Hosting a .25/.25 cash game & providing food, tips? (2 Viewers)

[Taghkanic]

Wow! Why isn’t everybody doing this? For all the talk we do around here about tipping or raking to cover costs, this is the perfect solution.
If the host doesn’t want to foot the bill for the food and drink, make the charges clear! No need to pretend that’s not what’s happening, by having a light rake or a hospitality charge. Be upfront and clear. As a guy who is happy to bring his own beer and doesn’t need to be fed, this is perfect.

Well… Considering all the legal handwringing about voluntary tips being a rake… Charging for alcohol (even at or under actual cost) without a license is an arguably clearer legal no-no in every U.S. state I’ve ever lived in. And one that is prosecuted far more aggressively.

Not that I really think the ATF is going to knock your door down for selling $3 beers of $4 G&Ts. But I’d be much less likely to put that in writing on a flyer than “please help chip in for food.”

In any case, with hope your players will notice that you’re laying out a nice spread and volunteer to kick you $5-$10 at the end of the night. If not, some subtle hints ought to do the trick unless they really aren’t very good friends (or consider you their rich buddy who doesn’t care about money).

 

[Broski]

what we have been doing, and mind you our game runs about once a month and not during the summer because it's basically the 7th circle of hell down here and no a/c in the guy's shop we play in. Each time, someone provides the main dish. Last time one of the guys cooked jambalaya there at the game prior. We normally start about 7 or 730 but most guys show up between 5 and 6 to hang out and help cook. BYOB and most times we leave open bottles with the host. Also, the few times he provided the food, everyone threw him a 10 or so each to help cover. Never been a problem.

 

[exodus]

I think the key here is frequency and if your game runs once a month versus once a week the food bill could start to add up. It sounds like you are financially well enough to foot the bill most of the time which is great. If that isn’t true then I’d just be up front about the food cost or have everyone chip in for food costs. Personally I run a monthly $1/$2 game and we’ve always split the cost of dinner and alcohol, but usually I provide some complimentary snacks and drinks. I never accept tips from friends for the snacks/drinks.

 

[Munchies11]

Seems like you put a lot of work in this . Wish you the best . My best advice would be is have some background entertainment IE sports on in the back. It’s always good to keep the place lively

 

[GetUrShineBox]

If you’re the only one hosting and it’s frequent then you should have no shame in asking for $5 from everyone to cover things you put out. It still probably won’t cover it. Especially since you run a small game if if you win at poker you’re down for the night.
They should be happy to pitch in for a fun night out.

We give our host $5 each and bring our own booze. And I tip whenever I’m up.

 

[Booshme]

One more thought on this. I’ll usually get tips from winners. But I noticed one guy never tips. He also happens to be my best friend in the group. And when I thought about him not tipping, I also thought about all the football Sundays I’ve spent at his house and all the food he and his wife have fed me. So from his perspective, if I eat at his house, why would he tip when he eats at my house?

Just another dynamic to consider.

I appreciate that man

 

[Booshme]

I'd just ask everyone if they're cool chipping in $2 or $3 for food. Hotdogs and non alcoholic beverages shouldn't be too expensive.

Personally I just eat the cost of food/beverages because its affordable, it's one less thing to think about, and I was taught growing up that hosts are supposed to feed/entertain their guests.

Yeah same here, and tonight some friends just said they’d bring some chips and stuff, I didn’t ask or anything I just showed them how excited I was to have the hot dog roller lol

 

[Booshme]

Being a host is great for lots of reasons but it can be a little bit of work to run a quality game. You definitely need to do it because you love it and not to make a profit from tips or rake. It sounds like you have a great plan for snacks and food, especially with the new hot dog roller! I would make sure you focus on the actual game as well. Decent cards, chips and a table are always nice things to help your game feel nice, but I would put some effort into the actual game play. Shuffle behind with two decks can keep the game moving much quicker. Also focus on maintaining proper rules and etiquette at the table. I feel that if you can maintain a well run game, it will be much easier to grow your game over time.

Also, set your expectations up front from the beginning. If you want everyone to pick in some kind of snack or soda, just let everyone know before your first big game. Then it will be much easier to make it into a habit for all your players as your game continues to grow.

I'm sure that your game will be great! You already have the PCF ace up your sleeve. The advice you get from this site will help you to have one of the best games around! Good luck and I'll have to try to make a trip down sometime when you have a game.

