[argentis]

Hi guys, I just got to thinking about this, and was wondering if anyone has done a rake in a home game to go towards a table, chips, cards, whatever. I'm hoping to start a game soon, and got to thinking that if the others were game, we can get a decent setup, and I don't have to shell out all the cash. And if I was to do this, I'd propose paying for half of the item, and the rake paying for the rest.

Like I said, is this done often? I don't have a game yet, and if this is a bad idea, I'd just keep it to myself.

Thanks,
Argentis

[TBonesPoker]

Depends on reaction of other players. At the risk of the "staties" monitoring this forum, I will say I take a rake to cover all you mentioned plus snacks. Because of that, we play on an AcesandFaces custom table with Paulsons, Dal Negro cards, etc.

[jdunford]

In general, I don't. I just use winnings from online, plus some cash I make tutoring on the side - to pay for that stuff. The only time I take any extra on top of buy-in is for the semiannual "tournament of champions": $5 per player to go towards food, beer, and non-monetary prizes (and that doesn't actually cover my expenses, but it helps out a little).

*EDIT* Oh, we also had a poker game at my bachelor party. It was a cash game, and you received $20 in chips for every $25, or thereabouts... and the money went towards, um, extra-curricular events later in the evening...
(hope my wife doesn't see this)

[jamby]

No and I wouldn't consider it. The group I play with would be just as happy to play with dice chips and paper cards on a folding table topper and sit on folding chairs. I have the gear because I like it, not because it's necessary for the game or the guests.

[vikefan24]

Originally Posted by jamby

No and I wouldn't consider it. The group I play with would be just as happy to play with dice chips and paper cards on a folding table topper and sit on folding chairs. I have the gear because I like it, not because it's necessary for the game or the guests.

Pretty much in the same boat here.. The game isn't at my house so I wouldn't force a rake anyways lol but the guys I play with just want to play poker.. I used to have paulsons because I enjoyed them but now we went back to playing with the guys dice where we play(sold the paulsons, buying more nice chips when I get money)..

[ink_junkie]

In many states taking a rake for gear may result in you having to take a rake to make bail. All it takes is one pissed off player or someone mentioning it to the wrong person.

The other issue is your asking people to pay for gear that I assume you're going to keep for yourself. If you're going to ask the players to help pay for it, then you should expect to share everything with the players should the game break up or if they want to borrow it.

One alternative would be to set out a donation jar that is completely separate from the game/buy-ins and folks can donate to it voluntarily.

[WolfPack]

I would never do that becuase it is illegal. At least in the state I am in (and I believe in most states).

[argentis]

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I'll just have to save up or win some cash to get more/better stuff. That's one of my big flaws is that I hate having bottom of the barrel stuff. I don't need top of the line, but some decent stuff goes a long ways towards making me feel better about hosting a game. Ah well, we'll see how it goes.

Like I said, I don't actually have a game up and running yet, but this helps clarify some things for me.

Thanks,
Argentis

[kmalsom]

Originally Posted by argentis

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I'll just have to save up or win some cash to get more/better stuff. That's one of my big flaws is that I hate having bottom of the barrel stuff. I don't need top of the line, but some decent stuff goes a long ways towards making me feel better about hosting a game. Ah well, we'll see how it goes.

Like I said, I don't actually have a game up and running yet, but this helps clarify some things for me.

Thanks,
Argentis

I understand, wait for a 10% off sale from ASM or check the M2M sections, there are some good deals to be had out there.

[whataboutj]

Nothing more to add to the "take money for gear" discusion but I would tell you to get Faux Clay chips to play with. Much better than dice slugs and you can get them for $.05 per chip. Right now is a good time too because a batch of grey chips were just made available. They are one of the best low cost chips available in a lot of peeps opinon
J