bit absurd having to carry piles of nickels to distribute $32.35 as a payout. The extra nickels could be pooled into a beer fund or a high-hand jackpot or something.

My other primary suggestion is that if every player is completely inexperienced, you might want to have someone join or referee the initial games who understands the game and its rules.

Playing entirely blind with nobody knowing the proper way could be kind of fun... But 100% much of what I picked up about how a poker game is supposed to run during my first few years came from spending time with far more experienced players.

Some of those people turned out to be old-school players following slightly outdated rules and customs, yet they were much closer to correct than my guessing would have been...

Ok so I spent the past week watching all the videos suggested in the thread. I watched the WSOP 1981, 83, 87 and 97. I also saw 4 or 5 WPT final table reruns. The game really began to captivate me during the middle of the 1981 video and I binged the next three. Now I’m eager to get my game started!

For tournaments I ordered a t100 set with enough 5k and 25k to play t500. I figured I’d try multiple formats because I don’t yet know what I prefer and now is the time to experiment.

For cash I’m still undecided. I want enough to support two tables regardless of how many I open on day one. What confuses me, like it does every beginner, is fractions. I plan to play micro stakes so I want 5¢ and 25¢ chips. I’m not buying for maximum efficiency but I also don’t want to overdo it. When planning for two tables, should I get two complete single-table cash sets so each table has its own, or should I get one table cash set with 6-10 rebuys per person, effectively covering the chip pool for two tables?

If you have enough players for an MTT, or a 2 table game, don’t hesitate to run it. I began with 2 table games right away. I soon picked up 2 poker tables and jumped right in.

I ordered 200x 100-25k so I could operate two tables from the start. I’m going to give it a try. It’s still early and the group is pretty casual, so I can experiment with my approach without much trouble.

My other main suggestion would be that if all of the players are totally inexperienced, you may want to find someone to play in or referee the first few games who knows the game and the rules.

This person will have to be me :) I’ve been trying to consume as much gameplay as I can so that I can be a good host

This person will have to be me :) I’ve been trying to consume as much gameplay as I can so that I can be a good host

You can also print out a copy of the “Robert’s Rules for Poker”. I recently printed a copy, slapped it all in a binder and it’s sits in the poker room.

Luckily for me, I typically have a player or two, who have dealt cards at a casino for a living. Guys like that are immensely helpful. They can sort of help when weird shit happens.

I haven’t had to pull out the binder yet, but it’s there. Nobody even knows I have it there. I’ve briefly read it a little, seems there is very helpful stuff in there.

Just a thought. Good luck hosting man! You are gonna be hooked. I just LOVE to run poker.

As an addendum to Robert's Rules, you may want to write up your own set of House Rules. There's a ton of threads on PCF discussing House Rules. (https://www.google.com/search?q=poker+chip+forum+house+rules&sca_esv=6e4820828e77e658&sxsrf=AE3TifN0GwPJ1wFNwX0qJDEwEW4uEp3x5g%3A1760975378892&source=hp&ei=Elr2aKbHNIfNkPIPh8WcqAM&iflsig=AOw8s4IAAAAAaPZoInw86XD3Bsffzjt3xCmkx2Pcsig6&ved=0ahUKEwimmKm_kLOQAxWHJkQIHYciBzUQ4dUDCBo&uact=5&oq=poker+chip+forum+house+rules&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6Ihxwb2tlciBjaGlwIGZvcnVtIGhvdXNlIHJ1bGVzMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYqwIyBRAhGKsCSKE4UABYrjdwBngAkAEAmAGZAaABnheqAQQyOS41uAEDyAEA-AEBmAIooALtGMICChAjGIAEGCcYigXCAgsQABiABBiRAhiKBcICCxAuGIAEGLEDGIMBwgIIEAAYgAQYsQPCAg4QLhiABBixAxjRAxjHAcICDhAuGIAEGLEDGIMBGIoFwgILEAAYgAQYsQMYgwHCAg0QIxjwBRiABBgnGIoFwgIEECMYJ8ICDhAAGIAEGLEDGIMBGIoFwgIIEC4YgAQYsQPCAgUQABiABMICCBAuGIAEGNQCwgIFEC4YgATCAgYQABgWGB7CAgcQABiABBgNwgIIEAAYBRgNGB7CAgcQIxiwAhgnwgIKEAAYgAQYsQMYDZgDAJIHBDMyLjigB6CrArIHBDI2Lji4B9UYwgcIMS45LjI5LjHIB4gB&sclient=gws-wiz)

