Home Poker Games

You might already be part of a home poker game. But if you are new to hosting one, here are some tips that could be useful:

A useful resource for the game's sponsor is 'Roberts Rules of Poker'. This document offers a lot of information about general poker rules.

The following is a link to Roberts Rules of Poker:

https://www.pagat.com/docs/RobsPkrRulesHome.pdf

After completing this step, we recommend that you streamline this process for your games and establish a set of house rules.

A verbal agreement between the host and the players of a small home poker game can resolve any new issues that may come up.

For home poker games with many players or casino-style games, it is advisable to keep a written record of the rules and update them as new situations arise.

A written set of rules can help resolve issues when players need to clarify something, especially for larger games.

As new issues occur, modify your set of rules as needed.

In this section, we will introduce some common home poker games and their basic rules. (You can adjust the rules to fit your preferences.) You may be familiar with some of these home poker games, but others may be new to you. Some of these poker games are suitable for both low and high stakes home poker games, but others may not work well for the home casino poker games.

Many poker games have small blinds and big blinds.  However, most small home poker games and some high limit home poker games do not use blinds. This is because each dealer gets to call his game. Since this could force players to put up a blind one home poker game selected and no blind for the next home poker game selected, normally blinds are bypassed in these games.

Do you use a Joker? Many home games like to play with a Joker.  Rules deciding how the Joker works are required. Is the Joker wild? Is it only good for Aces, Straights and Flushes? How do you play it for low?  

Several casino games can be played with a 'KILL' or "HALF-KILL. Some regular home games and casino games may require a 'Community Card'.  'Roberts Rules of Poker' covers these issues.

The house rules for table limits and who starts the bet vary, sometimes from game to game.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us using our CONTACT tab.

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Poker Games

Hold-em

Maximum players - 10

The object of the game is to have the highest five card hand of all of the players in the game at the end of the game. You can use all the cards in play including just those on the board to make your hand. All players who fold are not included.

Each player gets two cards starting to the left of the dealer. The player to the left of the dealer is the 'Small Blind' and must post this amount. The next player to the left is the 'Big Blind' and must post this amount.

The next player to the left of the 'Big Blind' must fold, match the big blind bet, or raise the big blind bet by doubling the big blind. Three raises in the amount of the big blind are allowed. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and three cards are turned up in the middle of the table for all players to use in making their hand. (The Flop).

Another round of betting occurs starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and one card is turned up in the middle of the table to join the Flop in the middle of the table. This card is also used in making the players hand. (The Turn).

Another round of betting occurs starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and one final card is turned up in the middle of the table to join Flop and Turn in the middle of the table. This card is also used in making the players hand. (The River). At this point the board (Flop, Turn, River) is made.

At this point each player determines their hand and a final betting round occurs. Starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

Using all the cards from the hand and all the cards from board, the highest 5 card hand(s) win.

Omaha - High

Maximum players - 10

The object of the game is to have the highest five card hand of all of the players in the game at the end of the game. You must use two cards from your hand with three from the up cards in the middle of the table. All players who fold are not included.

Each player gets four cards starting to the left of the dealer. The player to the left of the dealer is the 'Small Blind' and must post this amount. The next player to the left is the 'Big Blind' and must post this amount.

The next player to the left of the 'Big Blind' must fold, match the big blind bet, or raise the big blind bet by doubling the big blind. Three raises in the amount of the big blind are allowed. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and three cards are turned up in the middle of the table for all players to use in making their hand. (The Flop).

Another round of betting occurs starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and one card is turned up in the middle of the table to join the Flop cards in the middle of the table. This card is also used in making the players hand. (The Turn).

Another round of betting occurs starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and one final card is turned up in the middle of the table to join the Flop and the Turn in the middle of the table. This card is also used in making the players hand. (The River). At this point, the board (Flop, Turn, River) is made.

Each player determines their hand and a final betting round occurs. Starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

Using two cards from the hand and three cards from the board, the highest hand(s) win.

Omaha - High/Low

Maximum players - 10

The object of the game is to have the highest five card hand of all of the players in the game at the end of the game and/or the lowest five card hand of all players in the game. The low hand played must begin with an 8 or lower. Straights and flushes do not count against the player going low. If no hand has an 8 or lower, the only winner will be high. An Ace can be high and/or low in this game. You must use two cards from your hand with three from the up cards in the middle of the board. All players who fold are not included.