Thank you OG Boosh! I’ll make sure especially to incorporate the two decks, and to read up on proper protocol in case a sticky situation or an honest mistake happens. I’ll be sure to let you know once my confidence grows a bit and I get more comfortable hosting!

 

[Booshme]

Seems like you put a lot of work in this . Wish you the best . My best advice would be is have some background entertainment IE sports on in the back. It’s always good to keep the place lively

Thank you, the small groups made a public playlist that we all add to tonight, and I’ve got a TV too to put on a UFC fight etc if we’re all inclined to watch while we play if it’s a really casual feel

 

[Booshme]

what we have been doing, and mind you our game runs about once a month and not during the summer because it's basically the 7th circle of hell down here and no a/c in the guy's shop we play in. Each time, someone provides the main dish. Last time one of the guys cooked jambalaya there at the game prior. We normally start about 7 or 730 but most guys show up between 5 and 6 to hang out and help cook. BYOB and most times we leave open bottles with the host. Also, the few times he provided the food, everyone threw him a 10 or so each to help cover. Never been a problem.

Whoa this is a great idea, especially among the core group that hangs out a lot even outside of poker. I love to cook for friends and family, it would be worth it to me to share

 

[GeeOhVee]

Rakes, tips, charging for alcohol... it's never an issue, until it is. It could be a salty player over losing a lot of money, or worse. Where I live in California, there is a cardroom that opened about 20 years ago after sitting waiting for licenses for multiple years, with an owner who had a lot of experience in the business. When they finally got going, they went after anyone who they heard was hosting ANY home or local tournament/cash game that was violating even the smallest of rules, getting the police involved to shut them down. It was a wild time.

 

[bucks_absente]

When I am doing home-games I put a money bank (we call it drinkpig) on the shelf and tell the people before we meet that its there and everyone can tip if they want. If they tip too much the next game is no-tip. I just want it to be break even. I think thats fair.

 

[varoadstter]

The .25/.50 game i play in has been going for 18+ years. The host provides something. Might be popcorn and pretzels, might be pizza and wings. It varies and we never worry about it. Typically we all bring beer and bourbon and get hammered during the game. We all live nearby so we can just stumble home.

As a host, I'd suggest the following:

Two decks with cut cards.

Enough chips to handle things if the game gets a lot of action.

Everyone gives the host a set amount to help offset the cost for the evening. We give $3 each. It's more of a thank you than a payment for costs incurred.

In small games round down to the nearest dollar. If playing 1/2, 1/3, or 2/5, round down to the nearest 5. Players are free to grab spare chips from each other to get an even cashout.

Cash only at the table. If someone has to venmo, they still get cash from someone at the game and money transfer is a private transaction that typically doesn't involve the host.

A poker table and chairs for playability and comfort. If no dedicated table, then at least a neoprene topper or similar.

Try to start the game promptly. If you don't then over time guys will show up later and later and eventually lose you up to an hours worth of play which blows.

Good luck and remember to have fun. Don't get tied up in knots worrying about things, just get a group of people you enjoy hanging with and let it rip.

 

[Dbxela]

As above except its all online banking, no cash. And host also adds on a house cocktail, I think that started as a one off and then got competitive. Recently we varied it and split the hosting/cocktail/food across 3 volunteers - worked well, I think it'll continue. The 'volunteers' should generally be the winning regs.

 

[Poker Zombie]

Just make sure he doesn't get an invite to the next game LOL

IF you have a player that really cares about .75, they aren't likely to be a player.

Since the topic of covering expenses often comes up, the round down topic is often discussed even though it is a miniscule recovery of costs. YTet the ban hammer is quick to come out for a guy that expects his 25 cents.

I feel this is as egregious way to handle someone that may have simply not known better. It is up to the host to make it clear. Even though you may have rune the game the same way for 10+ years, the new guy may have expected the quarter(s) because he simply did not know.

I run mostly tournaments, and it is easy to take a portion of the pot to pay a bonus. In cash games, it becomes a little tougher, because round downs to the dollar underfund the bad beat, so I did round downs to the nearest $5. This was enough to cover the bonuses, but some players (spouses) chose to pool their round-downs while others chose to flip their odd chips.

Would you recommend banning them for making use of their odd chips?

If a player asks for the quarter, simply tell them (preferably before cash out) that there are no quarters.

For what its worth, I round down to the dollar, and $2 of your first buy-in is reserved for bonuses (rebuys are untaxed). Players are notified before the buy-in so they can (if they wish) buy in for $2 extra for a "clean stack" (thus increasing the number of $1s on hand for cash-outs).

