[DarrenB]

We're having our first cash game home game this saturday and I'd like to know some good starting rules and codes of conduct regarding cash games among friends. We've only played tournaments before.
Like for example should we set a playing time, what if a player doubles up and wants to leave the table early on etc etc.

Can you give me some basic tips on how we should behave please.

Thanks!
//D

[Quads]

Quad's House Rules:
(last updated 01/15/2007)

General House Rules:
1. Show up to play a strong, fun and enjoyable game.
2. Don't act like a dope, *******, rookie or Sally.
3. Please.... Remember poker etiquette.
4. Verbally announce your action. Verbal action, in turn, is binding.
4a. If the action to you is $25 and you say "I raise $50" the TOTAL is $75 dollars. You are raising an ADDITIONAL $50, based on your verbal declaration / action. Should you say "I raise to $50" then the action is at $50 and you are raising $25 additional.
5. The One Chip rule will be enforced for all games.
6. String betting will get a warning with a slap on the wrist and name calling, following offenses will be "donations to the pot" Continued offences, you will be asked to cash out and leave.
6a. Same goes for acting out of turn.
7. There is often a dedicated dealer for the game. Please assist the speed of the game by shuffling the second deck. (if in play)
8. If there is not a dedicated dealer, and you are sitting in seat 1 or 9, learn to shuffle.
9. I'm not a convenience store, a Motel, nor an ATM. So, Bring Your Own Beer, Smokes, Water, Soda, Snack, Food, and Money.
10. If you do drink, please, absolutely under no circumstances, get looped and then get in a car. I'll call you a cab.
11. We play cards in the garage, I often smoke in the garage. (doors open for ventilation of course) Be courteous to those that don't smoke. (let's not all light up at once)
12. Bring a chair unless you like sitting on concrete.
13. If the game is a $100.00 buy in and you bring a $100.00 bill, don't expect to cash out. Please bring smaller bills to accommodate an easy cash out.
14. All fist fights will be conducted in the front yard, after, and only after all side bets have been placed.
15. There is no rabbit hunting at this table. PERIOD. END OF DISCUSSION.
16. When you muck, you muck. No holding your cards to see what would have happened.
17. Smith and Wesson always beats 5 aces.
18. Take the time you need when needed. Please don't Hollywood every hand.
19. There are 3 things and only three things allowed on the table. Cash, Chips and Cards. (Only $100 bills play. No smaller bills)
20. Please don't splash the pot. Continued offences will be donations to the pot.
21. If you show one player your hand, you show ALL players your hand.
22. In a showdown, a player must show all cards in his / her hand face-up on the table to win any part of the pot.
23. Please don't verbally speculate on another players hand when there is action on the table.
24. If your hand / bet is called, the player calling your hand / bet has the option to see your hand if you fold.
25. I run a straight up game. If you are caught cheating or colluding with (an)other player(s), you chips are dead (no cash out) and you will be walked out of the game. If you suspect someone cheating, please bring it up to me OFF the table and AWAY from the action.


Sure-Fire ways to guarantee you won't be invited back: (this is a collective list)
1. Throw chips at people.
2. ***** about the game played.
3. Ask to change the game / stakes / rules (however, suggestions are welcome)
4. Hollywood every hand.
5. Verbally analyze every out of your hand before folding.
6. Leave your crap all over the garage floor, then leave. That big black thing outside is a "trash can". Please use it.
7. Put food or drink on the table.
8. Spill food or drink on the table.
8. Show up empty-handed and raid the fridge and or liquor cabinet
9. Badger someone into a political conversation, and then complain about getting ***** slapped.

Lastly:
If you get an invite, this is an invite for you and not all of your buddies. Granted, the more the merrier, but my table isn't a free for all. I host an invite only poker game / event. If you wish to bring a guest, clear it with me in advance. Show up and surprise me with a bunch of your buddies, and you're guaranteed to get dropped from the invite list

This should get you started.
As far as cashing in / out, leaving etc. I ask players to give a few orbits or ~30 to 45 minute heads up if they plan on bouncing out of the game.

Set a start time, set an end time if needed, or play until you don't have the players to support a game. (my preference)

How you should behave? Polite, respectful, gentlemanlike (or ladylike if you wish), and just as you would in a casino, card room, or your Mother's kitchen table.

Lock your bank / chips / cash when not in use. Print out and refer to RRoP if needed for a clarification.

State up front what your expectations are as a host, and as a player, and most of all, how people are to conduct themselves in your game.

Treat your game, rulings, calls, etc. as though you are playing in a casino or card room. There should be no difference between the two.

p.s., the one chip rule is defined as calling with an over sized chip in a pot and not declaring your action. If the action to you is 25, and you toss out a 100 chip, and you don't say anything you are calling. If you toss out a 100 and say "raise" it is assumed that you are raising it the minimum. If you state the dollar amount, your verbal action is binding. If you are first to act, or opening the betting / pot on later streets, the chip (regardless of size) you throw out is the bet.

[Quads]

There is also an excellent thread over at Keens place which may be of some help:
http://www.scottkeen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4943

[WolfPack]

looks like Quads pretty much covered it. I would stress all chips must be bought from the bank, no buying (borrowing) chips off other players.

[Quads]

Originally Posted by WolfPack

looks like Quads pretty much covered it. I would stress all chips must be bought from the bank, no buying (borrowing) chips off other players.

YES!
Another good point, unless you play stakes in which cash can / will play.

[Button Potato]

My home game is no different from any casino cash game. Anyone can come and go as they wish.

[jimmygunz]

Just say casino rules , any questions?? no string bets, big chips out front

[tomb1]

Originally Posted by DarrenB

... what if a player doubles up and wants to leave the table early on etc etc.

Well, officially anyone can quit the game at any time. If someone's truly leaving, I don't see how you can stop him/her. Of course, there's no "going South" allowed with your chips -- taking them off the table before you're done.

But for a game among friends -- and to be invited back -- it's usually good form to stick around for some more normal play. A lot depends on how late it is, etc.

Just my 2¢.

[Double Eagle]

Originally Posted by jimmygunz

Just say casino rules , any questions?? no string bets, big chips out front

While this is an excellent rule, in reality very few people actually know the rules.

[tonypap]

Originally Posted by Double Eagle

While this is an excellent rule, in reality very few people actually know the rules.

I agree....I'm sure most people know the obvious rules, but there are probably some rules that they don't know unless they were involved in a hand that referenced a certain rule.


-t