Taking part in poker home games is a great way to connect and bond with your friends, family members, and fellow players who all want to have some fun and enjoy the game in a private set up, away from the usually crowded poker rooms and casinos.
Home games are more relaxed, and participants can play the game while having some chit chat over bottles of beer and some great food. But there’s still a need to observe proper poker etiquette at the table, else the host might omit you during the next game because of your negative attitude and bad behavior.
For this reason, players must leave a good impression right at the very first home game they’re joining for them to be invited back, and here’s how you do it:
Loosen Up And Be Nice to Everyone
It’s important to show a positive attitude while playing in home games. Be friendly to the other players; talk to them; share stories with them and make them feel comfortable playing with you.
Money is only secondary. Don’t focus too much on winning — you’re there to have fun so promote interaction as much as possible. Also show your generous side. You can volunteer to post an ante for someone, or give the odd chip in the pot to the other players. Go easy on the newbies. Understand that they’re still learning the game and might need your help.
Don’t Leave A Game Until It’s Finished
What’s the point of joining a private home game when you can’t stay until the very last hand? If you leave the game early, you’ll miss out on the excitement and fun. If you hit and run, you’ll leave a bad impression to everyone around you. They’ll think you’re just there to make money, which is a huge turn off. If you are this type of player, nobody would want to play with you again.
Learn How to Handle Wins & Losses Appropriately
Remain level-headed and polite despite losing, and avoid being cocky when you win. How you react during your winning and losing moments says a lot about your character and attitude as a player so always be mindful about your actions.
Avoid Slowing Down The Game
You must keep this in mind, especially if you’re a new player. Home games should run in their normal pace. Don’t slow the game and annoy your fellow participants by asking too many questions or taking too much time thinking about your next move.
Respect the Rules and Protocols
The host creates the rules, sets the stakes, and formulates the guidelines and procedures so that the game runs smoothly. You are invited as a guest, and you can show your appreciation to all of the efforts and hard work exerted by the host by respecting the rules and protocols of the game.
Even if you think you have a better idea, just keep it to yourself. Avoid giving unsolicited opinion especially if it’s only your first time joining the game. Otherwise, everyone else might think you’re a know-it-all, and this will prevent you from being invited back during future sessions.
Move Away from Card Tricks
Card tricks are a big no-no when taking part in home games. While you’re there to enjoy and have some fun, always remember that all of you are also putting a portion of your hard-earned money at risk. You’re not at a birthday party. A private home game is not the right place to showcase how good you are at doing card tricks.
Bring A Few Treats
You’re not really required to do this, but you can earn some plus points if you bring something to the game, such as delicious snacks that everyone can munch on, a box of pizza, or some drinks for your fellow players. A nice gesture will always be remembered.