But seriously, a player can still be a player even if he expects to be paid for (or the opportunity to gamble) every chip.

 

[Machine]

IF you have a player that really cares about .75, they aren't likely to be a player.

I feel this is as egregious way to handle someone that may have simply not known better.

To add context, I would let the players know I don't cash out change. If they get upset or disagree with it, or become unruly then I would feel that the seventy five cents was not worth the fuss and avoid it in the future.

I don't expect anyone to be clairvoyant or omniscient, I do expect people to be rational.

Players that would gawk at change wouldn't show up twice to my game

 

[Poker Zombie]

As a general rule, players that get too fussy (change, wanting to rabbit hunt if the house doesn't permit, complain about cards, etc) are all reasons to cull from the list. This is more about making a fuss, not about change.

 

[LeCoq]

For my home game I send out a group email with the game details and expectations. It is pretty simple. I state BYOB and a potluck style party. You are encouraged to bring something to share with the group, but not obligated. Most people do bring food and drink. Some people do not. I always provide way more than anyone else as it is my party. I do make mental notes and people that take more than contribute are going to be less likely to get a seat at my table in the future. I only need to fill 9 seats. I have a good core of 4 or 5 regs so that only leave about 5 or 6 seats to fill for my game.

 

[Poker Zombie]

For my home game I send out a group email with the game details and expectations. It is pretty simple. I state BYOB and a potluck style party. You are encouraged to bring something to share with the group, but not obligated. Most people do bring food and drink. Some people do not. I always provide way more than anyone else as it is my party. I do make mental notes and people that take more than contribute are going to be less likely to get a seat at my table in the future. I only need to fill 9 seats. I have a good core of 4 or 5 regs so that only leave about 5 or 6 seats to fill for my game.

Same.

I started out supplying the whole meal including sides and a vegan option (we had 3 Hindi players back then). One player started bringing a side, and it took off from there.

Today we mention that we provide a main and sides are up to the group. We notice non-contributors as well as overachievers, and reinvite status can hang on the contributions.

 

[merkong]

I used to have everyone chip in and order a pizza. Then we would take a food/smoke break.

This killed the game on more than one occasion. Either the game slowed down afterwards and broke soon after. Or we had a few guys leave during the food break.
The hot dog roller stopped all that. Now if you are hungry you can scarf a dog in between hands or grab a plate and continue playing. There is no pause in the action now and everyone is fed. Works perfect for me.

This hosts gets it.

 

[Poker Zombie]

We do our food pregame.

Nobody comes late (if it's avoidable).

That's the host that gets it.

 

[wootaki]

Hosted my first game last week. Had a friend pickup a pizza on the way. Fried up some sausages and onions when everyone started arriving. Had chips, salsa, & shelf stable queso for snacking. Gummy bears for something sweet. Water, sparkling soda, & whiskey for refreshments. Wouldn't want to foot the bill for everything again but it was the first game so wanted it to be easy and comfortable for everyone.

I like the idea of hot dog rollers for the novelty and fun but think its just more practical to grill/fry your weiners and leave them there for guests to nuke whenever they want if they don't eat the fresh cooked batch. Hot dog rollers take up so much space and look like a pain to clean. In fact later in the night I didn't even bother to use the microwave and just ate the leftover pizza and sausages cold. Mostly out of laziness, I'll admit.

Hope your players realize the effort you put into hospitality and start chipping in. I'm sure alot of us do it for our own satisfaction but it can feel a little underappreciated at times too.

 

[merkong]

Hope your players realize the effort you put into hospitality and start chipping in. I'm sure alot of us do it for our own satisfaction but it can feel a little underappreciated at times too.

They do and all player groups will and without anything more than the occasional reminder and what they see as your product. They’re not completely out of touch. They can see a what a host does.

And you’re right, hosts do it partly for their own satisfaction of what they’re providing. Nothing wrong with that. Under appreciated? Sure sometimes it feels that way. Hosts that tamp that down and soldier on are the real heroes. It shows in the tip buckets and we keep putting on games we’re proud of and players keep coming back and supporting the game.

 

[wootaki]

They do and all player groups will and without anything more than the occasional reminder and what they see as your product. They’re not completely out of touch. They can see a what a host does.