Thanks — these are excellent resources

Having reliable software to automate blind timers and tournament structure really helped me during my 1st home Texas Hold'em tournament. There are a few different options available.

This is a good free software you can use in a browser.

https://ultimate-holdem-timer.com/home

This is a useful free program you can run in a browser.

https://ultimate-holdem-timer.com/home

Thanks! This is far superior to the commercial software I had been using

I've run a home tournament club for 3 years. It's a lot of effort, so be certain you actually enjoy it before attempting to expand.

You may have to cover some expenses yourself — but that is your cost to play and to bring the game to your group.

If you decide to continue and grow, remember to screen your players, apply rules evenly, and don't tolerate shinnanegins (spelling?).

Constantly look for ways to recognize and reward your players and make them feel appreciated. That should be your main focus.

You might have to cover the expenses yourself — but that’s the cost of participating and having the game come to you.

I’ve hosted intermittently for 20+ years and that’s always been my attitude. I’m happy to buy quality gear so my players and I can enjoy excellent poker without me leaving home. I really dislike leaving the house.

I'm happy to spend money on quality gear so I can enjoy a superior poker night for my friends and myself without having to go out. I really dislike leaving the house.

This is a major reason I started the hobby. What I enjoy most about going out with friends is the friends themselves. We have a great time no matter the location, so may as well relax where we control the music, food, and atmosphere

This is a solid free program you can run in a browser.

https://ultimate-holdem-timer.com/home

Thanks — I’ll test this for my first tournament. I just picked up some Olympus Casinos from the Poker Store. 5¢-$5. I’ll host a few small cash nights, and once my tournament group buy chips arrive I should know enough to be a capable host

Totally late, but I’d recommend the following:

1. Do a micro stakes cash game for first several times to get people familiar and comfortable.

2. Start with Hold Em as there’s enough online to learn.

3. Once people are comfortable with the basics, make your way through the other HORSE games.

4. Start to up the antes until you find the sweet spot.

5. Skip tournaments.

Why do tournaments create so much division within the community? Is there a central “holy war” discussion I can read that lays out the main arguments for and against tournaments compared with cash games?

I've hosted intermittently for 20+ years, and that's always been my perspective. I'm prepared to invest in quality gear so my players and I can enjoy an excellent poker setup without me having to go out. I detest going out.

100% we agree. I prefer bringing the 'casino' to you.

Why are tournaments so polarizing in the community? Is there a holy war thread I can read that covers the major pros/cons versus cash?

Personally, I view tournaments as the great equalizer and like that it is a whole other kind of strategy.

It is best to be well rounded to play well in both environments.

Personally, I view tournaments as the great equalizer

That’s why I think my group of beginners will like it. I’m going to force everyone to try cash and tournament either way

As a newer guy to hosting myself, I know that tournaments have less of a mental block than cash games. My group does NOT like to gamble in general. Any cash game is like $20 and a small group of people who make 6 or near figures.

Every chip in a cash game has resistance. Its money they are putting on the line. Most of my players aren't fans.

A tournament is a one time entry, so limited cost. People who buy into tournaments seem to be more into the idea that they are paying to have some fun. If they win, its a cool bonus. I honestly believe this is why tournaments are so popular.

