One year ago I built some tables for my brother's bachelor party and since then my wife and I have been talking about hosting a Casino night to use the tables. With an almost 2 year old at home timing proved to be difficult and we finally got a night were we shipped the little man off to my parents house and were free to host the event. In the end we had 15 people come out for the event to play Caribbean Stud, Blackjack and Texas Hold'em. We don't have space in the house for 20 people so we turned the garage into some of the gaming space and my wife went all out with the decorations. The structure is below in italics followed by the trip report.
The Game: Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, and No Limit Texas Hold'em.
Doors Open: Cocktail Hour 7:00 pm, Gambling starts at 8:00
Limit: 18
Structure: Tournament Style (see below)
Buy-In: $20 per person or $40 per couple.
Hors d'oeuvres, Dessert, Margaritas and Martinis will be provided. If you want something else ask I'll let you know if I have it in the house.
Structure: Upon arrival everyone will exchange $20 real money for $500 in play money with an extra $500 given if you come in your best black tie attire. We will be rotating between the house/garage depending so please keep that in mind when thinking about your wardrobe.
At 8:00 you will begin at one of the three station and play each game for 30 minutes. After 3 rotations there will be a short break, which will be followed by 3 more rotations. Table stakes will go up for rotations #4, 5, and 6.
At the conclusion of the evening for every $100 you have in chips, rounded up (Ex. $434 would be 5 tickets) you will be given one raffle ticket. Those tickets will be used to raffle off $20 cash prizes. Note: No person can win more than one raffle prize. 1st/2nd/3rd place winners are also eligible to win.
Busto: Like any good gambler you can go busto from time to time. Should that happen check in with the bank and you will be given a loan of $500. Although you are free to play with the houses money for the remainder of the evening any loan must be paid back, with 10% interest, before you are eligible to receive a raffle ticket.
Dealers: At the Caribbean stud and blackjack tables (Poker will be self dealt) one person will need to deal for the other 5 players. The dealer will be paid $100 for their efforts. Ideally, I'd like to have everyone only have to deal a maximum of one time.
Groups: Couples will stay together unless you ask to be split up...Otherwise grouping will be random.
Group #1 - 6 people
Group #2 - 6 people
Group # 3 - 6 people
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Cocktail Hour, Game Tutorials - 7:00-8:00
Rotation #1 - 8:00-8:30
Group #1 - Blackjack
Group #2 - Caribbean Stud
Group #3 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Rotation #2 - 8:30-9:00
Group #1 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Group #2 - Blackjack
Group #3 - Caribbean Stud
Rotation #3 - 9:00-9:30
Group #1 - Caribbean Stud
Group #2 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Group #3 - Blackjack
Break - 9:30-10:00
Rotation #4 - 10:00-10:30
Group #1 - Blackjack
Group #2 - Caribbean Stud
Group #3 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Rotation #5 - 10:30-11:00
Group #1 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Group #2 - Blackjack
Group #3 - Caribbean Stud
Rotation #6 - 11:00-11:30
Group #1 - Caribbean Stud
Group #2 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Group #3 - Blackjack
Counting, Tickets, & Raffle - 11:30-12:00
Payouts (15 players
1st - $130
2nd - $70
3rd - $40
Raffle Tickets (x3) - $20
The evening started off with tutorials on how to play Caribbean stud and blackjack while people got drinks and hor dourves. I was surprised that some of my poker regulars said they didn't know how to play blackjack, so we went through basic strategy and taught a few people how to deal each game.
Here I am conducting the Caribbean Stud tutorial for some of the folks that weren't sure how to play. Margarita on one side, and a glass of Glenlivet 18 on the other.
We then split everyone up into 3 groups of 5 people, gave each person $1,000 in chips (Side note: I'm a nice guy and didn't ding anyone for no black tie attire) and then had everyone play each of the games for 30 minutes. At the end of every 30 minutes we pulled two random names out and had them spin the wheel for a chance to win bonus $ or raffle tickets. We had some people spin more than once throughout the evening and others that got no spins. The biggest change of fortune occurred at the end of the last rotation where the very last spin of the night hit the 1k spot which sent him $600 ahead and gave him 1st place (would've been in 3rd otherwise).
