Home Game Safety

alliniwin · #1 07-21-2007, 02:41 PM

I just found the site www.homepokergames.com (Maryland games) and was wondering if any of you have ever used it or gone to some sort of poker game where you don't personally know anyone. How safe is it? I mean, I could get robbed, cheated, kicked out and not able to cashout???. Maybe I’m just being paranoid but I just don’t wanna put myself in a bad position. Other than not going alone or telling anyone where I am, what precausions should I take to maximize my safety? Also, do these games usually take a rake? I see that most of the places on that site say nothing about having or not having one. If so, how much is it typically?

Precept2 · #2 07-21-2007, 11:14 PM

I found that site, and played in a game a couple of times (in Virginia). I thought there were a few shady characters the second time I went, so didn't go again. At no point did I feel endangered and I was able to cashout without problem.

DMC0627 · #3 07-22-2007, 03:30 AM

I have gone to 2 home games where I didn't really know anyone. I met both guys who invited me at the casino playing sngs, but didn't really know them. I went, had no problems. Both times I got there a little late to be sure there were already quite a few people there. I am a little extra cautious though because I am female and go alone. Pretty much the only precaution I take is that I make sure I am not the first person going in.

SmokeyRidesAgain · #4 07-22-2007, 04:36 AM

I have wondered about this too, I think being cautious like mentioned and only taking what you can afford to lose are all you can do.

PantsOnFire · #5 07-22-2007, 04:29 PM

Take a cell phone with you. Have someone call you a few times, and especially in the first hour. Say things like this:

"Yeah, it's going well, this is a nice place"

"Hey, you're just around the corner, the address here is xxxx. Drop by a little later on and we'll go for a beer."

I have a feeling if people know you have a friend(s) who has your back and is nearby, you are much less likely to run into trouble.

If you are really paranoid, you can actually have a buddy or two show up and the place you are at. A lot of trouble people have is getting sacked after the game on the way to the car or walking home.

JohnnyPark1 · #6 07-22-2007, 04:51 PM

That site is how I found both of my regular games now. Both are tremendous games run by very nice people. They provide all kinds of food, beverages, TV/music entertainment, for free and there are always 20 or so people playing. I must prefer to play at these places than the casino because of all the free meals I get (and it's closer to me). Not to mention, these people have become my good friends. Bottom line, it's a trustworthy site. Just be choosey.

pismeyer · #7 07-22-2007, 04:53 PM

I would not go unless I'm with someone I know. I signed up for a site in my local area where I've been invited every week. The website looked authentic and the guy running the site seemed authentic/genuine however I was always apprehensive and never could attend. Not sure what it was, I just couldn't do it.

Anyhow, now I run my own game. A very small "shared expense" fund is taken out of each tournament we play, everyone is told how the money is spent to keep the game going. I have a steady group of 12-15 players. If you want to play in our group you have to be invited by one of us. I do not advertise in anyway however, I've had local 2+2'ers PM me and ask to play in my game. When they find out how low-baller our group is they usually pass.

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pig4bill · #8 07-22-2007, 09:00 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Take a cell phone with you. Have someone call you a few times, and especially in the first hour. Say things like this:

"Yeah, it's going well, this is a nice place"

"Hey, you're just around the corner, the address here is xxxx. Drop by a little later on and we'll go for a beer."

"No, leave the Glocks in the car."

I have a feeling if people know you have a friend(s) who has your back and is nearby, you are much less likely to run into trouble.

If you are really paranoid, you can actually have a buddy or two show up and the place you are at. A lot of trouble people have is getting sacked after the game on the way to the car or walking home.

[/ QUOTE ]

ncpokeresq · #9 07-23-2007, 02:30 AM

You probably want to try to chat with the people running the game. If you can offer them a chance to call you at work or home so that they know you are legit, they may be willing to do the same.
Another option would be to arrange to drop by, letting the host know in advance you have to leave early, and if anything feels wrong, simply don't play.
As someone who has no options for legal cardrooms, home/private games vary considerably and there always will be risk.

Takedown · #10 07-23-2007, 11:13 PM

I foound a game on there that I have been going to for about 2 years. The host and his gf have become very good friends with my wife and I. We went on a cruise not too long ago with them. Another game I found on there was ok, but not nearly as much fun, I haven't gone back to that one. The moral is you are not guaranteed what you will get. I agree with others have said, take someone with you that plays, talk to the host before, and go with an open mind. I just found another game on there today, due to your post that looks really nice with satelittes into some of the WSOP and WPT events.