Because of this dynamic, I think deep stacking is actually pretty important in a tournament. Most players want to be in for at least a couple hours of play, maybe more. 20k or 25k structures with early rebuys are critical for this. This may make the overall tournament run longer, but that's okay. The early outs will have gotten their fun and the onea that run deep will be driven by the prize. Win win for everyone.

I do still love running low stakes freeroll tournaments where I put up a small prize and my friends all play for it. They buy food, I bankroll a small amount, and everyone is having a great time. This is because they just want to hang out and play.

Why do tournaments split the community so much? Is there a definitive 'holy war' thread that lays out the principal pros and cons compared with cash games?

I can only speak for myself, but it clashes with the atmosphere I'm trying to create to tell someone who’s enjoying themselves that they can’t keep playing. On top of that, tournaments inherently require more effort from the host. They also funnel the prize to the very top ~15% (3 at a single table).

Don't get me wrong — I enjoy tournament play and as hosting the occasional event is fun, but that’s not what my friends look for in a poker night.

Can only speak for myself, but it's against the environment I'm trying to build to tell someone having a good time that they can't play anymore. Add onto that that tournaments necessarily have more to manage for the host. And they concentrate the winning outcome in the hands of the top ~15% (3 at a single table).

Don't get me wrong, I love playing in tournaments and as an occasional event they're cool to host, but it's not what my friends want out of a poker night.

Yep.

Plus, the core reason folks advise playing poker- if your costs are already sunk, then the pressure is off and people make bolder, bigger moves knowing it’s funny money. That risk of losing, and thrill of winning, real cash helps them grow faster, as the wins and losses are more tangible. As they grow more comfortable, you can raise the stakes.

A lot of good advice already given... I agree you should start small. One table, maybe limit to 8 players. Stick with Hold Em to start, nickel/dime ante.

Just have fun

Don't worry about getting it right yet. Keep cheat sheets around for folks who don't know hands, take your time and just enjoy it.

For sure look at some videos or tutorials for the basics. But just make sure everyone is comfortable, take your time to explain things, don't stress when a deal goes wrong or a split pot comes up ... Just learn and enjoy it.

Poker is easily the most fun you can have with a deck of cards. Focus on that and let things evolve naturally. If you get stuck, make a note to ask here about it later and then move on.

A well hosted game is not about the best poker in town. It is about having fun and making your guests want to come back for the next one

I am not extremely experienced at running games, but the biggest piece of advice I can give is to avoid running a tournament the first time. Not only are they a bit more complicated to set up and regulate the incrementing blinds throughout, but they can drag on a little long for first timers and it might get a bit awkward for people who bust of the tourney early.

Hi, PCF! Despite being a member for almost a year now, I didn’t really start playing until the beginning of the summer. I wanted to be more involved in the scene but didn’t have the bandwidth. Life has been a bit hectic, and I spent some time in the beginning of the year out of town to help care for an aging family member and spend time with family. Now, I’ve been a little more back to normal and have gotten some friends together for games over the summer, and wanted to share my progress.

Only about three of my friends had prior experience with poker, so despite being new myself I was responsible for teaching most participants on top of hosting. I knew not everyone would have the same tolerance for gambling, but also had a hunch they would really enjoy the game so the first few sessions were free to get everyone acclimated. I took this time to introduce NLHE and PLO. After a few sessions, my friends themselves voiced that they wanted to bet for real and that’s when things really got fun. Since July 6th, I’ve hosted 6 real games, usually with about 6 or 7 members varying from a wider net of a couple dozen friends and guests. We play micro-stakes 5/10¢, max buy in $30, rebuy half the biggest stack. This lets people buy in a few times and have fun without spending much more than they would have spent if they went out for the night instead. I busted out Abby’s mixed game file a few sessions in and let each person pick a game that we’d learn. We’ve played, Cincinnati, Pineapple, 5 Card Draw, 7 Card Stud, and Open Face Chinese Poker. It wasn’t a perfect system because some of the betting styles are different across games and I only had the one set of chips, but still fun. Across all games so far in for 135, out for 185.25.