How to host a Poker Party
June 25th, 2022 at 4:07:28 PM
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Quote: Gialmere
55:56 Throwing a good poker party
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This seems like a very interesting subject.
Is there already a thread on the basics?
May the cards fall in your favor.
June 25th, 2022 at 7:16:48 PM
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Quote: DieterQuote: Gialmere
55:56 Throwing a good poker party
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This seems like a very interesting subject.
Is there already a thread on the basics?
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Not that I've seen although I have read posts here discussing how good players can clean up at friendly games. As for how to host a good poker night, I suppose the first question would be whether it's going to be a serious game or more of a social event.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
June 26th, 2022 at 4:39:37 AM
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Assuming "home game", not "underground game".
No rake, no shark standing by with lines of credit, buy-in less than one day's pay at a straight job.
Friends and maybe a few fish someone knows.
No rake, no shark standing by with lines of credit, buy-in less than one day's pay at a straight job.
Friends and maybe a few fish someone knows.
May the cards fall in your favor.
June 26th, 2022 at 5:41:41 AM
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I sometimes host a game whenever Mrs. Wizard is out of town. Those who come are all single professional-gambling men. Personally, I prefer a game that is more friendly, for lower stakes, and with at least some women, but I haven't achieved that goal since the late 80's.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
June 26th, 2022 at 6:32:52 AM
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I can't even consider the idea of a FRIENDLY poker game with anyone who belongs to this forum.
June 26th, 2022 at 6:52:43 AM
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Quote: AlanMendelsonI can't even consider the idea of a FRIENDLY poker game with anyone who belongs to this forum.
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I'm assuming that I'll be coerced into dealing a game among people who "don't gamble", but play euchre tournaments for prizes and buy lottery scratchers every now and again. These people are almost assuredly not forum members, but might have thumbed through a yellow and black "Poker for Dummies" book once at a rummage sale.
I'm reading up on Poker TDA Rules just for some semblance of doing things the way they might have seen on TV.
May the cards fall in your favor.
June 26th, 2022 at 7:01:06 PM
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Euchre is a great game.
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but that is the way to bet.
June 26th, 2022 at 7:32:18 PM
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I remember we used to play cash Poker and then heard about knockout tournaments. So perhaps one way is to have a fixed buy in (or perhaps small number of lives) and run it as a competition. I'm not an expert in how, by ramping up the Antes, you can get a balance between being fun and not running all night. An alternative is to use it with for a fixed time and then have a raffle, the more you have at the end the more raffle tickets you get. Obviously the first person out gets to deal, otherwise perhaps you stop when the second is out.
Just an idea - I haven't played poker for years!
Just an idea - I haven't played poker for years!
June 26th, 2022 at 8:42:03 PM
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Not all, just most.Quote: WizardI sometimes host a game whenever Mrs. Wizard is out of town. Those who come are all single professional-gambling men. Personally, I prefer a game that is more friendly, for lower stakes, and with at least some women, but I haven't achieved that goal since the late 80's.
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Example: Matt=not a pro gambler, however, he is a fairly skilled poker player.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
June 26th, 2022 at 8:42:12 PM
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Not all, just most.Quote: WizardI sometimes host a game whenever Mrs. Wizard is out of town. Those who come are all single professional-gambling men. Personally, I prefer a game that is more friendly, for lower stakes, and with at least some women, but I haven't achieved that goal since the late 80's.
link to original post
Example: Matt=not a pro gambler, however, he is a fairly skilled poker player.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
June 26th, 2022 at 8:42:15 PM
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Not all, just most.Quote: WizardI sometimes host a game whenever Mrs. Wizard is out of town. Those who come are all single professional-gambling men. Personally, I prefer a game that is more friendly, for lower stakes, and with at least some women, but I haven't achieved that goal since the late 80's.
link to original post
Example: Matt=not a pro gambler, however, he is a fairly skilled poker player.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
June 27th, 2022 at 4:00:59 AM
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Any suggestions on the type of food to have?
I know sandwiches are traditional for playing cards, and wings would likely end up marking the cards, but I'm interested in ideas.
I know sandwiches are traditional for playing cards, and wings would likely end up marking the cards, but I'm interested in ideas.
May the cards fall in your favor.
June 27th, 2022 at 2:07:14 PM
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Pretzels and peanuts are good. If you are really wanting to put on the dog, with a meal or whatnot, better that everyone takes a break to eat, all at once or serially.Quote: DieterAny suggestions on the type of food to have?
