If you're the new guy at a home game...

[metsmaniac823]

When looking for games outside your own regular home games, would you ever go to one where you didn't know anyone? Example: if you see an online ad for home games in your city, you express interest and a guy e-mails you about one where you won't know anyone. Would you insist on bringing one or more people with you before going or would you feel comfortable enough to play by yourself?

Just curious for opinions here; I played a tournament recently, small stakes, where my friend invited me to play but then did not show up. I sat down with them anyway and got mopped up, feeling uncomfortable the whole time... not uncomfortable to throw my chips in like a maniac but still. Any thoughts on atmosphere or pros/cons to familiar competition would be appreciated. Also, if you have tips to overcoming such a thing (especially for casinos and card rooms), that would be great too.

[Sundevils21]

barring any kind of emergency, what kind of friend invites somebody somewhere and then doesn't show up(especially in a case like this)?
It sounds like you didn't know that your friend wasn't going to show up when you got there. In that case, there is not much you can do. If he called in advance to tell you he wasn't going to be there and you still wanted to go, then I would ask for the host's phone number. I'd give him a call and then decide after talking to him.

[Slow Play Ray]

I like being the new guy.

[Ghazban]

The only home game I ever played in (and still play in) was a situation where I didn't know anybody before I first showed up. I got the info about it from a guy I met at the casino (I suppose you could technically say I knew him, but 7 hours at the table doesn't put him much above "acquaintance" with me), then I emailed the host, had a little back-and-forth email with him, then just showed up. I wasn't at all uncomfortable though I did bring a minimal bankroll for 1/2 NL (as opposed to the amount I normally bring to the casino to play) just in case there was anything shady going on.

[Gbob]

I think it varies on the game.

Here in Buffalo I play a game that's been running for 8 years. We allways welcome drop ins, and do our best to make them feel comfortable (in the "don't tap on the aquarium" sense). If someone is really good, we actually prefer that over someone who isn't that skilled.

If you don't feel comfortable somewhere, than leave, but I think most home games are happy to have someone sit in, even if they clean the table.

[ncskiier]

I ALWAYS do best when I'm the new guy. I don't know why that is. Anyone?

[MortalWombat]

[ QUOTE ]
I ALWAYS do best when I'm the new guy. I don't know why that is. Anyone?

[/ QUOTE ]
Maybe because no one has a read on your playing style and betting patterns yet?

[dandy_don]

[ QUOTE ]
When looking for games outside your own regular home games, would you ever go to one where you didn't know anyone?

[/ QUOTE ]

After moving to NW Arkansas a couple of years ago, I knew very few people and none of those that I did know played poker, so I began e-mailing guys from the homepokergames.com site and in a couple of weeks we had a game. The first night, I didn't know a sole as they arrived to my house (made the wife quite nervous) and eventually built this group into a regaular 2-table group each month.

Not once in the 2 years I was there did anyone get out of line. Poker players generally know the rules and in an area where there are a lot more players than games, most are on their best behavior.

[starvs]

[ QUOTE ]
I think it varies on the game.

Here in Buffalo I play a game that's been running for 8 years. We allways welcome drop ins, and do our best to make them feel comfortable (in the "don't tap on the aquarium" sense). If someone is really good, we actually prefer that over someone who isn't that skilled.

If you don't feel comfortable somewhere, than leave, but I think most home games are happy to have someone sit in, even if they clean the table.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey, fellow Buffalonian here (not technically but close enough)

What is the typical buy in at your game? I'm sure you don't want me at your game, as I am far to young and probably don't have enough money, (not to mention my parents wouldn't be to happy with me being hustled out of my money by guys 20 years older than I..) but I'm just curious as to what kinds of games I have going on around me.

-starvs

[Gbob]

[ QUOTE ]

What is the typical buy in at your game? I'm sure you don't want me at your game, as I am far to young and probably don't have enough money, (not to mention my parents wouldn't be to happy with me being hustled out of my money by guys 20 years older than I..) but I'm just curious as to what kinds of games I have going on around me.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, the age of players range from 23-34 so not everyone is twenty years younger. Good god, I feel old all of a sudden. Hmmm....

