How to "Gracefully" Win without getting pushed around

[Pot Odds RAC]

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Tell the complainer that they have 3 options. 1- Rebuy, 2- Shut up, 3-Leave

Granted 2 and 3 aren't the best option but the guy knew the stakes beforehand. It doesn't matter what is played at the casino, it matters what the host of the game wants. The guy is trying to chase his losses, obviously you want to let him but not at the expense of the other players in the game. There's obviously other players in the game that aren't used to 1/2 blinds, or they don't want them but don't want to say anything.

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Actually, part of my thought process included my Neice's boyfriend who I brought to the game and isn't as experienced (nor wealthy) as the rest of us. He is a big boy and can make his own decisions - he shouldn't be at the Poker Table if he can't - but I knew that he and several others might have an issue with the proposed increased stakes.

[pfapfap]

At my game, I was concerned with raising the stakes because I didn't want to drive too many people away. By and large folks have adapted, and sometimes we'll run two tables, one at the lower .25/.5, another at .5/1.

I think something else may be going on above what's described, because what you relate sounds very common. What's wrong with raising the stakes to .5/1 at 11pm? By then most everyone will have larger stacks anyway. Or if you don't want to do that, just encourage a straddle, which accomplishes the same thing.

You have bad players with money to burn who want to bet more against you, a winning player. What's the problem here? Do you feel uncomfortable taking their money? You said they can afford it. I can certainly understand your feeling, but everybody agrees to spend what they spend. You are playing a game, and you should not feel guilty for winning.

If you're feeling pressure to stay, then you should establish a standard "home" time for yourself, and be clear on this at the beginning of the night. Then stick to that time for a few weeks, at least, even if you're stuck. Set a precedent so that down the road they can't complain when you "hit & run".

In the end, you have to stop owning their emotions.

[Ricky_Bobby]

I think he wouldn't mind taking the instigator's money as he doesn't sound like a close friend. However, raising the stakes will imply that everyone's money will be at risk. I wouldn't want to win or lose several hundred dollars to/from my friends, but that amount of money isn't within any of our budgets.

It would take the fun out of it for me, as I like to drink, socialize, and make fancy/stupid plays without risking the rent. It sounds like the OP is in a similar situation.