I know sandwiches are traditional for playing cards, and wings would likely end up marking the cards, but I'm interested in ideas.
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Lately a group of friends has been successful in putting a monthly game together, so I'll give you my thoughts.
Women? they know they can play if they want, but the games are considered a guy thing by wives, even though most play cards. The host usually sees his wife go out with *her* friends, practically running away shrieking from the house. I think some figure we are bringing in prostitutes. It's really remarkable!
Food: it was originally a foodie event, and some of that was quite memorable. I was instrumental in ending that, as it puts too much pressure on hosting. I convinced everyone to do it BYOB completely including food, though everyone seems to make sure there are some kind of munchies. You don't want the spouses to resent the events, and if it is a foodie thing, they get involved. It's bad enough the house needs to be spiffed up a bit.
The group wants 7 players maximum. I think 8 is OK, and for 7-card stud type games [which dominate] the game is easily changed to 6 card stud IMO. No one agrees.
Keeping it friendly: the stakes this group wants to play are ridiculously low, but a game where no one is likely to lose as much as $100 is probably a good goal, YMMV. As much as you can influence things, I suggest trying to discourage games that are not poker. In another group I sometimes sub for, non-poker games dominate, with 7/27 and 3/13 played mostly. I can't help but notice the type person who likes these games likes to win on luck. Some who are not used to the games can really lose a lot of money [relatively speaking] and it can get kind of unfriendly.* Some wild card games can lead to unfriendly times too, but good luck banning those.
* Hint: for that type game: go for low, even if you are bluffing, it's a bluff that often works so that you have a lock. If there is another player going for low, you should be able to tell. You should fold against that if you don't have a great hand or a lock, though, as those going for high will cause many, many betting rounds and you have to keep calling those bets.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
June 27th, 2022 at 2:27:19 PM
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Don't invite me to that one (-:Quote: odiousgambitPretzels and peanuts are good. ]Quote: DieterAny suggestions on the type of food to have?
I know sandwiches are traditional for playing cards, and wings would likely end up marking the cards, but I'm interested in ideas.
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♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
June 27th, 2022 at 3:30:18 PM
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I agree that 6 card stud is weird.Quote: odiousgambitThe group wants 7 players maximum. I think 8 is OK, and for 7-card stud type games [which dominate] the game is easily changed to 6 card stud IMO. No one agrees.
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In all likelihood, the reason for suggesting it is because of the chance of running out of cards. The Tournament Direct Association official rules covers this scenario:
Quote: TDA7th street short stub procedure.
If before dealing 7th street the number of cards in the current stub is less than the “required number” (# remaining players + burn card + undealt last card) proceed as follows:
A) if the required number can be reached by adding the 3 prior burn cards (for 4th, 5th, and 6th street) the current stub will be scrambled with the prior burns to create a new stub. The new stub will be cut, a card burned, and one card dealt to each player.
B) if there are at least 3 cards in the current stub but adding the prior burns would not reach the required number, the dealer will burn the top card of the current stub and deal the next card as a community card in the center of the table.
C) if the current stub has less than 3 cards, it will be scrambled with the 3 prior burns for a new stub which will then be cut, a card burned, and the next card dealt as a community card.
D) If a community card is in play, the first player who would act on 6th street will be first to act on 7th street.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
June 27th, 2022 at 4:25:06 PM
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I work about 5-10 poker parties a year individually and with my crew of dealers. Some thoughts.
1. Consider hiring a dealer, especially if there will be more than one table. $20 per person will do it, remember to tip as well. All my clients stem from the same core group so a lot of overlap. First multi-table tournament I did they dealt themselves the previous year and kept asking themselves how they managed the year before. I wondered how they managed to go more than 3 hands. Great people, and they positively love my crew. But the beer starts flowing and well you can guess. A dealer who knows what they are doing also can handle most disputes.
2. Have food and have a break partway for the food. Wings, pizza, and munchies. If you do not take a break the food will sit.
3. Someone needs to be the sheriff. Don't need to be a hard ass but things like taking cards off the table seem innocent to some people but to others they matter. You do not need to go "full casino rules" but things like looking at discarded hands you need to give the kind of "warning" men do in a friendly way. Say they are looking at discarded hands you say something like, "you gonna show us all what they are?"
