How to Throw a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Party

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By krazigirl79
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Throw a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Party

Texas Hold 'Em is one of the fastest growing poker games in the US. The concept of the game is simple and easily learned and can be played for low or high stakes. Increasing in popularity is the home poker game where friends can gather weekly and play the game to hone their skills and win (or lose) a little extra money, or gain the status of the "Champion." Here are a few tips to help you throw your own Texas Hold 'Em poker party!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Table
Poker Chips
4+ Players
Beverages
Snacks

Step 1

The Snacks: It is best to have a few snacks available for your friends to munch on. Whether you order pizza or make the food yourself, make sure the food is easily picked up (finger food) and not too messy. Eating with a fork and knife can be difficult when at least one hand is used to bet and hold cards at all times, and messy foods can hurt the cards, poker chips and even the table. Provide some basic drinks and ask your friends to bring their own spirits- its the least they can do to defray the cost of your weekly game.
Step 2

The Setup: You will need a table (it doesn't have to be a felt poker table- but it doesn't hurt to have one either!), poker chips (enough for each person to have a good stack and extra for re-buys), dealer and blind betting "buttons" (markers that show who is dealing and who is the first and second in line to bet), and a couple of extra decks of cards.
Step 3

The Game: It helps to have 4 or more players at the game to add fun and excitement. The big blind and little blind put out their mandatory bets. The dealer then deals the cards clockwise- two face-down to each player. Each player looks at his or her cards then decides whether or not to bet. Three cards are dealt face up in the middle of the table (the flop). Another round of betting ensues. The fourth card is dealt face up in the middle of the table (the turn). Another round of betting ensues. The fifth (and final) card is dealt face up in the middle of the table (the river). Another round of betting ensues. At the end, the person with the best hand wins all of the bets that were placed in that round. This pattern continues until one person has all of the chips in his / her possession, or until a time-limit has been reached. Winners are paid out however it was determined at the start of the game (winner takes all, top 3 get staggered payouts, etc.)
Step 4

The Cleanup: It is easiest to clean up the night of the event. Put any dishes in the dishwasher or at least in the sink to help them soak. Throw away all trash and wipe off the table. Put the poker chips away in color-order so they are ready to be used for the next game.

Comments

slphilbrick said

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on 8/30/2008 We had a NL **** "party" one night and hubby and I taught the game to the other players. How could we know it would be the hit it has become? It's been 3 years of weekly games, with only missing a few, since that first one.... and yes, I can beat the guys. :)

And if you do invest in a real poker table, supply small tables around the main table for drinks. You don't want stuff spilled on the felt ! (The cup holders in the table are useless, unless you want to use it for your snack !)