Each player gets four cards starting to the left of the dealer. The player to the left of the dealer is the 'Small Blind' and must post this amount. The next player to the left is the 'Big Blind' and must post this amount.

The next player to the left of the 'Big Blind' must fold, match the big blind bet, or raise the big blind bet by doubling the big blind. Three raises in the amount of the big blind are allowed. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and three cards are turned up in the middle of the table for all players to use in making their hand. (The Flop).

Another round of betting occurs starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and one card is turned up in the middle of the table to join the Flop in the middle of the table. This card is also used in making the players hand. (The Turn).

Another round of betting occurs starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and one final card is turned up in the middle of the table to join the Flop and the Turn in the middle of the table. This card is also used in making the players hand. (The River). At this point the Board (Flop, Turn, River) is made.

At this point each player determines their hand and a final betting round occurs. Starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

First, determine the lowest hand(s). Using two cards from the hand and three cards from the Board, the lowest hand(s) are determined. The lowest hand must be an 8 or lower. Count from the highest card to the lowest card to compare hands. If there is no low, the high hand will win all of the bets.

Next, determine the highest hand, using two cards from the hand and three from the Board. The Highest hand(s) and the Lowest hand(s) split the pot. If there is no low winner, and more than one high winner, the high winners split the pot.

If there are more than one high winner and more than one low winner, the high and low winners split there half of the pot.

Big-O - High

Maximum players - 8

The object of the game is to have the highest five card hand of all of the players in the game at the end of the game. You must use two cards from your hand with three from the up cards in the middle of the table. All players who fold are not included.

Each player gets five cards starting to the left of the dealer. The player to the left of the dealer is the 'Small Blind' and must post this amount. The next player to the left is the 'Big Blind' and must post this amount.

The next player to the left of the 'Big Blind' must fold, match the big blind bet, or raise the big blind bet by doubling the big blind. Three raises in the amount of the big blind are allowed. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and three cards are turned up in the middle of the table for all players to use in making their hand. (The Flop).

Another round of betting occurs starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and one card is turned up in the middle of the table to join the Flop in the middle of the table. This card is also used in making the players hand. (The Turn).

Another round of betting occurs starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and one final card is turned up in the middle of the table to join the Flop and Turn in the middle of the table. This card is also used in making the players hand. (The River). At this point the Board (Flop, Turn, River) is made.

Each player determines their hand and a final betting round occurs. Starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

Using two cards from the hand and three cards from the board, the highest hand(s) win.

Big-O - High/Low

Maximum players - 8

The object of the game is to have the highest five card hand of all of the players in the game at the end of the game and/or the lowest five card hand of all players in the game. The low hand played must begin with an 8 or lower. Straights and flushes do not count against the player going low. If no hand has an 8 or lower, the only winner will be high. An Ace can be high and/or low in this game. You must use two cards from your hand with three from the up cards in the middle of the board. All players who fold are not included.

Each player gets five cards starting to the left of the dealer. The player to the left of the dealer is the 'Small Blind' and must post this amount. The next player to the left is the 'Big Blind' and must post this amount.

The next player to the left of the 'Big Blind' must fold, match the big blind bet, or raise the big blind bet by doubling the big blind. Three raises in the amount of the big blind are allowed. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and three cards are turned up in the middle of the table for all players to use in making their hand. (The Flop).

Another round of betting occurs starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and one card is turned up in the middle of the table to join the Flop in the middle of the table. This card is also used in making the players hand. (The Turn).

Another round of betting occurs starting with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and one final card is turned up in the middle of the table to join the Flop and Turn in the middle of the table. This card is also used in making the players hand. (The River). At this point the Board (Flop, Turn, River) is made.

Each player determines their hand and a final betting round occurs. Staring with the small blind player or next player in the game to the left. The player can check or bet the amount of the twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

First, determine the lowest hand(s). Using two cards from the hand and three cards from the Board, the lowest hand(s) are determined. The lowest hand must be an 8 or lower. Count from the highest card to the lowest card to compare hands. If there is no low, the high hand will win all of the bets.