4. Secure the money. More to avoid mistakes than possible theft.
1. Consider hiring a dealer, especially if there will be more than one table. $20 per person will do it, remember to tip as well. All my clients stem from the same core group so a lot of overlap. First multi-table tournament I did they dealt themselves the previous year and kept asking themselves how they managed the year before. I wondered how they managed to go more than 3 hands. Great people, and they positively love my crew. But the beer starts flowing and well you can guess. A dealer who knows what they are doing also can handle most disputes.
2. Have food and have a break partway for the food. Wings, pizza, and munchies. If you do not take a break the food will sit.
3. Someone needs to be the sheriff. Don't need to be a hard ass but things like taking cards off the table seem innocent to some people but to others they matter. You do not need to go "full casino rules" but things like looking at discarded hands you need to give the kind of "warning" men do in a friendly way. Say they are looking at discarded hands you say something like, "you gonna show us all what they are?"
4. Secure the money. More to avoid mistakes than possible theft.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
June 27th, 2022 at 7:59:55 PM
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Quote: AxelWolfExample: Matt=not a pro gambler, however, he is a fairly skilled poker player.
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Good point.
However, I've heard the expression "If you can't find the sucker in the first five minutes at the poker table -- it's you." By that test, the sucker is me when I'm playing against you and your crew.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
June 28th, 2022 at 1:49:33 AM
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Allow me to post a warning: when real money is involved no one can be trusted. Especially when you add in self proclaimed APs who publicly announce their exploits.
For more than ten years I was part of a charity that raised money to support high schoolers with kidney disease. We raised money to have special proms and parties and scholarships for these kids who we knew were on dialysis and missed regular school events.
I got involved because I had a kidney transplant.
Our biggest fundraiser each year was a celebrity poker tournament. We held them at some of the biggest casinos in Southern California.
Celebrities from Hollywood would show up and play. But this was really a party. We had catering. We used the casino's dealers, and it was typical for players to go all in blind during the first hour when rebuys were permitted.
But the fundraiser was always open to the public and every year we'd get a half dozen poker players who came in to play seriously and win the tournament.
One of these guys would always finish in the top 3 and there were only 3 places paid.
Eventually people stopped showing up for the event... as more "pros" attended.
And as more pros attended to take "the Hollywood money" play changed. It became obvious. There was collusion near the end of the tourneys when multiple pros were at the same table.
And after a couple of years we no longer had a crowd big enough for a tournament at Commerce or The Bicycle but we ended up with 60 players at the Glendale Civic Center with a staff hired from a casino party company... and then the event petered out.
It was a shame. We once had an A list of Hollywood celebs and we used to raise a lot of money. And the pros ruined it because they wanted to win $1,000 in a couple of hours.
Oh, by the way, when it was first started the winners would donate the prize money back to the charity.
For more than ten years I was part of a charity that raised money to support high schoolers with kidney disease. We raised money to have special proms and parties and scholarships for these kids who we knew were on dialysis and missed regular school events.
I got involved because I had a kidney transplant.
Our biggest fundraiser each year was a celebrity poker tournament. We held them at some of the biggest casinos in Southern California.
Celebrities from Hollywood would show up and play. But this was really a party. We had catering. We used the casino's dealers, and it was typical for players to go all in blind during the first hour when rebuys were permitted.
But the fundraiser was always open to the public and every year we'd get a half dozen poker players who came in to play seriously and win the tournament.
One of these guys would always finish in the top 3 and there were only 3 places paid.
Eventually people stopped showing up for the event... as more "pros" attended.
And as more pros attended to take "the Hollywood money" play changed. It became obvious. There was collusion near the end of the tourneys when multiple pros were at the same table.
And after a couple of years we no longer had a crowd big enough for a tournament at Commerce or The Bicycle but we ended up with 60 players at the Glendale Civic Center with a staff hired from a casino party company... and then the event petered out.
It was a shame. We once had an A list of Hollywood celebs and we used to raise a lot of money. And the pros ruined it because they wanted to win $1,000 in a couple of hours.
Oh, by the way, when it was first started the winners would donate the prize money back to the charity.
June 28th, 2022 at 2:33:18 AM
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Quote: AlanMendelson
Celebrities from Hollywood would show up and play. But this was really a party. We had catering. We used the casino's dealers, and it was typical for players to go all in blind during the first hour when rebuys were permitted.
