Be Smart When You Host A Poker Game

With poker having been so heavily publicized by virtually every TV network and cable channel, more and more people are getting into the game. Some are traveling to the card rooms of Vegas, Atlantic City or just across town while others are deciding to begin hosting games in their own homes. While home games can be fun, there are risks which one should consider before they host their buddies.

1. Don't violate the law! Many states have laws prohibiting games such as poker being played in the privacy of your own home. The punishment can be as minor as a small fine or can be as big as time in jail and community service. You increase your chances of getting in trouble simply by charging a fee to cover costs or even by charging your guests for beers. You can check out the laws for your state at Gambling-Law-US.com.

2. Do it right. As we mentioned in another posting we did, a game will run a lot smoother and be a lot more fun if you have the right equipment. Be sure to have at least two decks of cards so that someone can shuffle one while the other it being used, have more than enough chips for the number of players you're hosting, and invest in either a good gaming table or, at the very least, a piece of felt you can lie across the breakfast table.

3. Be sure to have enough players. 6-8 people is good because the game can still continue should one or two need to leave. Having more than this can be too crowded.

4. Set smart limits. Don't encourage stakes which are more than you or your buddies can afford to lose. If anyone decides to up the ante with their car keys or wedding ring, reconsider whether your goal was to have a fun night of cards with the boys or a major financial disaster.

5. Don't take the money and run! Nothing is worse than a guy who wins a big pot then stretches and announces he's tired and is going home. A good rule is to agree to a quitting time at the beginning of the night. That way there will be no surprises and everyone will have a chance to win back their losses or go deeper into debt!

Information for this article was taken from Men's Health magazine, April 2005, pg 74.