Hosting A Texas Holdem Poker Night

In his song, 'The Gambler,' legendary country musician Kenny Rogers crooned about a forlorn, lonely man, spouting wisdom about life and poker. Rogers' character had spent his life playing cards, draining him emotionally and physically.

Hosting A Texas Holdem Poker Nights
Hosting A Texas Hold'em Poker Night
Hosting A Texas Holdem Poker Nightht

Hosting A Texas Holdem Poker Nights

Use standard poker rules, especially if this is the first poker tournament that you are hosting. Use one of my suggested blinds schedules, especially if this is the first poker tournament that you are hosting. Do not attempt to create your own blinds schedule. Print a poker rule book and keep it near the table while you are playing. Indicate what style of poker will be played on the initial invitation (i.e. Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, 5-Card Draw) Note, most people play Texas Hold’Em today, so if you want to avoid confusion, this is probably your best bet. Indicate on the invitation what the buy-in requirements are. This doesn’t have to be overly specific. Aside from poker acumen, what do you need to host a successful Hold 'em tournament? First, know the law. States allow home tournaments as long as you don't profit off the gig.

Hosting A Texas Hold'em Poker Night

The Gambler never met Chris Moneymaker -- and the last name says it all. In 2003, Moneymaker shocked the gaming world, winning $2.5 million at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event after paying just forty bucks to get into the tournament -- as an amateur. The success of Moneymaker and other players, combined with WSOP television coverage, has brought poker to the forefront of the gaming world.

Hosting A Texas Holdem Poker Nightht

Texas Hold 'em, is one of the most popular poker variations today, and according to gaming site, Titanpoker.com, played by more online players than any other poker variation. So, what's the allure?

In other variations of poker, you use five cards to make a good hand, though you're often dealt more. Sometimes you use all five cards, like a full house or a straight, but often, it's just a pair. You bluff, if you're a convincing player; fold if you have zilch. In Hold 'em, you get seven cards, but only two of them are private. Everything else is dealt face-up, in the middle of the table for everyone to 'play off.' Consequently, bluffing is harder and the game holds more of a challenge.

So, you want in on this gaming craze? Host a tournament! These tips tell you everything you need for a night of holding and folding.