BatteredAggie
Sitting Out
I started hosting micro-stakes poker nights with friends about 5 months ago and have picked up a few tips for first-time hosts. Experienced hosts might find this obvious, but I hope it helps beginners.
Lesson 1: Find the Right Game
We began with tournament-style games but found them too time-consuming and frustrating due to knockouts and dwindling player numbers. We all prefer 6-8 players at the table versus 2-3 players. Switching to micro-stakes cash games (1c/2c with a $2 buy-in) worked better, but the stakes were too low to make the game engaging. We eventually settled on 5c/10c with a $10 buy-in, which struck the right balance for our group, making the game more competitive and fun. Before investing in expensive chips, I highly recommend experimenting with different formats with inexpensive dice chips to find what works best for your group.
Lesson 2: Gear
The gear that has made the biggest difference for us includes plastic cards (Copag), a roll-up table topper (Amazon), a Bluetooth speaker (JBL Flip 6), and plastic chip racks (Amazon).
To encourage punctuality, I introduced a "Show 'Em" chip, awarded to players who arrived on time. This chip allows the holder to make any player reveal their cards after a hand. It worked well for our friendly $10 game, with only one late arrival by just a minute.
What about anyone else? Any tips for new poker hosts? Or maybe tips from some more experienced members?
Lesson 1: Find the Right Game
We began with tournament-style games but found them too time-consuming and frustrating due to knockouts and dwindling player numbers. We all prefer 6-8 players at the table versus 2-3 players. Switching to micro-stakes cash games (1c/2c with a $2 buy-in) worked better, but the stakes were too low to make the game engaging. We eventually settled on 5c/10c with a $10 buy-in, which struck the right balance for our group, making the game more competitive and fun. Before investing in expensive chips, I highly recommend experimenting with different formats with inexpensive dice chips to find what works best for your group.
Lesson 2: Gear
The gear that has made the biggest difference for us includes plastic cards (Copag), a roll-up table topper (Amazon), a Bluetooth speaker (JBL Flip 6), and plastic chip racks (Amazon).
- Plastic Cards: These are a huge upgrade from paper cards—easier to shuffle, deal, and more durable.
- Table Topper: This simple addition made picking up cards and dealing much smoother, enhancing the overall experience.
- Chip Racks: These made organizing and distributing chips a breeze, speeding up the setup.
- Bluetooth Speaker: A great way to set the mood with some ambient music during the game.
To encourage punctuality, I introduced a "Show 'Em" chip, awarded to players who arrived on time. This chip allows the holder to make any player reveal their cards after a hand. It worked well for our friendly $10 game, with only one late arrival by just a minute.
What about anyone else? Any tips for new poker hosts? Or maybe tips from some more experienced members?