During the first round the betting limits at the table games were $1-$200, with the hold'em table playing at $1/$2 with a $40-$200 buy in. After the 1st round of rotations the leader and two or three others were around $1300 in chips, while the biggest loser (me) was in the hole about $1,200. I got absolutely destroyed, like the rest of my table except my bets were bigger, at the Caribbean stud table down almost $700 as our dealer kept qualifying with AAxxx. Brutal. By the time I got to the 3rd rotation game Blackjack (which I dealt the round for +$100) I was down $1,300 and not showing any signs of having any hope of winning anything. I did get a wheel spin that gave me 2 free raffle tickets, which ended up being my only chance of getting $20 back.
My group's 1st rotation at the poker table. I ended down 3 buys during this round. (Mrs. Payback is the fine looking one in the middle)
KQ < 7s5s on Qs3s9x5d all in.
AA < JJ AIPF J hit the river.
74 < 77 on 742 flop.
Second rotation groupings playing the table games. Notice the lighted blackjack sign on the table on the right. Great addition to the table for $20 since the last time I used it. I wish I could find a generic one or table specific for my brother's Caribbean Stud table, but haven't had any luck thus far.
After we had dessert and some more drinks we continued the evening playing a second rotation. We redrew for groups and most of them got completely switched up which gave us a chance to socialize with some different people throughout the second half of the evening. The limits went up for the second round to:
Table Games $5-$500
NLHE: $1/$2 - $40-$300
Some of the women making money vs. the dealer not qualifying.
Final results of the night. I was the biggest loser at -2450. Everyone else ended at zero or in the positive side of things. It ended up that I was the only person that needed a loan for the bank (9 of them to be exact) owing 4500 back + 450 in vig so I consider the 2450 loss wasn't as bad as it was at one point. I was making large bets at the end to try and at least get back to even. One of my concerns initially was someone getting in a big hole, making a few large bets at the end and winning, so I proved that it wasn't possible under the given constraints. I also showed how awesome I am at table games and poker!!!
Overall, everyone including the SO/Guests had a great time and really liked the structure. Several people commented that the 30 minute rounds were the perfect timing on things and allowed them to get into each game, but not get bored of it. I wasn't sure how the hold'em would play in comparison to the table games and I didn't want the guests to get crushed by my poker regulars. Oddly enough, the guests destroyed the poker table and the regulars, myself included, were donating buy in after buy in. LOL? The evening was very social and gave me a chance to meet some of the SOs of my regular poker players while giving my wife a chance to hang out with some friends. We will definitely be doing this again in the future and I don't think I will be making any changes to anything. Pretty sure I left something out, so if something is unclear let me know and I'll clarify or elaborate.
The Game: Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, and No Limit Texas Hold'em.
Doors Open: Cocktail Hour 7:00 pm, Gambling starts at 8:00
Limit: 18
Structure: Tournament Style (see below)
Buy-In: $20 per person or $40 per couple.
Hors d'oeuvres, Dessert, Margaritas and Martinis will be provided. If you want something else ask I'll let you know if I have it in the house.
Structure: Upon arrival everyone will exchange $20 real money for $500 in play money with an extra $500 given if you come in your best black tie attire. We will be rotating between the house/garage depending so please keep that in mind when thinking about your wardrobe.
At 8:00 you will begin at one of the three station and play each game for 30 minutes. After 3 rotations there will be a short break, which will be followed by 3 more rotations. Table stakes will go up for rotations #4, 5, and 6.
At the conclusion of the evening for every $100 you have in chips, rounded up (Ex. $434 would be 5 tickets) you will be given one raffle ticket. Those tickets will be used to raffle off $20 cash prizes. Note: No person can win more than one raffle prize. 1st/2nd/3rd place winners are also eligible to win.
Busto: Like any good gambler you can go busto from time to time. Should that happen check in with the bank and you will be given a loan of $500. Although you are free to play with the houses money for the remainder of the evening any loan must be paid back, with 10% interest, before you are eligible to receive a raffle ticket.
Dealers: At the Caribbean stud and blackjack tables (Poker will be self dealt) one person will need to deal for the other 5 players. The dealer will be paid $100 for their efforts. Ideally, I'd like to have everyone only have to deal a maximum of one time.
Groups: Couples will stay together unless you ask to be split up...Otherwise grouping will be random.
