Playing Home Poker Games For Real Money..
 

I play in a few games with friends but have recently gone to people's games that have been listed online or that I've heard about through other players. I've been making a little money, mainly my wife and I go out or do something fun with the money.

Just wondering if anyone has any good stories about making the rounds to different home games. I'd like to do this more, but it's also a little weird at times coming into someone's home game when you don't know anyone there.

Also, if anyone knows of any games around the San Antonio, TX area let me know. I'm always looking.

Re: Playing Home Poker Games For Real Money..
 

Ask the host (or the person inviting you) if you can bring a six pack or a bag of snacks to share. Even if you do not plan on really drinking, most folks smile upon someone bringing beverages to share.

Bringing a communal snack/beverage gives the impression you are there for more than just taking their money. You have to open one of the beers though when someone else does, or else it looks strange to have brought a beverage you do not intend on consuming. It is amazing how long a single beer can last:) For me, I know I'll want to munch on something at sometime in a given 5+ hour period, so I make sure I can offer some as well. But I am also the kind of guy who like to share snacks and such (but not my chips or money:) ).

I'd say if you are going to consistently show up as a stranger, empathy is a good trait to have. Not that you have to feel sorry for folks , but you need to be able to get "the feel" of the game, so you can fit in, know what crosses the line, and what doesn't.


[Note for the following story: I consider myself still in the early stages of learning to play poker well, but I was definitely a favorite among these folks]

I went to a home tourney once, where I did not know anyone. Was invited by the dad of a friend of my sons on a fluke, and I of course jumped at the invite. There were about 35 folks there, where only about 20% of them had more than a beginners level of knowledge. I was my normal gregarious self, and made a few friends at the table. As I always try and do, I congratulated folks for sucking out against all odds on me instead of berating them for being bad players.

However, one guy immediately got under my skin and the feeling only grew over the first hour or so. I also picked up on the fact he had a big ego and felt he was going to crush the game. I needled him a bit here and there, and purposely put him on tilt until all he could see was red when he looked at me. Granted his personality made that VERY easy, without making me look like an A-hole.

We both made it to the final table, where I continued to needle him, and busted him on the bubble. I then went on to knock out the host in third.

Turns out the host and the annoying guy were business acquaintances. That business relationship was worth more than my smiling face to the host. I have not been back to one of their tourneys or cash games since, although I now "occasionally" run into the host and a few others from the game. Its been made clear it is because annoying guy does not like me[img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Moral: That would have been a VERY JUICY GAME for me to play in on a regular basis. Had I waited until the final table to start needling him, or my second invite, I think I would still be going to that game.

Re: Playing Home Poker Games For Real Money..
 

I've floated around a few times, never had as much fun as the regular games I already attend where I'm more of a peer socially and economically. But as I'm also improving greatly, I'd like to stretch my legs a bit.

I gotta say, though, that unless you are a very established regular and know it's okay, I don't think needling has much place in your average home game, especially when it's a group of people from several walks of life who don't really know each other outside of the game. When people do it at my game, it only sends bad feelings. This is not a casino where you can stack someone and somebody else will take his place. Home games are also about socialization within a pleasant environment. You say you should have waited a bit to needle him, I think you shouldn't have done it at all.

Re: Playing Home Poker Games For Real Money..
 

[ QUOTE ]
<snip> I don't think needling has much place in your average home game, especially when it's a group of people from several walks of life who don't really know each other outside of the game. <snip> Home games are also about socialization within a pleasant environment. You say you should have waited a bit to needle him, I think you shouldn't have done it at all.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would say you are definitely right, and that needling him was out of line. It is not my normal personality to single out folks for that sort of treatment. He was being somewhat of an arrogant bastard, and it completely ruffled me in a "I knew and hated you in a past life" sort of way. I should have been the better person, ignored him, and just outplayed him.

In general I am a very nice guy who gets along with most people and animals. Its a personal leak of mine to be put on persoanl tilt and take shots at strangers who look at me once and decide I am not worthy. I am working on it:)

Love your posts pfap! Don't judge me just based on that story. It was meant as a do not do what I did story. Even though I framed it as a lost opportunity to play against fish, there are also a few folks I wouldn't have minded getting to know better.

Re: Playing Home Poker Games For Real Money..
 

You forgot the most important rule of juicy home games--your first goal is to get invited back. Second is to win money.

Re: Playing Home Poker Games For Real Money..
 

[ QUOTE ]
I was asked to make a ruling for another table in a 35 person home tourney. I made what I thought the correct ruling and then the losing player tossed his cards. I then said that the tosser should have a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. That led to more shouting and we took a break.

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Would need more details to decide how much of this was your fault... but the organizer should know better.

Re: Playing Home Poker Games For Real Money..
 

Pretty misleading title on the post, rookie...

Re: Playing Home Poker Games For Real Money..
 

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Don't judge me just based on that story.

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Too late.... loser

Re: Playing Home Poker Games For Real Money..
 

Arrgh! sorry, I wasn't trying to edit your post, was trying to reply to it.

Re: Playing Home Poker Games For Real Money..
 

Heh, no worries, just adding to what you said, really.

And pay no attention to Larry, he's just a bit grumpy.