But the fundraiser was always open to the public and every year we'd get a half dozen poker players who came in to play seriously and win the tournament.
One of these guys would always finish in the top 3 and there were only 3 places paid.
Eventually people stopped showing up for the event... as more "pros" attended.
The stakes attract rich flounders. And they in turn attract the sharks.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
June 28th, 2022 at 4:58:17 AM
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Quote: AxelWolfDon't invite me to that one (-:Quote: odiousgambitPretzels and peanuts are good.Quote: DieterAny suggestions on the type of food to have?
I know sandwiches are traditional for playing cards, and wings would likely end up marking the cards, but I'm interested in ideas.
link to original post
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I'm definitely thinking an ice bucket full of Good Ass Beer* and some frozen pizzas. ;)
*: Could be worse.
May the cards fall in your favor.
June 28th, 2022 at 4:57:11 PM
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You lost me at frozen.Quote: DieterQuote: AxelWolfDon't invite me to that one (-:Quote: odiousgambitPretzels and peanuts are good.Quote: DieterAny suggestions on the type of food to have?
I know sandwiches are traditional for playing cards, and wings would likely end up marking the cards, but I'm interested in ideas.
link to original post
link to original post
I'm definitely thinking an ice bucket full of Good Ass Beer* and some frozen pizzas. ;)
*: Could be worse.
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If I do a party, I do it right.
Our team throws a big party once a year. One year, I took on the responsibility of the food. One of the many options was make your own deli sandwiches, I might do it for you if you are nice. I had 6 different kinds of bread, many different veggies, and lots of different cheese. I got many different kinds of sliced meat from the deli roast beef, pastrami, salami, 3 different types of turkey of meat and chicken, pepperoni, and more.
But to this day, the guys give me the business.... they claim I got 30 different condiments/sandwich spreads. I admit I went a little overbard, but no doubt they are over-exaggerating that 30 number.
I about lost my shit when a group of guys said they had just eaten.
P.S. If I made a sandwich for Romes or PokerGrinder, it hit the ground first, no less than 4 times. 👼
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
June 28th, 2022 at 5:03:09 PM
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What's that supposed to mean, please elaborate.Quote: AlanMendelsonAllow me to post a warning: when real money is involved no one can be trusted. Especially when you add in self proclaimed APs who publicly announce their exploits.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
June 28th, 2022 at 5:25:58 PM
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Quote: AlanMendelsonI can't even consider the idea of a FRIENDLY poker game with anyone who belongs to this forum.
You'll be fine.
Just don't win 18 pots in a row.
"What, me worry?"
June 28th, 2022 at 6:08:26 PM
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Quote: AxelWolfYou lost me at frozen.Quote: DieterI'm definitely thinking an ice bucket full of Good Ass Beer* and some frozen pizzas. ;)
*: Could be worse.
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If I do a party, I do it right.
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Fair enough.
I'm thinking that for a weekly game, "everyone brings a six pack and a rising crust pizza" is going to go over easier than hanwoo steaks and 25 year old islay, at least with the t-shirt and steel toe crowd my in-laws know.
Fussing with a wood fired pizza oven and meticulously slicing the salami might be ok, but I want to play cards, not spend my evening punching dough and slinging pies.
It strikes me that to get "women" to attend, it may be necessary to cultivate a group of women players. This probably means a series of womens' (ladies?) nights, where men in attendance aren't playing poker (or otherwise interfering), and the player pool is mostly beginners - a nod to turning down the intimidation factor.
May the cards fall in your favor.
June 28th, 2022 at 6:12:44 PM
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How about the table? A nice poker table? A mediocre fold-out poker table? The dinning room table?
How about the cards and chips? High quality, or will a pack of Bicycle's and some red, white and blue plastic do?
How about music?
...but few others do, or any music since they find it distracting.
Also, although I like the tournament format, I find it doesn't work well (at least if it's a poker PARTY as opposed to a poker GAME). A few people will get eliminated early, sometimes way early, and then be stuck sitting there having a bad time. They'll either start drinking heavily or turn on the ballgame (usually both) creating a distraction.
Heavy is the head that wears the host crown.
...3-in-1 tables, although I suppose they do kind of scream 1970's DRAW POKER these days.
How about the cards and chips? High quality, or will a pack of Bicycle's and some red, white and blue plastic do?
How about music?
...but few others do, or any music since they find it distracting.
