Tourney Common Mistakes When Running a Poker League – What Went Wrong for You? (1 Viewer)

[CincinattiKiddo]

Hey everyone,

I'm in the process of organizing a poker league and want to make sure I avoid common pitfalls.

So, I’m curious: What are the biggest mistakes or failures you’ve experienced (or witnessed) when running a poker league?

Any stories, lessons learned, or tips would be greatly appreciated! Looking forward to hearing your experiences.

 

[DaneWoj]

This is just a quick comment, I could write for miles about what we’ve learned over our 13 seasons of our WSOP Series games. But the biggest I find with many new ones in the area is understanding it takes time. You can expect it to be a massive success right away and then be discouraged when your expectations are not what you’d hoped. Start small and grow organically.

Shoe the players a great playing environment and they’ll continue to support you.

Stick you your schedule no matter how few players you pull. If ppl know you might cancel or adjust a possible dud of a turnout they’ll never commit.

Good luck.

 

[SixSpeedFury]

If running multiple tables, make sure you have table captains to assist with chip distribution, coloring up, receiving the buy ins, etc. You will find out that it is frustrating trying to play and host at the same time.

 

[ekricket]

Make sure everyone has a written copy of the rules you will be playing by. Everybody has a different experience level and everybody has grown up within their version of how you “play” poker. Head those arguments off and get everyone on the same page

Common ones include
How the button passes when it gets heads up
Shuffling ahead or behind
Burnt card handling
What exactly constitutes a misdeal
Are cards permanently mucked when they hit the muck or can they be retrieved
Be firm on the break times. If you need to adjust them do it, but pick something that works and enforce it
Balancing tables - one behind the button or current seat that went out
Colorup - round up or race

 

[BKisback]

In my experience, a league works best if you have at least two hosts. Having one host only puts a lot of pressure on that person. Also, be organized and stick to the rules. Some people won't get it, but it will be worth it.

 

[MC_CPA]

So I can have unlimited tables but never know how many people to sit at each when starting.

Once it gets going I'm okay with ~7 at a table. But when I start I do 5max until we get a few of them going, then break the tables as needed. This way we won't have a table of 7 and 3 people waiting for a new table to open.

Also check local gambling laws.