Guide · Home games
How to play poker with friends: at home or online
A checklist to set up poker night without it turning into chaos, and what to do if your friends do not live in the same city.
3 min read · Updated on
In short
To play at home you need a deck of cards, chips and 4 to 8 people; pick a tournament (everyone starts equal and the last player standing wins) or a cash game. If your friends are far away, there are private browser tables where you share a link and play for free with play chips.
At home: the checklist
4 to 8 players
Under 4 is slow; with more than 9, split into two tables.
2 decks
One gets shuffled while you play with the other.
Chips
About 30 per player in 4 colors. What each one is worth.
Rules for anyone new
Send newcomers the poker positions guide and the best starting hands the day before.
Tournament or cash game?
Tournament
Everyone starts with the same chips and the blinds go up. It has a set end time. Ideal if beginners are coming. How to run one.
Cash game
The blinds stay the same and everyone leaves when they want. More relaxed, but there is no clear finish.
How to set up the night, step by step
- 01
Pick a date and a head count
Confirm who is coming. If it is more than 9, get a second table.
- 02
Agree on the rules ahead of time
Tournament or cash, whether there are rebuys, and whether there is a prize. Nobody should find out at the table.
- 03
Set up the table
Chips counted out per player, both decks, and one chip of each color with its value in plain view.
- 04
Explain it in 5 minutes
Play one practice hand face up for anyone who does not know the game. People learn more by watching than by listening.
- 05
Start the clock
If it is a tournament, set the timer to ring every 20 minutes to raise the blinds.
If you are far apart: online poker with friends
Some sites let you create a private table, share the link, and have your friends join from their browser. You play with play chips, no real money, and the site deals and counts the chips for you.
Make it private
Only people with the link or password can join.
No download required
So nobody gets left out for not having the app.
No real money
If it asks you to deposit, it is not a game with friends anymore: it is a casino.
Frequently asked questions
How many people do you need to play poker?
At least 2, but the fun range is 4 to 8. With more than 9, it is better to run two tables.
Can you play poker with friends online for free?
Yes. There are private browser tables where you share a link and play with play chips, no real money involved.
What is the best poker game to play with friends?
Texas Hold'em: it is the best known, seats up to 10, and the rules take minutes to learn.
How long does a poker night last?
A tournament with 6 to 8 players and 20-minute levels takes about 3 hours.
How do I teach someone who has never played?
Play one practice hand face up, explaining each betting round, and keep the best starting hands chart handy.
You have everything you need for poker night.
Before your friends come over, practice real hands so you know what to do when it is your turn. Free, and no real money.