The Sunday home game game at "Casino Buffalo" is a pretty low stakes game. Skill level will often vary from week to week. The core group the table are pretty good players (one pro, a number of tourney winners, etc) but there are enough poor players to keep it a fun and profitable place for people to stop by every week. Honest game, with only the occasional hustler to deal with. I started playing with a twenty dollar buy in, but quickly realized that this was a good way to lose money. the game often runs between 10 at night and 7 in the morning, with people coming and going throughout the evening. Average inital buy in is between 60-100 dollars with as many re buys as needed. The biggest loss at the table has only been about 2500 but that's more the exception. This is about typical for most games in the area. You only need a few hundred to begin your bankroll around here, and there are enough weak games to make a living wage off playing. Tourneys in after hours clubs are about a 40-60 dollar buy in, and there are around 4 or 5 that have a decent following. You'll be surprised at the number of local bars and resturants that open their doors during the week. There are, of course, higher stake games around and most people who form the core of our Sunday night game play them (it beats having a real job) but as I said most home games in the region are small stakes.

Because Buffalo is, in many ways, a college town there are a number of low stake games you'll be able to find. Even better, those low stake games are full of new players. Before you start hitting casinos, view these low stake games as a good way to get a (relativly) cheap education in the game.

The games have cleaned up here since I was a teenager. Hell, I wish there had been games like this when I was hanging out on the elmwood strip with my mohawk and piercings.

[starvs]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

What is the typical buy in at your game? I'm sure you don't want me at your game, as I am far to young and probably don't have enough money, (not to mention my parents wouldn't be to happy with me being hustled out of my money by guys 20 years older than I..) but I'm just curious as to what kinds of games I have going on around me.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, the age of players range from 23-34 so not everyone is twenty years younger. Good god, I feel old all of a sudden. Hmmm....

The Sunday home game game at "Casino Buffalo" is a pretty low stakes game. Skill level will often vary from week to week. The core group the table are pretty good players (one pro, a number of tourney winners, etc) but there are enough poor players to keep it a fun and profitable place for people to stop by every week. Honest game, with only the occasional hustler to deal with. I started playing with a twenty dollar buy in, but quickly realized that this was a good way to lose money. the game often runs between 10 at night and 7 in the morning, with people coming and going throughout the evening. Average inital buy in is between 60-100 dollars with as many re buys as needed. The biggest loss at the table has only been about 2500 but that's more the exception. This is about typical for most games in the area. You only need a few hundred to begin your bankroll around here, and there are enough weak games to make a living wage off playing. Tourneys in after hours clubs are about a 40-60 dollar buy in, and there are around 4 or 5 that have a decent following. You'll be surprised at the number of local bars and resturants that open their doors during the week. There are, of course, higher stake games around and most people who form the core of our Sunday night game play them (it beats having a real job) but as I said most home games in the region are small stakes.

Because Buffalo is, in many ways, a college town there are a number of low stake games you'll be able to find. Even better, those low stake games are full of new players. Before you start hitting casinos, view these low stake games as a good way to get a (relativly) cheap education in the game.

The games have cleaned up here since I was a teenager. Hell, I wish there had been games like this when I was hanging out on the elmwood strip with my mohawk and piercings.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the info. Now I just have to wait untill I'm old enough to get into a bar and I will be all set to play..

[wingsfan]

An old school punk at heart?

[Gbob]

There are few things sadder than a middle age former punk playing a Dead Kennedys song in his mini-van with a four year old sleeping in the back. The shame.

[wingsfan]

LMAO, don't worry too much. I'm a "grown up" punk myself. Stupid white collar job. Stupid suburban family. I couldn't be happer, but the 15 year old punk in me wants to kick my 28 year old ass almost every day.

[timmer]

Most games I play I know no One. But thats B&M poker.

If you cant play with total strangers stick with the internet.

IF you dont feel comfortable playing in a strange game simply dont play. If you do play make it a point to get to know the host and the other regular players. Part of his job is to make you feel comfortable. You Have one great thing in common the game. Use it as the common ground.

Ive played in many home games where I knew no one. I never felt as uncomfortabe as having 8 total strangers playing at my house.

Here is a hint*

do what I do..

Carry a pistol in your backpack.

[lebowski58]

OK, this is the reason no one wants strangers at their game. They're afraid they're all pistol toting sharks.

[LetsRock]

Walking into an unknown game is always a little dicey. I'm mostly worried of the "getting" ripped off aspect more than anything.

When I do wander into a home game where I know nobody, I bring minimum cash and really feel things out before getting too deep into it. You can always go and get more cash if the game is worth it.

Regarding bringing friends along, make sure it's cool with the host. I help run a pretty large home game (60 players on invite list) and we're constantly getting unknown players wanting invites. My policy is to not allow new players to bring guests for several reasons. The primary reason, is that I'm not going to have someone bring their "partner" and have them steal us blind (on the table or off). It's just easier to get know someone (do I want to invite this guy back?)if they don't show up with their own "crew".