There are two kinds of home games. The one most are familiar with  (and the focus of this article) is the kind played for low or medium stakes and friendly in nature save for the occasional argument that is quickly resolved.  The other kind is played for high stakes,  and featured in such films as Rounders and in stories told by Amarillo Slim and Doyle Brunson.  A few of us play in such games,  but for the vast majority of poker players,  the home game means low stakes,  low stress,  and a break from the business of everyday life.

Perhaps you are looking for a game,  or planning on starting one.  Here’s the way to do both with success.

PLAY POKER ONLINE WITH REAL PEOPLE

While online poker can indeed be an introvert’s delight,  the fact is that poker is a social game.  Even online you are playing against real people.  But while you can converse with those other people,  you are typically thousands of miles apart.  So,  “Why don’t we get together next week at my place for a game”  won’t cut it,  because it’s simply not possible.

While the internet may depersonalize poker with respect to the online game,  it is also a valuable tool for finding a game.  There are websites where you can network with people who are poker players in your area.

Among the best I'd include www.homepokergames.com.  This site was created to help people find home games in their area.  The site is easy to navigate, and has links to states and countries on the left hand side.  You can also post a game if you are looking for players.  Information given includes when the game is played,  what games are played,  and how to contact someone to get an invite to the game.

Another good online resource that I have used is www.pokerpages.com. There is a home game section that allows you to find games in the U.S., Canada,  Europe,  or other parts of the world.  The only drawback is that there is no division between (U.S.) states  (as there is on homepokergames.com),  so it can be more time consuming to try to find a game in your area.

Other good ways of finding a game include networking with people at work, class,  or at a public card room.  Finding games on any college campus requires little effort.  However,  if you are talking with people at a casino,  know that you can’t just say,  “Hey guys,  here’s my address,  let’s move the game to my place.  No rake!”  Obviously casinos do not appreciate this.  But there is nothing wrong with exchanging addresses and phone numbers.  Just don’t do anything that might disrupt the game.

Running a Game.  If you are considering starting your own home game, obviously the poker rules are up to you.  If you want to play draw poker for coupons with fives,  eights and nines wild, that’s fine;  if you want to play $100 buy-in tournaments,  that’s fine too.  But I have found there are some good ways of having a home game run smoothly that will help you avoid potential heated arguments and awkward situations.

Make Sure the Rules are Understood.  Many times an argument will break out at a home game because there was confusion on the rules.  For instance,  a player thinks his hand is good,  and starts to take the pot,  but the other player says,  “Nines were wild this hand,”  which gives him the best hand.  Or,  a player did not understand that check-raising was permitted.  At the casino,  the poker rules are clearer  -–  cards speak,  and every game is the same.  Home games have a wild array of rules depending on the crowd,  and things can be especially confusing if you or your guests play in several different home games where the rules vary.

The best method is to have things written down.  Let people know what is being played,  and type up a sheet,  especially if it’s a new game with new players.  If you are having a tournament,  make sure it is clear when the blinds or antes will go up and when.  If you are having a regular cash poker game,  make sure the games are understood or that people do not mind learning different games. Rather than just say,  “We’re going to play poker tomorrow night,  are you in?” Let people know what will be played.  One time I drove an hour to get to a game that was friendly but filled with strange games with numerous wild cards. Needless to say,  it isn’t much fun driving a long distance for what you think will be an evening of stud and Texas holdem poker,  only to find that you are playing “No Peak”  Baseball and In-between.  Let people know what to expect and make sure once people are there it is clear what can be selected if it is a “dealer’s choice”  format.

You also don't need to be a tyrant; be open to other poker games.  I personally love stud poker,  but if I am having a home game,  I’m open to other poker games like Omaha.  If it has not been determined beforehand what games will be played,  talk about it first and see what games people are interested in playing.  Having group input will make the game more friendly as well.

Make Sure Stakes are Understood.  Having a set idea of stakes is also a must for any home game.  You don’t want to have people come expecting $2/$4 limit holdem only to find that they will be playing for nickels and dimes,  or that it will be $150 to buy-in to the game.  If you do not want to set the limits before the game,  obviously make sure all are in agreement as to what the stakes will be for the evening before play begins.  No one wants to be caught off-guard when, an hour into the game,  you up the limits unexpectedly.

