What's best for a "Home Game"

Curmmy · Jan 10,2009, 06:10 PM

What’s type of Poker is best for a “Home Game” and why?

It appears to me the big surge of televised poker has changed the game.

When I started to play poker most games played in card rooms was “Limit Poker” whether it was 7 Card Stud, Omaha, Or Hold’em, the size of the bet was predetermined hence the name "Limit Poker". On rare occasions you would run into “Pot Limit” games. This made for a more exciting game where the size of the bet could not exceed the size of the pot. Of course this also meant the pot size could double with each bet, making for a much more exciting and dangerous game. Then came “No Limit”… By the way No limit poker is a misnomer there is no such thing as true “No Limit”, ones bet is limited to the chips/money he has in front of him and one is also limited to amount of chips that can be bought and or re-bought. Finally there is “Tournament Poker” normally played with play money as the chips have no value and the buy-in and number of players determine the prize and prize structure. Sometimes this is referred to as Lotto Poker.

There are pros and cons to all of the above game and I for one would like to discuss them. I believe for a “Home Game” “Limit Poker” is the better type, but would like to hear your opinion.

moose · Jan 10,2009, 06:18 PM

Who got a Delorean for Christmas?

jayjayhooks · Jan 10,2009, 08:38 PM

lol at the delorean comment...

Curmmy, the best home game is one that can attract players on a regular basis. Thats my opinion anyway. Personally, I prefer limit poker myself but the most popular forms of poker now are No limit, and No limit tournaments.

Depending on who your regular players are, if they are into poker for competition and to pass time I would suggest doing the tournaments. You dont have to risk a lot of money, and you will definitely find some players.

If your players are more serious about the money, I would suggest low stakes No limit ring games. The key is to keep your players happy, so play whatever they want to play.

Milo · Jan 11,2009, 03:34 PM

Used to play in a small home game that was limit poker until 11:00p.m. At that time we would switch to NLHE for the final hour. Game has died off for the most part, unfortunately.

Big Mike · Jan 12,2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayjayhooks

l the best home game is one that can attract players on a regular basis.

^^Yep.

Curmmy · Jan 12,2009, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milo

Used to play in a small home game that was limit poker until 11:00p.m. At that time we would switch to NLHE for the final hour. Game has died off for the most part, unfortunately.

Presently, we have a minimum of 5 and a max of 7 players (and are trying to increase attendance). We play 1-2 limit Hold'em or 7 Card Stud from 7:30 to 11:30. I like the your idea of switching to "No Limit" at some time during the evening and will present that option at our next game. ... Thanks

BBC Z · Jan 12,2009, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Who got a Delorean for Christmas?

POTM.

And I think this thread should be stickied for it's historical value regarding the evolution of poker.

Curmmy · Jan 12,2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayjayhooks

I prefer limit poker myself but the most popular forms of poker now are No limit, and No limit tournaments.

Limit is my preference also. I’m just trying to make the game a little more appealing so the existing player will give it a higher priority when they have something else to do.
I have played in single table tournament and the first one out has the option to wait for the next game (boring) or call it a night. The latter happens far to often. Also, I believe in Tournament play the game should have a specified dealer. We all deal in turn and this seams to make tournaments more difficult….Thanks for the feedback

Curmmy · Jan 12,2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBC Z

POTM.

And I think this thread should be stickied for it's historical value regarding the evolution of poker.

Talking about historical value ... I haven't seen a game of "7 Card Stud" in any Casino in years. Limit has taking a back seat to NL and 10 years ago it was difficult to find a No Limit game. I even remember when the Casino's rake was 5% ...How the times are changing.

ReefAquarium · Jan 12,2009, 02:51 PM

Play the games that your players want.

Personally I'm not a big fan of home game tournaments. I hate the sitting out because you were first to bust out part.

Big Mike · Jan 12,2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curmmy

Talking about historical value ... I haven't seen a game of "7 Card Stud" in any Casino in years. Li

I have, at Seneca Casino in Niagara Falls NY. Early last year.

Bumbaclat · Jan 15,2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReefAquarium

Personally I'm not a big fan of home game tournaments. I hate the sitting out because you were first to bust out part.

This is exactly why I almost never run them at my house.

Curmmy · Jan 18,2009, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumbaclat

This is exactly why I almost never run them at my house.

I agree, for someone hosting home games Single table tournament are more trouble than they are worth. NO limit presents it own problem to the host, with the ever consistent re-buys.

To me, "Limit" looks like the best way to go.

Now I have to consider the table.