How To Host A Successful Poker Night at Home
Poker is a game that almost everyone wants to play at home. The casinos and the World Poker Tour have brought poker out of smoked filled rooms and dimly lit basements and have made it a national recreational pastime, especially for people who like to compete, not only with others, but with themselves. Poker offers a complex set of challenges as well as rewards, so the thrill of the game is playing it to the fullest, which means having the right tools and accessories available to make each game a successful experience, win or lose. Duplicating the casino atmosphere in the home has never been easier thanks to the gaming companies who supply casino type tables, chips and cards to fun-loving home poker players.
Almost everyone will agree that the poker table sets the mood for the game, especially in a game like Texas Hold’em. The table connects the players to each other and is common ground where the thrill of victory or the disappointment of defeat is openly expressed. A good poker table should be at least 84’ x 42” x 30” which is large enough for ten players. There should be at least a ¼” padding under the table’s durable felt covering. The edge of the poker table should be padded so player’s arms have a place to rest. The table should have built-in cup holders and be sturdy enough so it doesn’t shake or wobble when a player moves. The poker table is almost as important as the players and a good one will make every home game a success.
The poker games in the past used plastic chips or coins as betting tools. Home Texas Holdem games require casino type chips that sound, feel and look like professional chips. NexGen has been producing quality poker chips for years and has developed a patented process that combines a metal insert with a clay composite material and the result is a poker chip that acts like a casino chip on the table and in your hand. The coloration and the engraving make the NexGen poker chip a must have on poker night. There are some people who prefer the Paulson All Clay Chip instead of the NexGen Chip. Paulson all clay poker chips are made in the same factories as casino chips and they meet the casino standards of 2/1000” thickness, which is required by gaming regulations. Paulson makes several different poker chip designs and each one of them has been inspected to insure that the color quality and details meet Paulson standards.
Every poker player falls in love with a brand of playing cards. There are three types of cards and several different brands and they all have distinguishing designs. Casinos use plastic cards because they’re so durable. They hold their shape and can be cleaned easily. Plastic coated cards are not as durable as 100% plastic cards, but they are stronger than paper cards. Brands like Royal and Copag make the plastic cards used in professional games and they are great for home games as well. Lys de France and Stratus make plastic coated cards that work for the price conscious player, who likes the feel of a plastic card, but wants to save some money. Paper cards are considered price point cards because they are usually sold in a box that contains 12 decks.
Just by focusing on the table, the chips and the playing cards every home poker game can be successful. Of course the players make a difference too.
