How to host a home poker game
To host a home poker game you need 6–9 players, a deck or two of cards, a chip set, a table and agreed rules. Decide in advance whether you play a tournament (everyone starts with the same stack, blinds go up) or a cash game (chips equal money, players can leave any time). Check that playing for money at home is legal where you live.
What you need
Section titled “What you need”- Cards: two decks of different colours, so one can be shuffled while the other is dealt.
- Chips: around 300–500 chips for 8 players. See poker chip values.
- A dealer button and a timer or phone for blind levels.
- Snacks and drinks away from the table to keep the cards clean.
Rules to agree before you start
Section titled “Rules to agree before you start”- Game: Texas Hold’em is easiest for new players.
- Buy-in and whether rebuys are allowed.
- Blind levels and how long each lasts.
- Who deals: rotate the deal with the button.
- What happens with mistakes, such as a card exposed during the deal.
- Etiquette: no acting out of turn, no talking about a hand in progress. See poker etiquette.
Simple home tournament structure
Section titled “Simple home tournament structure”Starting stack 5,000 chips, 15-minute levels:
| Level | Small blind / big blind |
|---|---|
| 1 | 25 / 50 |
| 2 | 50 / 100 |
| 3 | 75 / 150 |
| 4 | 100 / 200 |
| 5 | 150 / 300 |
| Break | Colour-up the 25 chips |
| 6 | 200 / 400 |
| 7 | 300 / 600 |
| 8 | 500 / 1,000 |
| 9 | 1,000 / 2,000 |
With 8 players this finishes in about 2.5–3 hours. Pay the top 2 or 3 players, for example 60% / 30% / 10%. See tournament payouts.
Can’t meet in person?
Section titled “Can’t meet in person?”Play online in a private club with friends: see how to play poker with friends online and poker clubs.
How many players do you need for a home poker game?
Section titled “How many players do you need for a home poker game?”6–9 players is ideal for one table, but you can play with as few as 2.
How many chips do you need for a home game?
Section titled “How many chips do you need for a home game?”About 300–500 chips for 8 players.
How long does a home poker tournament last?
Section titled “How long does a home poker tournament last?”With 8 players and 15-minute levels, about 2.5–3 hours.
Is it legal to play poker for money at home?
Section titled “Is it legal to play poker for money at home?”It depends on the country and region. Check the local rules before you play for money.