Home Poker Tournament

Posted: September 2nd, 2007 | Author: Erick Mastack | Filed under: home poker tournament |

Hosting a home poker tournament can be a lot of fun. Organization is the key to success. Don’t forget to have a poker timer for all players to see the tournament progress

Buy a poker chip set. The most realistic affordable size is 500 chip 11.5 gram weight set. A 1000 chip set will easily allow you to host a 2 table 20 player tournament.

You will need a minimum of 8 players and a maximum of 20 depending on your poker chip set.

Start the blind at 10-20 and every 15 minutes raise them. This way the tournament doesn’t run all night.

If your chip set has more than 3 colours, assign the extras to large chip amounts like 500 and 1000. This way you can colour up and remove the smaller chips.

Make sure to keep the buy-in (entry fee) reasonable. You don’t want to discourage people from joining. A $5 entry is reasonable to most who play poker.

Prize pool pay outs should be as follows; 50% to the winner, 30% to second place and 20% to third place. If you are having a 2 table tournament (20 players) you could make the top 4 players winners.

Get a free poker blind timer.

There are some that you can play on your computer or laptop so all players can watch the time, pay out and levels change. It also makes your home tournament more impressive.

If you offer food be sure to avoid any sticky foods that may get all over the chips, cards and table. Stick to easy snacks like pretzels. Drinks could be kept off the table if you are worried about your poker table.

Beware

If you take a fee for hosting or food make sure to check your local laws. Most states or provinces are very clear that if you take any money you are considered a betting house. This may get you into some serious trouble. Avoid the extra fee and rotate the tournament to other peoples houses. This will share the costs.

---