Also, although I like the tournament format, I find it doesn't work well (at least if it's a poker PARTY as opposed to a poker GAME). A few people will get eliminated early, sometimes way early, and then be stuck sitting there having a bad time. They'll either start drinking heavily or turn on the ballgame (usually both) creating a distraction.
Heavy is the head that wears the host crown.
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
June 28th, 2022 at 6:39:08 PM
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Quote: GialmereHow about the cards and chips? High quality, or will a pack of Bicycle's and some red, white and blue plastic do?
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Please - buy new cards for the game.
I think I pay around $10 for a Bicycle 4 deck pack, or $3 a deck for Bees, although I haven't needed to buy cards since before the supply chain kerfuffle and subsequent market adjustments.
I'd skip Aviators, Mavericks, or absolutely any novelty or artistic deck (if the face of the card isn't white, if the back is deliberately asymmetrical, or if the indices aren't in the same location for all the ranks... NO).
Poker vs Bridge size... if you have an opinion, you already know what you want. I can't think that size matters much at a home game.
Old, dirty cards just feel wrong. Cancels just feel wrong.
May the cards fall in your favor.
June 28th, 2022 at 8:36:34 PM
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Quote: DieterQuote: GialmereHow about the cards and chips? High quality, or will a pack of Bicycle's and some red, white and blue plastic do?
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Please - buy new cards for the game.
I think I pay around $10 for a Bicycle 4 deck pack, or $3 a deck for Bees, although I haven't needed to buy cards since before the supply chain kerfuffle and subsequent market adjustments.
I'd skip Aviators, Mavericks, or absolutely any novelty or artistic deck (if the face of the card isn't white, if the back is deliberately asymmetrical, or if the indices aren't in the same location for all the ranks... NO).
Poker vs Bridge size... if you have an opinion, you already know what you want. I can't think that size matters much at a home game.
Old, dirty cards just feel wrong. Cancels just feel wrong.
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Kem cards or GTFO. :-)
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but that is the way to bet.
June 29th, 2022 at 1:40:54 AM
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cards: poker size with jumbo index, certainly not dinged or dirty if not new
chips: clay chips, stackable and not thin so same size is same amount. My age group seems to have grown up with plastic chips, those 'gots to go' now... though I know one guy who is trying to hang on to his old chips, an old gift with a special carousel and we have to tolerate it when he hosts
friendly game does not need a dealer, high stakes game does
PS found an image of a similar carousel and the unacceptable chips
chips: clay chips, stackable and not thin so same size is same amount. My age group seems to have grown up with plastic chips, those 'gots to go' now... though I know one guy who is trying to hang on to his old chips, an old gift with a special carousel and we have to tolerate it when he hosts
friendly game does not need a dealer, high stakes game does
PS found an image of a similar carousel and the unacceptable chips
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
June 29th, 2022 at 5:15:40 AM
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I agree that trying to use tiddly winks as poker chips is absurd.
May the cards fall in your favor.
June 29th, 2022 at 7:26:43 AM
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I agree about the Kem cards. While Bicycle is probably the top maker of low quality playing cards, once you've upgraded to plastic it's hard going back to paper and vinyl.
Of course, this assumes the cards will be used for gameplay. Kems have a slightly rougher texture by design. If you place a deck on a table, the top two or three cards won't start sliding off. While this is a desirable trait for a poker game, a magician, whose routine consists of fanning decks and tearing cards in half, will reach for a pack of slick Bikes.
Of course, this assumes the cards will be used for gameplay. Kems have a slightly rougher texture by design. If you place a deck on a table, the top two or three cards won't start sliding off. While this is a desirable trait for a poker game, a magician, whose routine consists of fanning decks and tearing cards in half, will reach for a pack of slick Bikes.
Last edited by: Gialmere on Jun 29, 2022
Have you tried 22 tonight? I said 22.
June 29th, 2022 at 9:13:16 AM
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This site should have "how to have a home game and advantage" * *without cheating.
For instance, if dealer gets to call variations, you choose a game you've already analyzed at home, but no one else is likely to have even played. Like "heart flush beat full house, except if they include jacks".
Let other players try to calculate that on the fly. I used to play in home games with all sorts of unusual variations. But I just made that variation up just now.
For instance, if dealer gets to call variations, you choose a game you've already analyzed at home, but no one else is likely to have even played. Like "heart flush beat full house, except if they include jacks".
