Hosting Cash Poker (Texas Holdem) Games

Ring Game (Cash Game): Pretty much any non-tournament game is a considered a cash game. Following are some of the characteristics of cash poker games.

  • Poker chips have their real value. So a $5 chip is worth 5 dollars. In a tournament a $5 chip is not necessarily worth 5 dollars as every player gets a certain equal amount of chips in the beginning.

  • Players can rebuy and add-on chips as many times as they want. There are usually limits to how much a player can add-on or buy-in at any given time. For example in a typical $1/$2 NL game players are not allowed to rebuy for more than $200 each time. (therefore the only way to have more than $200 chips in front of them, they would have to win hands)

  • There is usually a minimum buy in and maximum buy in based on the blinds. The minimum is 20 times the small blind and the maximum is 100 times the big blind. For example a typical $1/$2 NL has a minimum buy in of $20 and maximum buy in of $200.

  • Players don't have to start with an equal amount of chips.

  • Players don't have to start at the same time. Any player can join and leave at any time. (Sometimes there are house rules that state otherwise)

  • Blinds are fixed (most of the time). So if a game is started with $1/$2 blinds it will stay like that the rest of the game. There are two exceptions to this:

    1. When players decide to raise the stakes toward the end of the night.

    2. When the game is a "kill" game. In short, a kill game blinds double in size when a players wins two hands in a row.

Points to know before you hosting a cash / ring game:

  • Cash games usually have more cash involved. It is important to keep track of every buy-in and add-on of the players. Also keep the cash somewhere safe.

  • Count players money in front of them at the table before you give them the chips

  • Ask the players to count the new chips immediately after you give it to them to confirm that it is the correct amount.

  • It's always a good to have a log book noting buy-in and add-ons for every player. This comes handy from time to time. You don't have to record each player's name; a simple number or character is enough to represent each player.

  • Keep strict house rules. Ask the players to follow them and enforce it when they come up. This will make your player happy and keep your games organized. Players might complain about certain rules, but once they see you enforce it for everybody they'll consider it fair. Learn more about House Rules.

  • Some of the hosts rake the poker game to make some extra money on the side. This is illegal in most of U.S. states. So check your state laws before doing so.

  • If you can have someone to deal for you, definitely ask them to do so. The dealer will make some money from the tips they get during the game too. There are certain benefits to having a dealer. You can find those under the Dealer page.

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Last updated - January 3, 2007