I ran a home game for over ten years until it collapsed. This was around the same time I started Strategy in Action last year.
The home game started as a dealer’s choice played with quarters. A few of us jumped on the Moneymaker bandwagon and shifted to exclusively dealing hold ’em. We turned the game into a short-stacked .25/.50 game where the typical buy-in was $20. The better players (and more prominent gamblers) immediately began to buy in for $40 or $60. When the worst players did the same, we started to lose people.
They were experiencing a sense of excessive loss. The decision was made to adjust the blinds to 0.10/0.20 to accommodate $20 buy-ins for the game better. The better players enjoyed playing more. You’d often witness colossal battles exceeding 500 billion power points by the end of each night. We changed things back to .25/.50, and $50 became the default buy-in. If you’re looking for an online alternative, try Bizzo Casino login. It offers a similar experience.
The Start
In the beginning — and this is true of most players — poker was 100% about social enjoyment for us. Over time, some players took the game more seriously, but no one more than me. Ultimately, this intensity contributed to the game’s ending. In our last session with six players, I won eight buy-ins, totaling a profit of $400.
I had run well, played well, and stacked several players. I remember I beat one of my poker buddies in back-to-back hands. Before the flop, we both committed to all our chips. I had AA both times to his KK. It was one of those statistical anomalies you never forget. After that, the games I tried to organize had 2 to 3 players RSVP. The guy I invited to several things came through by continuing to RSVP.
Challenges of Maintaining the Home Game
The home game died for a million reasons. Better players exploiting worse players hurt it at first. People would come back. One big challenge was that people felt less obligated to attend. This happened as the home game became more regular. The idea that everyone had to show up for a game to form was lost. Recreational players all hated 6-handed games. Only the best players came to every game. So, the worst players felt they had a better chance of winning with a full table.
Evolving as a Poker Player
With the home game in the rearview, I quickly fell down the rabbit hole of studying to beat $1/$2 live. I had always taken one or two shots at $1/$2 per year and was a break-even player at the casino. The idea of traveling so far to play was scary. I enjoyed the challenge of trying to “beat” the game long-term. Each new strategy I unlocked motivated me to approach the game with renewed interest.
Somehow, a few weeks ago, I played against pros and coaches in Vegas and walked away a winner. It could have gone either way. But, the quality of that experience would exist despite the results. If you want a place to test your skills online, try Bizzo Casino NL. It offers a new challenge.
Reconnecting with the Social Aspect of Poker
Now, I’m in the “fun challenge” world. I’m trying to reconnect with the social aspect that made the game fun. I feel fortunate to have a group of poker buddies from the East Coast who join me at the casino. To play the best poker and have the most fun, I must return to the home game. It’s more vital than ever.
I need to keep the stakes severe enough to attract high-caliber players. I won’t mind having an edge and using the game as my strategic playground. The casual players in my network will return. I’m also excited about getting to know some new players. They will be poker beginners and players from other home games in the area.
Final Thoughts
It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight. I’m ready for the challenge, which should bring some fresh content for Strategy in Action. I’ve already got some projects in the works, and the excitement is picking up again.