Next, determine the highest hand, using two cards from the hand and three from the Board. The Highest hand(s) and the Lowest hand(s) split the pot. If there is no low winner, and more than one high winner, the high winners split the pot.

If there are more than one high winner and more than one low winner, the high and low winners split there half of the pot.

Razz - Seven Card Low

Maximum players:

6 - no community card

7 - possible community card

8 - possible community card

The object of the game is to have the lowest five card hand of all of the players in the game at the end of the game. Straights and flushes have no
effect on the low value of a hand. An ace is considered low. The best possible hand is 5-4-3-2-A. You can use all the cards in play for your hand. All players who fold are not included.

The cards are dealt in sequence with 2 down cards, 4 up cards, and 1 down card.

In this game an initial bet for the first up card and the second up card is set.

A forced bet is set for the bring in.

An upper limit is set for the remaining cards.

Example: In a $4 / $8 limit game the initial bet is normally $4. $1 is the forced bet. $8 is the upper limit bet.

Each player gets two cards down and one card up. The highest card by suit brings in a forced bet (amount lower than the initial bet) or the initial bet. (Suit - lowest to highest - clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades)

If a forced bet is brought in, any player in their turn can either match the forced bet or complete the forced bet by making the initial bet. If the initial bet is made, all players to the left of that player can now match or raise the initial bet. Three raises are now allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting starting with the lowest hand. The bet must be a check or equal the initial bet. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting occurs starting with the lowest hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting occurs starting with the lowest hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets a down card.

At this point each player determines their hand and a final betting round occurs, starting with the lowest hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

The lowest hand(s) win.

Seven Stud - High - Roberts Rules

Maximum players:

6 - no community card

7 - possible community card

8 - possible community card

The object of the game is to have the highest five card hand of all of the players in the game at the end of the game. You can use all the cards in play for your hand. All players who fold are not included.

The cards are dealt in sequence with 2 down cards, 4 up cards, and 1 down card.

In this game an initial bet for the first up card and the second up card is set.

A forced bet is set for the bring in.

An upper limit is set for the remaining cards.

Example: In a $4 / $8 limit game the initial bet is normally $4. $1 is the forced bet. $8 is the upper limit bet.

Each player gets two cards down and one card up. The lowest card by suit brings in a forced bet (amount lower than the initial bet) or the initial bet. (Suit - lowest to highest - clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades)

If a forced bet is brought in, any player in their turn can either match the forced bet or complete the forced bet by making the initial bet. If the initial bet is made, all players to the left of that player can now match or raise the initial bet. Three raises are now allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal the initial bet. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting occurs starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting occurs starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets a down card.

At this point each player determines their hand and a final betting round occurs, starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

The highest hand(s) win.

Seven Stud - High/Low - Roberts Rules

Maximum players:

6 - no community card

7 - possible community card

8 - possible community card

The object of the game is to have the highest and/or lowest five card hand of all of the players in the game at the end of the game. The lowest hand must be an 8 or lower. You can use all the cards in play for your hand. All players who fold are not included.

The cards are dealt in sequence with 2 down cards, 4 up cards, and 1 down card.

In this game an initial bet for the first up card and the second up card is set.

A forced bet is set for the bring in.

An upper limit is set for the remaining cards.

Example: In a $4 / $8 limit game the initial bet is normally $4. $1 is the forced bet. $8 is the upper limit bet.

Each player gets two cards down and one card up. The lowest card by suit brings in a forced bet (amount lower than the initial bet) or the initial bet. (Suit - lowest to highest - clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades)

If a forced bet is brought in, any player in their turn can either match the forced bet or complete the forced bet by making the initial bet. If the initial bet is made, all players to the left of that player can now match or raise the initial bet. Three raises are now allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal the initial bet. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting occurs starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting occurs starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

One card is burned and each player gets a down card.

At this point each player determines their hand and a final betting round occurs, starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

First, determine the lowest hand(s). The lowest hand must be an 8 or lower. Count from the highest card to the lowest card to compare hands. If there is no low, the high hand will win all of the bets.

