How to Host a Poker Tournament

Hosting your own poker tournament can bring a lot more poker competition to your home than just a few guys around a table. With the proper preparation, you can host a poker tournament that could rival any Vegas tournament.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine what poker game you would like play. Your tournament should consist of just one style of poker for the duration of the tournament. Texas Hold 'Em is the most popular tournament game, but you can play any style you choose. Also decide if you want to have a pot limit or play a no-limit game.

2. Set a buy-in amount. The buy-in is the amount of money a person has to pay to enter the tournament. This money is pooled together to pay out the winnings at the end of the tournament. Also determine how many cash prizes you want to give out and how much for each placing.

3. Make sure you have enough poker chips. You'll have to have enough chips in multiple colors to cover every player in your tournament. Each player should start with the exact same number of chips.

4. Prepare your home for hosting the tournament. Make sure you have as many tables and chairs as you need and room to place them all in the same general area.

5. Send out the announcement. Include as much information as you can, including the buy-in amount, game to be played, prizes and any other pertinent information. Also indicate if you're going to be using part of the buy-in for drinks and refreshments, or if you want the players to provide their own.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you have plenty of decks of playing cards. You'll need more than one for each table, as cards get bent and marked up with a lot of use.
• If you have some friends who aren't interested in playing, ask if they will agree to be a dealer. Having a full-time dealer at each table will help the tournament run smoothly and limit the possibilities of cheating taking place.