Group #1 - 6 people
Group #2 - 6 people
Group # 3 - 6 people
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Cocktail Hour, Game Tutorials - 7:00-8:00
Rotation #1 - 8:00-8:30
Group #1 - Blackjack
Group #2 - Caribbean Stud
Group #3 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Rotation #2 - 8:30-9:00
Group #1 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Group #2 - Blackjack
Group #3 - Caribbean Stud
Rotation #3 - 9:00-9:30
Group #1 - Caribbean Stud
Group #2 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Group #3 - Blackjack
Break - 9:30-10:00
Rotation #4 - 10:00-10:30
Group #1 - Blackjack
Group #2 - Caribbean Stud
Group #3 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Rotation #5 - 10:30-11:00
Group #1 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Group #2 - Blackjack
Group #3 - Caribbean Stud
Rotation #6 - 11:00-11:30
Group #1 - Caribbean Stud
Group #2 - Poker (No Limit Texas Hold'em)
Group #3 - Blackjack
Counting, Tickets, & Raffle - 11:30-12:00
Payouts (15 players
1st - $130
2nd - $70
3rd - $40
Raffle Tickets (x3) - $20
The evening started off with tutorials on how to play Caribbean stud and blackjack while people got drinks and hor dourves. I was surprised that some of my poker regulars said they didn't know how to play blackjack, so we went through basic strategy and taught a few people how to deal each game.
Here I am conducting the Caribbean Stud tutorial for some of the folks that weren't sure how to play. Margarita on one side, and a glass of Glenlivet 18 on the other.
We then split everyone up into 3 groups of 5 people, gave each person $1,000 in chips (Side note: I'm a nice guy and didn't ding anyone for no black tie attire) and then had everyone play each of the games for 30 minutes. At the end of every 30 minutes we pulled two random names out and had them spin the wheel for a chance to win bonus $ or raffle tickets. We had some people spin more than once throughout the evening and others that got no spins. The biggest change of fortune occurred at the end of the last rotation where the very last spin of the night hit the 1k spot which sent him $600 ahead and gave him 1st place (would've been in 3rd otherwise).
During the first round the betting limits at the table games were $1-$200, with the hold'em table playing at $1/$2 with a $40-$200 buy in. After the 1st round of rotations the leader and two or three others were around $1300 in chips, while the biggest loser (me) was in the hole about $1,200. I got absolutely destroyed, like the rest of my table except my bets were bigger, at the Caribbean stud table down almost $700 as our dealer kept qualifying with AAxxx. Brutal. By the time I got to the 3rd rotation game Blackjack (which I dealt the round for +$100) I was down $1,300 and not showing any signs of having any hope of winning anything. I did get a wheel spin that gave me 2 free raffle tickets, which ended up being my only chance of getting $20 back.
My group's 1st rotation at the poker table. I ended down 3 buys during this round. (Mrs. Payback is the fine looking one in the middle)
KQ < 7s5s on Qs3s9x5d all in.
AA < JJ AIPF J hit the river.
74 < 77 on 742 flop.
Second rotation groupings playing the table games. Notice the lighted blackjack sign on the table on the right. Great addition to the table for $20 since the last time I used it. I wish I could find a generic one or table specific for my brother's Caribbean Stud table, but haven't had any luck thus far.
After we had dessert and some more drinks we continued the evening playing a second rotation. We redrew for groups and most of them got completely switched up which gave us a chance to socialize with some different people throughout the second half of the evening. The limits went up for the second round to:
Table Games $5-$500
NLHE: $1/$2 - $40-$300
Some of the women making money vs. the dealer not qualifying.
Final results of the night. I was the biggest loser at -2450. Everyone else ended at zero or in the positive side of things. It ended up that I was the only person that needed a loan for the bank (9 of them to be exact) owing 4500 back + 450 in vig so I consider the 2450 loss wasn't as bad as it was at one point. I was making large bets at the end to try and at least get back to even. One of my concerns initially was someone getting in a big hole, making a few large bets at the end and winning, so I proved that it wasn't possible under the given constraints. I also showed how awesome I am at table games and poker!!!
Overall, everyone including the SO/Guests had a great time and really liked the structure. Several people commented that the 30 minute rounds were the perfect timing on things and allowed them to get into each game, but not get bored of it. I wasn't sure how the hold'em would play in comparison to the table games and I didn't want the guests to get crushed by my poker regulars. Oddly enough, the guests destroyed the poker table and the regulars, myself included, were donating buy in after buy in. LOL? The evening was very social and gave me a chance to meet some of the SOs of my regular poker players while giving my wife a chance to hang out with some friends. We will definitely be doing this again in the future and I don't think I will be making any changes to anything. Pretty sure I left something out, so if something is unclear let me know and I'll clarify or elaborate.
