Get poker night ready before the first deal

• Pick cash game, tournament, or a clearly timed mix of both.
• Set the date, arrival time, expected first deal, and approximate end time.
• Choose the number of seats and whether you will keep a waitlist.
• State the stakes or buy-in, what payment methods you accept, and whether rebuys or re-entries are allowed.
• Decide the game variation, betting format, and any house rules that differ from your group's usual game.
• Confirm that the game and venue follow the rules that apply where you host.

• Send one invitation with the date, time, general location, format, cost, seat limit, and RSVP deadline.
• Tell guests whether food, drinks, parking, or anything else requires advance planning.
• Track yes, no, maybe, and no-response separately.
• Confirm the final lineup and offer open seats to the waitlist in a clear order.
• Send the exact address only to the people who need it, especially for a private home.
• Share a day-of contact method for late arrivals or access problems.

Need a starting point? Use the invitation and reminder templates.

• Provide a stable playing surface, enough comfortable chairs, and light that reaches every seat.
• Clear drinks, food, bags, and charging cables away from the cards and chip stacks.
• Set a place for coats, spare chairs, trash, and empty glasses so the table stays usable.
• Plan parking, entry instructions, bathroom access, smoking rules, and any neighbor-sensitive noise limits.
• Put water within easy reach and serve table-safe food that does not leave grease on cards or chips.
• If using a TV or tablet, test power, sound, visibility, and screen sleep settings before the game.

• Have at least one complete deck with jokers and advertising cards removed; keep a second deck available if practical.
• Use a visible dealer button and confirm who shuffles, deals, and moves the button.
• Choose chip denominations that make the blinds, bets, and change easy to handle.
• Count full starting stacks before guests arrive and keep a separate reserve for rebuys, re-entries, color-ups, or replacements.
• Keep the bank and personal money away from the playing surface.
• Have a timer, charger, pen, paper, and a way to record buy-ins, rebuys, payouts, or cash-outs.

• Confirm the latest roster, waitlist, start time, and access instructions.
• Place the button, cards, starting stacks, and reserve chips where they belong.
• Open the game details, timer, or tournament display and prevent the device from sleeping.
• Put payment records, payout notes, and house rules within the host's reach.
• Remove valuables and private household information from guest areas.
• Take a breath—the plan is ready, and small adjustments during the night are normal.