Next, determine the highest hand(s). The Highest hand(s) and the Lowest hand(s) split the pot. If there is no low winner, and more than one high winner, the high winners split the pot.

If there are more than one high winner and more than one low winner, the high and low winners split there half of the pot.

Seven Stud - High/Low - Low hole card is wild - Two variations

Maximum players:

7 - no community card

8 - possible community card

This game is not designed as a casino game. There will be no burn cards.

The object of the game is to have the highest and/or lowest five card hand of all of the players in the game at the end of the game. The lowest hand must be an 8 or lower. You can use all the cards in play for your hand. All players who fold are not included.

Your lowest card in the hole is wild.

The cards are dealt in sequence with 2 down cards, 4 up cards, and 1 down card.

There are two variations for this game:

Variation: When dealing the last card, the player can elect to have his last card up for a pre-determined amount.

Variation: Each card is dealt down and the player turns his choice of cards up. This can be combined with the first variation.

In this game an initial bet for the first up card and the second up card is set.

An upper limit is set for the remaining cards.

Example: In a $4 / $8 limit game the initial bet is $4 and $8 is the upper limit bet.

Each player gets two cards down and one card up. The highest hand starts the bet. The bet can be a check or the amount of the initial bet. Three raises are now allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

Each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal the initial bet. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

Each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting occurs starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

Each player gets an up card.

Another round of betting occurs starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

Each player gets a down card.

At this point each player determines their hand and a final betting round occurs, starting with the high hand. The bet must be a check or equal to the upper limit. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

First, determine the lowest hand(s). The lowest hand must be an 8 or lower. Count from the highest card to the lowest card to compare hands. If there is no low, the high hand will win all of the bets.

Next, determine the highest hand(s). The Highest hand(s) and the Lowest hand(s) split the pot. If there is no low winner, and more than one high winner, the high winners split the pot.

If there are more than one high winner and more than one low winner, the high and low winners split there half of the pot.

Dramaha

This game is a combination of Five Card Draw High and Five card Omaha -High (Big-O - High)

There will be a winner in the Five Card Draw - High hand and a winner in the Five Card Omaha - High hand.

Remember that for Five Card Omaha - High hand, each player can only use two cards in their hand and three cards on the board to make their highest hand.

The first person to the left of the dealer will be the Small Blind and the next person to the left of the Small Blind will be the Big Blind.

Each Player will be dealt 5 down cards.

A betting round occurs, with the player to the left of the Big Blind. The player must fold, match the big blind bet, or raise the big blind bet by doubling the big blind. Three raises in the amount of the big blind are allowed. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

The dealer will burn a card and deal three up cards in the middle of the table (the Flop).

Each player will draw up to:

5 Players - 3 cards

6 players - 2 cards

Before the draw, the player must first discard the number of the draw cards they choose from their hand.

If a player wants more than 1 card, the dealer will deal the draw cards down to the player.

If the player only wants one card, the dealer will deal it face up to the player. If the player wants this card, he will place it in his hand. If he does not want the card, it will be mucked with the rest of the discards and a down card will be dealt to the player.

Once all the players have received their draw cards, another round of betting occurs, starting with the small blind player or the next active player still in the game to the left of the dealer. The player can check or bet the amount of the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

The dealer burns a card and deals 1 card face up with the Flop in middle of the table (the Turn card).

Another round of betting occurs, starting with the small blind player or the next active player still in the game to the left of the dealer. The player can check or bet the amount of twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

The dealer burns a card and deals 1 card face up with the Flop and Turn cards in middle of the table (the River card).

At this point each player determines their hand and a final betting round occurs, starting with the small blind player or the next active player still in the game to the left of the dealer. The player can check or bet the amount of twice the big blind. Three raises are allowed in the amount of twice the big blind. Players must match all raises to stay in the game. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.

The Highest Five Card Draw hand and the highest Five Card Omaha hand split the pot.

Five card draw - High

The number of players is limited to 6 players.

Each player is dealt 5 cards face down.

The object is to have the highest hand.

The player to the left of the dealer can open the betting within the limits of the game or check the bet to the next player. Three raises are allowed. Any player can call, raise or fold on his bet during the betting round.