Home Game Ettiquette

arahel_jazz

arahel_jazz

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I'm going to have an opportunity in the next couple of months to be invited to join in a fairly regular home game. The host has a couple of tables in his basement and it appears to be a group of close-knit regulars that play NLHE, O8, mixed-game...

My question: Any etiquette tips so I can make sure I'm invited back? (tip 1: Don't be an ass - I got that one) I've played live dozens of times... that's not the issue. I'm just wondering (for example) if there's anything peculiar about home games that I need to be careful with.

I want to play well, but don't want to be a total fish either.
 
Tom1559

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Most casinos have rules which most players understand. Some have their own unique rules that all players need to abide by. In my experience game games which are well organized also have clear rules. Best thing to do is to ask the host what these rules are and you will not go far wrong.
 
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Maybe one thing:
- in home games, some mistakes are sometimes forgiven. Like when you say wrong action (fold, raise), that you can quickly correct yourself. Dont do it, just dont be too picky if someone else does and others let him change it. The same with betting, that you dont have to put all chips at once and small details like this.
 
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MAX101

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I'd say you've been invited so go an enjoy,after the first night you should have a feeling of how they play,I'd say play a friendly game don't be a bully,I've played in a few one with old timers, there the ladies generally brought food dishes to share, and the other ones you just brought your own drink,but all in all just enjoy and don't 9 bet every other hand.
 
Beanfacekilla

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Peculiar things at home games:

The game will be much more relaxed. Mistakes, string bets, acting out of turn, one chip rule, talking during hand (when not HU), improper raising, etc. will often be overlooked at many home games.

Also, deals may be passed from one player to the next. Expect to see sloppy dealing; like showing the whole table the bottom card, crappy shuffling, etc. (At some home games).

As for etiquette, I would probably just go with the flow. Never criticize another player for his choice of cards, bad call, etc. Just be polite and respectful. If you aren't diggin' the game or people, leave.:

And as with any table you sit on... don't bitch about losing or bad beats. Keep your cool.




I really haven't found a Homegame that plays by all the little rules. I would never play a Homegame for any substantial amount of money because of the lack of adherence to common rules one may encounter at a local card room.

That is my official $0.02. Just my humble opinion.

Edit: I forgot to mention - if the house is taking a rake... beware. Watch the dealer and see how much they are taking.
 
S3mper

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Don't eat all of the hosts food, dont get food on the cards, dont drink all the hosts beverages, don't spill liquids on the cards,
Try not to hollywood or take tooo long on every decisions but take enough time to play your best game
Don't pretend you are Phil Hellmuth after a bad beat or a cooler
Don't pretend your Sammy Farha and try to make deals every single hand
Tell the host thanks for the invite when you arrive and after you leave
=)
 
fletchdad

fletchdad

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I play a semi regular home game. Some things I have noticed are:

If the host serves food and drinks and asks no compensation, asking if there is a kitty where you can donate to the overhead is nice. That got instant "I want to have you back" vibes.

Some players get all "wsop Floor Man" at times. There is a guy who was always being picky about anything. He kinda ruined the home game relaxed atmosphere, but is a good buddy of the host. (The host was obv. irritated with him as well) So when I announced raise and had counted out 2 stacks and put them in one at a time (I had a beer in the other hand), he (correctly) said "no" since I string string bet. All the other players were like "hey, its ok" and he was "No its not" and got all pissy - and he wasnt even in the hand anymore. So I could only call since the stack I put in was less than a min raise. But the rest of the players were fun, so I just let pissy-man go about his thing. I also put my beer down or just make one stack...lol

One guy got pretty mad at losing a big pot - which he deserved to - so while he was glaring at me I smiled and stated chatting with another player. When he made some comment about my "bad" play, I nicely asked "The hand is over, can we move on" and the table gave "yes, lets" type comments.
 
JusSumguy

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Sit down and be nice. Believe me, you will be welcomed back.

-
 
fletchdad

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Call the tightest players all in on a two tone paired river with 7 high.

They will make new games just for you......
 
Lady_Ist

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I like to play in home games.... it;s usually not so much crowded and u know people at the table ... just one big minus I can add..... if tournaments become not regular ....
 
Lady_Ist

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And one more question .... HOW to leave club ... some clubs still didn't approve my memebership ... and I don't know how to take it back....
 
vinnie

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So when I announced raise and had counted out 2 stacks and put them in one at a time (I had a beer in the other hand), he (correctly) said "no" since I string string bet. All the other players were like "hey, its ok" and he was "No its not" and got all pissy - and he wasnt even in the hand anymore. So I could only call since the stack I put in was less than a min raise.

The person who thinks he's the "floorman" should check himself, if this happened like you say. A verbal declaration of action, in turn, is binding. Since he claims you were making a string bet, the amount of your raise is now out of your control. BUT, you still have to raise. In this case, you should have been forced to min-raise.

That said, I have seen some really dumb people in private live games. Especially from people who think they know what the rules are, but don't.
 
tracyrickrobby

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Don't eat all of the hosts food, dont get food on the cards, dont drink all the hosts beverages, don't spill liquids on the cards,
Try not to hollywood or take tooo long on every decisions but take enough time to play your best game
Don't pretend you are Phil Hellmuth after a bad beat or a cooler
Don't pretend your Sammy Farha and try to make deals every single hand
Tell the host thanks for the invite when you arrive and after you leave
=)


those are the top things to avoid!! i think s3mper hit the nail on the head!!
 
TeUnit

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dont string bet, and ask if there are any unique house rules

gl
 
dj11

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It is improper to over dress for strip poker.
 
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detourglr

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I think basicaally act like you normally do at a casino with a final thought is... you can act like a ass in a casino and they will always invite you back... However home games they might not... so Always keep that in mind and you should have any troubles.
 
JusSumguy

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It is improper to over dress for strip poker.
DJ... the trick for us old guys is to start the game in nuttin but underwear,

Once they get a taste of what they'll get, they let you win every hand. :p

-
 
arahel_jazz

arahel_jazz

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DJ... the trick for us old guys is to start the game in nuttin but underwear,

-

This is a sure-fire way to NOT be invited back!

@FletchDad - Playing with a beer in your hand is a huge tell...
 
Dank Hugh

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Excuse me,
you are all forgetting the BEST way to get
invited back.....
Bringing a cold case of the Host's favorite beer
(or whatever )

Good Luck
 
fletchdad

fletchdad

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Excuse me,
you are all forgetting the BEST way to get
invited back.....
Bringing a cold case of the Host's favorite beer
(or whatever )

Good Luck


Winner!
 
aa88wildbill

aa88wildbill

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If you're a big winner, don't forget to tip the host! A big tip to the host will assuredly get you invited back!! Along with a big thank you.
 
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