House Rules

Last time I told you about the advantages of home poker game. However, you need to establish a few house rules before you start playing it. Discipline is the key word in many aspects, especially in poker. I have put together a list of ten house rules to resolve any disagreements before they start. Use these rules intelligently and enjoy playing domestic poker game.

1. Teach Poker Rankings

Make sure everyone knows the acceptable poker hand rankings as well as the basic poker rules. Without appropriate cooperation between players, your home poker game will turn into a big mess. Arrange extra time for explanations, guidelines and tutoring.

2. Choose Authority Figure

You must select one individual to resolve any kind of disputes. Generally, this is the host, but it is not necessarily has to be the case. Choose your judge from your jury of players before the game starts. Notify the players about the decision's strength, once it was made, no one can change it. Hypothetically, this authority figure will save you a lot of stress.

3. Set a Time Limit

If left unchecked, some players will never leave your home. It can be a real headache for the host, so keep them from having to sleep in their car by accommodating their schedule and the wishes of their families. Set a time limit and stick to it.

4. Authorize Selectivity

The host may exclude a player from participation in the game. If he does not want you in the house, you have no choice but to leave. Patterns of behavior like violence, drinking and cursing are not acceptable.

5. Share Responsibilities

If you have made a financial investment in the game that you want to recoup from the players, make it known in advance. Clarify your demands and equally distribute different assignments to all contestants.

6. Prevent Dishonesty

If you cheat at your own home, I doubt you will have many friends after the game. The host has a right to eject cheaters from the game and split their chips amongst the remained players.

7. Speak a Common Language

If your game speaks English, then speak English. If it speaks French, speak French etc. The point is when only a few players can understand each other, other players think there is collusion present and it can ruin the atmosphere of your game.

8. Mind Your Own Business

There are going to be situations where a player is not going to be around the table. Unless that player has given you permission to post for him, you should never touch his chips or cards. This is extremely rude.

9. Keep Your Cards on the Table

In licensed card rooms, you really can not even take them off the table without being reminded to put them in front of you. Hiding your cards is only going to lead to confusion and missed action.

10. Respect the Host, the Home and the Game

Do not act like a jerk by cursing around children, using slurs, disrespecting players or property and anything else you think you would not do at your own house. Especially if you plan to come back for future poker games.