To Host or not to Host (5 Viewers)

[Irate]

I've got poker fever real bad. I've been playing casually for 10 plus years in home games and many tournaments and cash games in Tunica. I think I'm a decent poker player. I've never left the casino with less than I arrived with after sitting at a poker table. I don't play anything else. I thought I'd start my own little home game. I bought a nice table, some decent chips, snacks, an app for invitations, an app for blind structure, you know the whole 9!! sent out invites 2 weeks early just to get to the night of my first cash game for no one to show up even though everyone of the 14 people I invited expressed their interest in participating. I'm 100% sure that I can get a nice cash game and tournament going every month in time but I wish I was surrounded by people that can't wait to sit at the poker table and shuffle up and deal as bad as I want to. I could literally play every day right now if I had a group that was game for that. Any advice out there on motivating casual home game players to desire to play more often? I figured a once a month cash game and tournament was quite reasonable!!! If I had my way, I'd do double that and host a game every weekend.

 

[Josh Kifer]

Hosting has its ups and downs. Starting a game can be brutal, but the trick is to start slow, make it fun and not about the money, and eventually it'll grow. Our game started with 3 people. It peaked at 20 or so, now we have a constant 7-10 every week for 22 or so years.

Things that can help. We started our game on Mondays so we could watch football while we play. Find a time and spot that becomes a regular thing with your players. Make it apart of there schedule.

 

[Huskerchipper]

Interesting conundrum. I love hosting. With 14 prospects I would try to get a commitment of 3 to 4 players that others love to play with. Then you could lean on a few others with the goal of 6-8 to start. I wouldn't focus on making it super competitive. 90% of my players are there for social interaction and the winning/losing is secondary. Whatever you can think of to enhance the fun factor. I like the idea Josh had of Monday night football. How about a UFC Event during your first game. The goal is to just get the game started. The competitive play is secondary. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[TheRealTeddyKGB]

Make it apart of their schedule.

This.

 

[Jeevansluck]

I am running my own home game right now after 2+ years.

I’ve been knocked out a while ago, don’t even care. LOVING IT!

 

[CraigT78]

Interesting conundrum. I love hosting. With 14 prospects I would try to get a commitment of 3 to 4 players that others love to play with. Then you could lean on a few others with the goal of 6-8 to start. I wouldn't focus on making it super competitive. 90% of my players are there for social interaction and the winning/losing is secondary. Whatever you can think of to enhance the fun factor. I like the idea Josh had of Monday night football. How about a UFC Event during your first game. The goal is to just get the game started. The competitive play is secondary. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Planning the first few games around an event is the way to do it.

Cheap $20-$40 tournament around a fight or big game will get players in seats. From there you can identify the people who want to play more regularly.

My game started with Dad's from the neighborhood, I spammed all the elementary school events and kids sports and got my first game off the ground. 10 years later a good 7-10 are still regulars.

Good luck!

 

[Josh Kifer]

Planning the first few games around an event is the way to do it.

Cheap $20-$40 tournament around a fight or big game will get players in seats. From there you can identify the people who want to play more regularly.

My game started with Dad's from the neighborhood, I spammed all the elementary school events and kids sports and got my first game off the ground. 10 years later a good 7-10 are still regulars.

Good luck!

I thought you weren't allowed within 500ft of most elementary schools ....

 

[CraigT78]

I thought you weren't allowed within 500ft of most elementary schools ....

I wasn't. I didn't recruit at the actual school.

 

[Josh Kifer]

I wasn't. I didn't recruit at the actual school.

"Recruit"

 

[chippitydoodah]

I wasn't. I didn't recruit at the actual school.

 

[AutoDonk5000]

I think it sucks that you did invest a lot of money and effort for no one to show up, sorry about that!.

If you love playing I'd keep trying. Go to other people's home games, great place to meet players. Just gotta be selective in who you invite.

I'm just starting a game too, I couldn't get enough players for the third game which was a bummer but I'd rather not have a game than have a game with people I don't want in my house ya know?

Also, you either don't play a lot of casino poker or your memory is deficient

 

[chippitydoodah]

Also, you either don't play a lot of casino poker or your memory is dedeficient

How do you call someone a not without calling them a nit?

 

[ValueTown]

Host! Takes time and heavy recruiting. Start low stakes; game start time could impact who shows up. As others said, do it the same night as a sports event to draw a crowd. Also, when invites go out, remind folks 2 days in advance and day of. Good luck.

 

[Munchies11]

Sounds like you are ready to go !! Don’t give up I’m sure you will round up group of regs . From there you’ll game will surely grow just need the core. Also if your comfortable with having it outside players like co workers , acquaintances, friends of friends coming sure you can grow. I hosted for 15 years I know the struggles but rewarding when things come in to place !