NLHE cash game with only 4 players? (1 Viewer)

[jkoclanis67]

I'm hosting my first NLHE cash game this weekend (.25/.25 with a 100-200 BB initial buy-in). We were initially planning on 6 players, but now two of them will probably not make it. Should I make any tweaks to the game to make it work better with only 4 players (ex. a single blind)? What other twists/variations would be good for 4-players (bomb pots, other poker variations, etc.)?

 

[Tonystark137]

Would try and get 1-2 more players if possible. If not maybe see if the players would be in for some sort of limit game.

4 handed NLHE feels too short IMO.

 

[DrStrange]

There are a number of circus games that thrive in short handed situations.

 

[detroitdad]

I would rather play four handed, than not to play at all

 

[quintooo]

perfect opportunity to learn some meetup circus games: bigO, drawmaha, archie, scarney, sohe, etc

 

[TheRealTeddyKGB]

perfect opportunity to learn some meetup circus games: bigO, drawmaha, archie, scarney, sohe, etc

 

[Labrat]

Seven
Card
Stud

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

There are a number of circus games that thrive in short handed situations.

He's new here, could you name a few?

 

[upNdown]

I’d find more players. 4-handed Holdem stinks. I agree that it’s better than no poker at all, but I think a lot of people might disagree

 

[Jimulacrum]

I enjoy 4-handed poker, Hold'em or otherwise, but not everyone does. You likely will not even have a 4-handed game after the first couple hours.

Moreover, in a game that short, there's nowhere to hide. Fish get crushed like a watermelon at a Gallagher show.

It's generally not good for their willingness to fund any future games.

 

[jkoclanis67]

I’d find more players. 4-handed Holdem stinks. I agree that it’s better than no poker at all, but I think a lot of people might disagree

@upNdown, do you think 6-handed is sufficient?

 

[upNdown]

@upNdown, do you think 6-handed is sufficient?

I do. But what your players think is what matters. If you have a bunch of guys who arent very poker savvy, 4-handed might be fun for them. If you have a bunch of guys who are NLHE-heads, they might be annoyed by anything short of 9.

As a host, you just have to do your best to make sure your players have a good time, so that they’ll want to come back next time. To me, that usually means scramblling all week to fill those seats. But different crowds, different games, who knows.

 

[jkoclanis67]

I do. But what your players think is what matters. If you have a bunch of guys who arent very poker savvy, 4-handed might be fun for them. If you have a bunch of guys who are NLHE-heads, they might be annoyed by anything short of 9.

As a host, you just have to do your best to make sure your players have a good time, so that they’ll want to come back next time. To me, that usually means scramblling all week to fill those seats. But different crowds, different games, who knows.

They are all pretty much newbies. I'm probably the most experienced, and that's not saying much. Haha!

 

[NotRealNameNoSir]

I do. But what your players think is what matters. If you have a bunch of guys who arent very poker savvy, 4-handed might be fun for them. If you have a bunch of guys who are NLHE-heads, they might be annoyed by anything short of 9.

As a host, you just have to do your best to make sure your players have a good time, so that they’ll want to come back next time. To me, that usually means scramblling all week to fill those seats. But different crowds, different games, who knows.

+1 to the first part especially. With brand new players 4 is fine to figure out the basics. If you play like a normal TAG though, be prepared for them to leave lol, very different game than a full-ring. More limping and more flops for sure. Not saying to let them win, but play splashier and see more flops, keep it fun. I wouldn't play straight limit but maybe a spread-limit; if you're buying in for $20, cap the bets to $5 if they're brand new to make sure someone doesn't lose their entire buyin to a full house before they know what that is.

4 handed, start with NLHE for a while then teach some games like 5-card draw or 7-card stud. Still fun to just sit around and play cards, and who knows, maybe they'll love it and invite more friends next time.

 

[allforcharity]

4 is fine for casual, just have a good time play.

 

[ThrowBack]

Just play. They don't understand the idea of 4 hand vs 8 hand anyway. Enjoy your friends.

 

[TX_Golf_N_Poker]

They are all pretty much newbies. I'm probably the most experienced, and that's not saying much. Haha!

How did the game turn out? Like others said, four handed is better than no poker. I used to play quite a bit with my wife and one son and his wife when they would come over for dinner.

 

[jkoclanis67]

How did the game turn out? Like others said, four handed is better than no poker. I used to play quite a bit with my wife and one son and his wife when they would come over for dinner.

Sorry, I probably should have followed up on this chain. I was able to scrounge up 3 more players at the last minute to make it 7 at the table. We had a great time! Thanks for all the advice. This site is an endless source of great information!

 

[ThrowBack]

How did the game turn out? Like others said, four handed is better than no poker. I used to play quite a bit with my wife and one son and his wife when they would come over for dinner.

To me this is poker, family, friends, games.

The first time I played watched anyone play cards was 10 cent pinochle

 

[TX_Golf_N_Poker]

To me this is poker, family, friends, games.

The first time I played watched anyone play cards was 10 cent pinochle

Similar for me growing up. The family played Pitch for nickels.

 

[l33tf0b]

Can I interest u in the game of PLO lol.