Let other players try to calculate that on the fly. I used to play in home games with all sorts of unusual variations. But I just made that variation up just now.
There's no secret. Just know what you're talking about before you open your mouth.
June 29th, 2022 at 9:55:41 AM
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I play in a rotating poker game 20x a year: a highly organized tournament with time clocks for levels, rebuys through the first four levels (80 minutes), bounties, etc. plus a cash game for people as they bust out. Up to 32 participants, sometimes, $30 buyin + $5 bounty.
In the cash game, the game is dealer choice for one orbit. If the declaration is for a game that is too wild for me - such as "7 card stud, low card is wild" I will often either immediately fold, or declare I am sitting out for that orbit.
We used to play that the host provided food for the participants but BYOB, but we eliminated the food when Covid-19 happened and haven't gone back to it. My wife and I made lasagna for the masses one time when we hosted; we did deli sandwiches another time. Chili was another favorite host-supplied dish as was pizza.
Definitely use clay chips. Use someone who stays sober to collect and control the money, which goes in an envelope.
In the cash game, the game is dealer choice for one orbit. If the declaration is for a game that is too wild for me - such as "7 card stud, low card is wild" I will often either immediately fold, or declare I am sitting out for that orbit.
We used to play that the host provided food for the participants but BYOB, but we eliminated the food when Covid-19 happened and haven't gone back to it. My wife and I made lasagna for the masses one time when we hosted; we did deli sandwiches another time. Chili was another favorite host-supplied dish as was pizza.
Definitely use clay chips. Use someone who stays sober to collect and control the money, which goes in an envelope.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
June 29th, 2022 at 10:14:26 AM
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Definitely if dealer's choice you want to call a game you are better at than the other players if you can.
I prefer not to call wildcard games [I think that is what you mean] on my turn too. My suggestion though is to study wild games that others like rather than refuse to play them. The correct strategy may be simple, actually. A popular game in our group is 'follow the queen' which potentially creates a ridiculous 8 wild cards. Correct strategy? If you aren't dealt a queen in the first 3 cards of this 7 card stud game variant, then fold. Granted, in an evening you might want to deviate on that a bit ... you don't want everyone to know what you have. But aside from that, I have no doubt it is the correct strategy, with a few other points in the game to consider strategy of course.Quote: gordonm888In the cash game, the game is dealer choice for one orbit. If the declaration is for a game that is too wild for me - such as "7 card stud, low card is wild" I will often either immediately fold, or declare I am sitting out for that orbit.
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the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
June 29th, 2022 at 10:25:59 AM
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The discussion about cards reminded me of an episode from the old sitcom Alice. As I recall, the waitresses talked AL into playing and he questioned why they were using cheap cards with flags of various nations on the back. They said it was the only deck they had.
So he sits down and asks "OK what is the joker?" and Alice says "Ecuador "
So he sits down and asks "OK what is the joker?" and Alice says "Ecuador "
June 30th, 2022 at 3:33:03 AM
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you want to win at home poker games even when the purpose isn't much more than cheap entertainment due to the stakes. But even at low stakes games where nobody wins or loses enough they should care, your enjoyment diminishes if you always lose
a feature of the games I play in is low stakes... but also a low ante. So to advise like I did how to win with wild card games, well, to fold if you don't start with any wildcards as I hinted, that depends on the ante too.
A low stakes game probably will have many if not most players just trying to get lucky, and likely will play out each hand to showdown, or near showdown, when they should have folded at first chance, considering the ante. This makes the game +EV for anyone who plays better, with the occasional bad variance for you and good variance, perhaps stunning, for the former. After all, that type of player will tend to call games that depend more on luck.
You can get pegged as too conservative, constantly folding on first cards while no one else is doing that. For me, it's hard to strike the right level, so I don't necessarily clean up. After all, poker isn't just about playing computer perfect odds strategy.
I'm reminded of the scene in Rounders. It's not really about the above considerations exactly, but it reminded me.
a feature of the games I play in is low stakes... but also a low ante. So to advise like I did how to win with wild card games, well, to fold if you don't start with any wildcards as I hinted, that depends on the ante too.
A low stakes game probably will have many if not most players just trying to get lucky, and likely will play out each hand to showdown, or near showdown, when they should have folded at first chance, considering the ante. This makes the game +EV for anyone who plays better, with the occasional bad variance for you and good variance, perhaps stunning, for the former. After all, that type of player will tend to call games that depend more on luck.
