Poker is one of the world’s most popular card games. Whether it’s being played in a luxury Las Vegas casino or at a kitchen table with friends, poker is a timeless and enjoyable game.

It combines both strategy and luck and is a game for players of all levels. More than just a way to win a few chips, poker is also known as a fantastic social activity. It brings friends, family and even strangers together.

With this in mind, it’s no surprise that many people choose to host their own poker night for a social night in. Hosting a poker night can be a great experience for you and your guests, providing a mix of fun and competition.

But creating an unforgettable poker night does take some planning and there are a few important things to consider.

Planning the perfect poker night

Whether it’s a one-off event to celebrate a birthday or special occasion, or a regular weekly game, poker nights have become a popular choice for at home entertainment. Whether you opt to play a game round the table with poker chips or a game of online poker on your smartphone, here are some top things to consider to ensure your poker night is a success.

Know your guests

Before you start planning your poker night you need to think about your guest list.

Are your guests experienced poker players or complete beginners? Adapting the evening to the experience level of your players will make it more enjoyable for everyone.

If there are some new players attending, consider choosing a simpler variation of poker like Texas Hold’em and taking a few minutes at the start to explain the rules.

Set the scene

Creating the right atmosphere is important for an immersive experience. Clear a suitable space with a large enough table and chairs for all players.

A green felt tablecloth can give the space a more authentic casino feel. You should also make sure the room is well-lit and not too noisy. This will help everyone to concentrate and enjoy the game.

Get the right equipment

You don’t need a casino level poker set to host a great night, but some basic equipment will make a big difference. At a minimum, you should try to get:

• One or two standard decks of playing cards
• Poker chips (to keep track of betting amounts)
• A dealer button (not essential, but helpful)
• Notepads or a whiteboard to track scores if needed (you also also use a phone or tablet for this)

You can find inexpensive poker sets online or at local game stores.

Establish the rules of the game

Before the cards are dealt, make sure everyone is on the same page about the rules being played. Will you play Texas Hold’em or another variation?

How much will the buy-in be, if there is one? What are the blinds or betting limits?

Having clear rules helps to prevent confusion and keeps the game flowing well.

Provide snacks and drinks

No poker night is complete without some food and drinks. Simple finger foods like chips, nuts and burger sliders are ideal as are easy to eat between hands.

Avoid messy dishes that require cutlery or might leave greasy fingers on the cards. For drinks, stock up on lots of different options and be sure to check dietary requirements in advance.

If you’re on a budget, you could invite your guests to bring along a dish pot-luck style.

Create a music playlist

Background music can add to the atmosphere, especially during quieter moments of the night.

Choose something laid-back, such as jazz, lo-fi or classic rock. Just make sure the volume doesn’t overpower conversations. You can always have a separate playlist of more upbeat tracks for after games have finished.

Keep it relaxed and friendly

It’s easy for poker to get competitive, but remember that the night is about having fun. Consider giving out fun prizes for the winners, like a small trophy or a deck of custom cards.

Manage time wisely

Depending on the number of guests and the structure of your game, poker can run for hours. Set a start and end time and try to stick to it.

If the game needs to wrap up before someone gets knocked out, you could consider a chip count showdown to determine the winner.

Other handy tips for a successful poker night

Send your invites out in plenty of time to make sure your guests have enough notice to plan their evening.

Have a backup plan if someone drops out last minute and think about how that affects the table setup.

Rotate the dealer throughout the evening. This keeps the game fair and gives everyone a turn at taking control of the action.

You could also consider side games. If some players get knocked out early, having other card or board games available will keep them entertained.