How to Run a Home Poker Tournament

Last Updated: June 3, 2021 References

Hosting a home poker tournament can be a lot of fun. Organization is the key to success. Don't forget to have a poker timer for all players to see the tournament progress

Steps

1
Buy a poker chip set. The most realistic affordable size is 500 chip 11.5 gram (0.4 oz) weight set. A 1000 chip set will easily allow you to host a 2 table 20 player tournament.
2
You will need a minimum of 8 players and a maximum of 20 depending on your poker chip set.^{[1]
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3
Start the blind at 10-20 and every 15 minutes raise them. This way the tournament doesn't run all night.^{[2]
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4
If your chip set has more than 3 colours, assign the extras to large chip amounts like 500 and 1000. This way you can colour up and remove the smaller chips.^{[3]
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5
Make sure to keep the buy-in (entry fee) reasonable. You don't want to discourage people from joining. A $5 entry is reasonable to most who play poker.^{[4]
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6
Prize pool pay outs should be as follows; 50% to the winner, 30% to second place and 20% to third place. If you are having a 2 table tournament (20 players) you could make the top 4 players winners.^{[5]
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Warnings

If you take a fee for hosting or food make sure to check your local laws. Most states or provinces are very clear that if you take any money you are considered a betting house. This may get you into some serious trouble. Avoid the extra fee and rotate the tournament to other people's houses. This will share the costs.

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