You can get pegged as too conservative, constantly folding on first cards while no one else is doing that. For me, it's hard to strike the right level, so I don't necessarily clean up. After all, poker isn't just about playing computer perfect odds strategy.
I'm reminded of the scene in Rounders. It's not really about the above considerations exactly, but it reminded me.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
June 30th, 2022 at 8:13:30 AM
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Quote: unJonEuchre is a great game.
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I grew up on that game. My brother and I used to… do okay with it. We played as a team so often it was like we had the same mind. We played a “no rules” version, or as we thought of it, “all rules”: you could reneg, just don’t get caught or it’s -2 (-4 if playing lone). You could add a point to your score, don’t get caught or it’s minus double. Stealing the deal was common, we would often just pick up the cards and start dealing while discussing the last hand. The fun part was when someone tried it back, and right before they turned over the trump card Jim or I would say, “It’s my deal.”
That’s how our dad learned it, and that’s how he taught us. Dad was a Gold Life Master duplicate bridge player who played against some of the greats in the 50s and 60s. We tried not to play with people who didn’t understand that the rules included penalties, which means players have the choice to risk the penalty. Stay aware.
That was in the 70s and 80s. Nobody plays that way any more. But that was the way it was played.
A falling knife has no handle.
June 30th, 2022 at 8:52:20 AM
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Two bowers or three? I'm still looking to talk with someone who has played a three bower game, just to confirm if my vague understanding matches their lived experience.
May the cards fall in your favor.
June 30th, 2022 at 10:58:01 AM
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Quote: DieterTwo bowers or three? I'm still looking to talk with someone who has played a three bower game, just to confirm if my vague understanding matches their lived experience.
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Never heard of a three bower version. Is it with a joker?
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but that is the way to bet.
June 30th, 2022 at 11:12:36 AM
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Quote: unJonQuote: DieterTwo bowers or three? I'm still looking to talk with someone who has played a three bower game, just to confirm if my vague understanding matches their lived experience.
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Never heard of a three bower version. Is it with a joker?
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Yes. The original name for the joker was the "Best Bower", and as far as I can tell was always top trump. There is probably a very strong connection between the existence of the joker in the modern pack and the game of "euchrespiele" (joker-play).
My questions would be about the other nuances, like "how do you handle the trump suit nomination when the Joker is turned up?"
I can easily see euchre being played as a cash game at what otherwise looks like a poker night. Not sure on the betting structure; 1 unit per point is probably reasonable, but possibly with some adaptations for going alone so that the solo player gets the bonus.
May the cards fall in your favor.
June 30th, 2022 at 11:44:09 AM
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Quote: DieterQuote: unJonQuote: DieterTwo bowers or three? I'm still looking to talk with someone who has played a three bower game, just to confirm if my vague understanding matches their lived experience.
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Never heard of a three bower version. Is it with a joker?
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Yes. The original name for the joker was the "Best Bower", and as far as I can tell was always top trump. There is probably a very strong connection between the existence of the joker in the modern pack and the game of "euchrespiele" (joker-play).
My questions would be about the other nuances, like "how do you handle the trump suit nomination when the Joker is turned up?"
I can easily see euchre being played as a cash game at what otherwise looks like a poker night. Not sure on the betting structure; 1 unit per point is probably reasonable, but possibly with some adaptations for going alone so that the solo player gets the bonus.
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My 10 minutes of googling indicate two inconsistent answers if the joker is turned up. 1) No trump and 2) Spades trump.
I don’t think someone going alone should get a solo bonus. It’s a team game. And going solo is more a function of variance than skill.
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but that is the way to bet.
July 1st, 2022 at 5:33:28 PM
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If only there were some girl poker player as a member here, who could speak up and give some hints about thatQuote: WizardI sometimes host a game whenever Mrs. Wizard is out of town. Those who come are all single professional-gambling men. Personally, I prefer a game that is more friendly, for lower stakes, and with at least some women, but I haven't achieved that goal since the late 80's.
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the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
July 2nd, 2022 at 2:54:42 PM
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This week's installment of the GWAE podcast seems to have some useful information on game protection for private games.
https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/podcast-guest-houston-curtis-2/
https://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/gambling-with-an-edge/podcast-guest-houston-curtis-2/
May the cards fall in your favor.
