Has anyone here ever run a poker night?

How'd it go? What was your set up?

I haven't really played since I was in high school, but thought it might be fun to do with some of my friends since they've talked about it at times.

I was thinking something with nominal stakes, but potentially tournament style with two tables of 6.

Idk, what have been your experiences?

I've had a poker night at my place in the past but there was nothing really to run.

I have a group of guys I play poker with every few months and we usually do it at one dude's house, but we've done it at my place before. We just play $10 games though.

Most of the guys in the group are in relationships, have jobs, kids etc. So it's mostly just an excuse to get together and have a guys night as opposed to any serious gambling.

Do a cash game, there's nothing fun for someone who gets knocked out in the first 15 min and then has to sit out the rest of the night

collect the cash at the start of the night

It's nothing too dramatic. One tip is to not use a huge amount of chips. It just slows everything down. 1500 starting stacks or so and blinds go up every 10-12 mins keeps the game going but doesn't make it take forever.

Edit - if playing a tournament

Yes, it's fun. I usually do Texas Hold Em with a $20 buy in for about 8 people. I haven't done it in about two years though. Should again.

a-c-a-b posted...

We just play $10 games though.

Yeah this was roughly what I was thinking. Keeping it low enough that people can be like "this is a fun thing we're doing tonight" without feeling bad about the disparate skill levels.

Anteaterking posted...

Yeah this was roughly what I was thinking. Keeping it low enough that people can be like "this is a fun thing we're doing tonight" without feeling bad about the disparate skill levels.

Exactly.

And even if you lose, nobody is going home angry and pissed off because of it.

This isn't rocket science.

A bunch.

First decision is what game to play. Tournaments are good if you are short on time but then you do run into the issue of what people can do once they bust. Cash games dont have that problem.

If you do a tournament stick to regular levels with a real clock. There are apps you can get to do it for you too. Have the blind structure set up ahead of time and stick to it. Use a bb ante to keep it simple and dont start super deep. 15-20 min levels starting with 150bbs or less is good.

If you do a cash game start off with smaller stakes than you expect. For example if peoples budget is $50 I would run a .05/.10 game. Its will allow people to splash around a bit and rebuy if they want. Also, you can play smaller and have a bb ante or a forced button straddle to increase action too.

If you cant get a dealer, use two (different) decks so one is being shuffled while the other is being dealt.

The_X_Dawg posted...

This isn't rocket science.

Naw, but I think feedback like this

ironman2009 posted...

One tip is to not use a huge amount of chips

can be helpful in making things run smoother that you wouldn't necessarily realize if you haven't done it yourself.

As I grew up my parents along with family and friends got together almost every Saturday night to play poker (Friday was darts).

My dad built his own hexagon poker table top. Everyone would put in $5. When you got knocked out of the game you had the option to buy another $5 worth of chips (out of whatever chips were left).

Drinks were set up at whatever bar we had put together. Rum and coke, and beer were the top two. Snacks would be available, some brought their own as well.

When we moved away everyone continued playing. We still play when I visit. Back when it was all of us we'd play a variety of games. Over the last decade or so it's pretty much been strictly Texas Hold'em now. It's all good fun to me.