Big No-No’s. These probably do not need to be stated,  but there are some big “don’ts"  to remember.

First of all,  do not rake the pot.  This turns your home game into your own private card club,  and while I am not a lawyer I think it is safe to say that this is illegal in most locations.

Second,  stay away from very high-stakes games unless you are very comfortable running them.  There is nothing wrong with high stakes poker,  but if the stakes are very high these can lead to problems.  Such games could be illegal,  depending upon where you live.  Heavy losses can also lead to sore feelings.  People playing $30/$60 in the casino are typically used to playing high stakes;  they make the trip and specifically request to get in such games.  In a home game,  unless you know the people very well you are inviting to play and what their bankroll situation is,  you could be setting yourself up for problems if players suffer big losses.

Third,  be careful with alcohol.  Hopefully you know not to drink and play,  as this causes you to lose focus.  There’s nothing wrong with firing up the blender for some adult beverages or having some cold beer for your guests.  But excessive drinking can bring problems.  It might be wise to ease off the liquor and serve non-alcoholic beverages.  If your game is with the same group you’ve played with or known for years,  you may feel more at ease serving alcohol.  But if I’ve got a group coming over I met at the card club or by posting a game online I’m trying to get going,  I’m not going to risk getting people drunk at my home game.

What to Buy.  How much you want to spend on your game is up to you.  You can buy a deck of cards and plastic chips for under $10 at your local Target or Wal-Mart.  But if you are going to host a regular game, it’s worth investing in some nice chips,  cards,  and even a table.

A number of local retailers sell nice chips that are thick,  and feel like the chips you use at the casino.  The best way to buy chips in my opinion is online.  I've checked prices at a number of local retailers,  and even the one who claimed to have the lowest prices in town could not beat the deals that are available online. The best can be found on Ebay.  Just type in  “poker chips”  and you can easily find a set to your liking.  You should be able to get a great set for around $100 or even less,  depending on chip style and quantity.

In terms of cards,  the best in my opinion are KEM.  I paid $20 for a set of two decks three years ago at a local mall.  I still have the set,  and while it has been used countless times,  the cards seem like new.  $20 may sound a bit steep for cards,  but the quality is what you pay for.  A nice set of cards are more enjoyable to play with as well  --  they are the same kind that are used at many casino card rooms,  and have a nicer feel than the $.99 deck than you could buy at the gas station.  Another very durable set are A-Plus playing cards,  which are similarly priced.

If you want to go all out,  you can invest in a poker table.  These are available online too.  Ebay has a wide array to choose from,  or simply do a search for “poker tables,”   and you’ll find many retailers who carry them.  You might also find poker tables at specialty stores in your area.  Prices range from about $150 on up to several thousand.

Another option:  Buy a felt that you can use to cover the table.  This is a great way to create a poor man’s poker table,  and substantially cheaper.  Either a felt or poker table makes a great investment.  You’ll see there is a huge difference between playing on a regular table than playing on a felted table.  A felted surface makes it much easier to shuffle cards and chips,  and makes for a more enjoyable game.

Additional Etiquette.  Finally,  a few words on etiquette if you are invited to a game,  to increase the likelihood that you will be invited back.

Always offer to bring something.  Not doing so is, simply, rude.  If someone is hosting a game,  offer to bring some beverages or snacks.  You don’t have to spend a bundle,  it’s just a matter of being courteous to the host

Don’t take it upon yourself to light up a heater unless you know it’s okay to do so.  In theory,  poker,  beer,  and stogies all go together.  If it’s your home,  that’s one thing,  but if you’re going to another’s house  (especially if they have a family)  it’s not very polite to assume you can light up.

Also,  know when to leave.  This may sound obvious, but many people just don’t get the hint.  The  “last hand”  becomes  “one more go-around”  and then  “one more hour.”  Don’t imagine you can hang around for another hour after the game drinking the last two beers in the cooler,  especially if the host has a family or has work in the morning.

Finally,  offer to host,  if you can.  If the host of the game wants to host every week,  fine.  But it is nice to offer to host a game if you’ve been going to the same game for several weeks.