And you’re right, hosts do it partly for their own satisfaction of what they’re providing. Nothing wrong with that. Under appreciated? Sure sometimes it feels that way. Hosts that tamp that down and soldier on are the real heroes. It shows in the tip buckets and we keep putting on games we’re proud of and players keep coming back and supporting the game.

I think my use of "under appreciation" is more towards the smaller details that take a little extra time or effort that can easily go unnoticed or taken for granted. And its nothing I hold against my guests because I know those are my choices to make. Making and stocking large ice cubes for the cocktails vs cloudy fridgemade ice, using fancy amarena/luxardo cherries vs maraschino. Using glasses, utensils, and dinnerware that require washing vs disposables. Things like that I consider "taking the extra step", cause I don't get that when I attend others dinner parties. And just the overall environment, table, chips (obviously), lighting, background music, cleanliness, air circulation, whats on the tv, etc. I think all they all contribute to the experience but are either lost in the subconscious for most people or maybe just not as high on the priority list when it comes to poker night. Personally, the joy I get out of hosting is to try and create a faux top tier "luxury" Vegas casino experience and laugh at myself trying to impress my guests with it. No dealer, massage girls, cocktail waitresses, or even a really nice man cave yet but one day I'll host a .25/.50 game with all of that

For me, the game of poker is actually a little closer to the bottom of the priority list. Just an excuse to throw a fake Vegas casino party and play with my chips.

 

[merkong]

I think my use of "under appreciation" is more towards the smaller details that take a little extra time or effort that can easily go unnoticed or taken for granted. And its nothing I hold against my guests because I know those are my choices to make. Making and stocking large ice cubes for the cocktails vs cloudy fridgemade ice, using fancy amarena/luxardo cherries vs maraschino. Using glasses, utensils, and dinnerware that require washing vs disposables. Things like that I consider "taking the extra step", cause I don't get that when I attend others dinner parties. And just the overall environment, table, chips (obviously), lighting, background music, cleanliness, air circulation, whats on the tv, etc. I think all they all contribute to the experience but are either lost in the subconscious for most people or maybe just not as high on the priority list when it comes to poker night. Personally, the joy I get out of hosting is to try and create a faux top tier "luxury" Vegas casino experience and laugh at myself trying to impress my guests with it. No dealer, massage girls, cocktail waitresses, or even a really nice man cave yet but one day I'll host a .25/.50 game with all of that

For me, the game of poker is actually a little closer to the bottom of the priority list. Just an excuse to throw a fake Vegas casino party and play with my chips.

I couldn’t agree more. It’s the little things that we do that go “unnoticed but appreciated” is a better characterization of what we were getting at. Good summary.

 

[Poker Zombie]

Using glasses, utensils, and dinnerware that require washing vs disposables.

^^^ This is a quality game.

We set out Waterford crystal glasses and stemless wine glasses on poker night. One night, someone asked if we had any red Solo cups. I responded, yes we do, I just wont make people drink out of them, because I don't want to drink a Manhattan or wine out of a plastic cup.

My mother had some fine China that she got when she and my dad got married. They "saved" it for "special occasions". In the 18 years I lived there, that "special occasion" never occurred. It'll be sold to help cover her long-term care costs (it probably won't even cover 2 weeks of care). I refuse to live my life that way. If friends are coming over monthly, then there's a special occasion every month.

I can't say if your players do or do not appreciate what you do, but I have a player that will wash the dirty glasses after she has been knocked out. One player wrote a handwritten letter of appreciation for what we had accomplished before she moved. A third brings us a 1.75L bottle of vodka most nights, because he says "I know what a chore it is to host".

The other 22 or so players show up, which is all the appreciation I need. People will notice. Most will never say anything, but unless your group is 100% Neanderthals, they appreciate the extra touches a top shelf game provides, despite the stakes.

 

[Mandos]

We set out Waterford crystal glasses and stemless wine glasses on poker night. One night, someone asked if we had any red Solo cups. I responded, yes we do, I just wont make people drink out of them, because I don't want to drink a Manhattan or wine out of a plastic cup.

My mother had some fine China that she got when she and my dad got married. They "saved" it for "special occasions". In the 18 years I lived there, that "special occasion" never occurred. It'll be sold to help cover her long-term care costs (it probably won't even cover 2 weeks of care). I refuse to live my life that way. If friends are coming over monthly, then there's a special occasion every month.

I could not agree more with this. Just like chips, fine tableware/glassware is meant to be used. Yes, that adds quite a bit of time to cleanup but that's the choice I make as host.