You want to make the most of this home game. I'll start you off with a quiz to see how well prepared you are to turn this into a profitable opportunity. Answers below.
1. Your number one objective for this home game should be to:
a) get invited back
b) win money
c) make friends
d) earn the respect of the group
2. It is a dealer's choice game. When it is your turn to call a game you should,
a) call your best casino game- hold'em or stud
b) call 5-card draw hi-lo, the best dealer advantage game
c) call whatever the last guy called
d) call a complicated game
3. There's a discussion of whether to allow check-raising. You should:
a) politely urge them to allow it
b) insist that this is the only way to play real poker
c) try to change the topic
d) say nothing at all
4. The game ends at midnight. You're up $150. Most of the players are clamoring for at least another hour of play. You should:
a) politely explain that you've got an early day tomorrow and leave
b) stick around and pound these pigeons as long as they'd like
c) get up and leave as long as you're not the first person to go
d) stay until players lock up seats for the next game
5. The players don't rake the game, but rather charge a $10 fee for the night to cover food and drink. When you're invited to the game you should,
a) complain about the fee being too high-and try to get him to lower it to $5
b) say nothing about the fee, but make sure to eat at least $10's worth
c) bring a six pack to the game even though you don't have to
d) leave the host an extra $20 if you're up-to cover the cost of the food
ANSWERS 1. (a)-You want to make money. That is, after all, why you play poker. But this is the first session-possibly the first of a lifetime of games. No need to make money in this session-though it would be nice to do so. You want to make sure you are invited back. You can always decline.
2. (c)-Don't get cute. Don't think about your bottom line in this game. Fit in. Get them to like you if that's possible. Don't draw attention to yourself and your superior skills. Just call whatever everyone else is calling.
3. (d)-You're only going to get into trouble if you open your mouth about this controversial subject. No one really cares what you think anyway. Don't look like an expert. If you say nothing people will assume you agree with them-and therefore must be really nice and smart.
4. (d)-Don't walk away early with their money. Don't make a point of winning all of their money. They might resent you for it and ban you. Hang out like everyone else-and if possible lock up that future seat.
5. (c)-Don't bite the hand that feeds you. $10 for a night is nothing compared with $4 a pot or $10 an hour like in a casino game. Pay it with a smile-and bring some extra beer. But don't overdo it. If you give the host a $20 he might think about how much you must have won to do that. If you're going to give someone $20, give it to the guy who invited you.
