Poker Home Game Checklist

Everything you need to host a home poker cash game — from the table to the settlement. Print it, save it, use it every time.

Equipment

✓Poker table (folding table with felt ~$120)
✓Chairs (1 per player + 1–2 extras)
✓Chip set (500 chips recommended: 200×$1, 200×$5, 75×$25, 25×$100)
✓2 decks of 100% plastic cards (Copag or similar)
✓Dealer button
✓Card shuffler (optional but speeds things up)
✓Chip trays or racks

Stakes & Buy-Ins

✓Choose blinds (common: $0.25/$0.50, $0.50/$1, $1/$2)
✓Set standard buy-in (100 big blinds is standard)
✓Decide on min/max buy-in
✓Set re-buy policy (unlimited? capped? any amount?)
✓Communicate stakes to all players before game day

Room Setup

✓Table centered in room with space to move around
✓Good overhead lighting (no shadows on the table)
✓Separate table for food and drinks
✓Ashtrays if smoking is allowed
✓Trash can within reach
✓Phone chargers available

Pro Tip

Buy two decks of different-colored plastic cards. While one is in play, the next dealer shuffles the other. This alone speeds up your game by 30%.

Food & Drinks

✓Order food early (pizza, wings, or snacks)
✓Mini fridge or cooler stocked with drinks
✓Napkins and paper plates (keep the felt clean)
✓BYOB policy communicated
✓Uber/Lyft plan for anyone drinking

Atmosphere

✓Music playlist ready (low volume)
✓TV on for sports (sound off) or a background movie
✓Temperature comfortable (garages can be cold)
✓Invite 1–2 friends early to help set up and start the vibe

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Money Management

✓Designate one banker (you, the host)
✓Choose tracking method: Cash Game Host (recommended), spreadsheet, or notebook
✓Collect each player's payment handles (Venmo, Cash App, PayPal)
✓Record every buy-in the moment it happens
✓Record re-buys the same way
✓Cash out players one at a time — verify chip counts
✓Verify bank balance before settling (buy-ins = cash-outs)
✓Generate settlement and share with the group

After the Game

✓Send settlement text to the group chat
✓Track incoming payments (clearinghouse mode makes this easy)
✓Follow up on unpaid balances within 24 hours
✓Clean up: chips racked, cards cased, table folded
✓Accept help from anyone who offers
✓Note any improvements for next time

Handle the Money Part Automatically

Cash Game Host tracks buy-ins, splits expenses, verifies the bank, and generates settlement — so you can focus on hosting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to set up a home poker game?

You can get started for under $200. A folding poker table (~$120), a 500-chip set (~$30), and two decks of plastic cards (~$20) are all you need.

How many players should I plan for?

6–9 is the sweet spot. Buy enough chairs for your max plus 1–2 extras for late arrivals.

Do I need to provide food and drinks?

It's expected but doesn't need to be expensive. Pizza, snacks, and a BYOB policy work perfectly. Many groups split the food cost using Cash Game Host's expense tracking.

What's the most important thing on this checklist?

Money management. Everything else is nice-to-have, but tracking buy-ins and cash-outs accurately is what separates a smooth game from a messy one.

Want the Full Walkthrough?

This checklist covers what you need. For the complete guide with detailed advice on each topic, read How to Run a Home Poker Cash Game.