Host The Best Poker Night

Having the best poker night in a pub or club is not simply just putting out a table and chips and expecting it to be an instant success. 

It takes planning and forethought into what needs to be done.

Firstly, Is it a weekly, monthly or one-off game and what day of the week is it to held?

Weekly games keep regulars coming and boosts drinks trade on quiet, early to mid-week trade. Monthly games makes it more of a special event. One-off games are great for charity or theme nights.

Secondly, Is it open for all venue guests or a private event for invited players only?

Games open for everyone to join can take a little while to build up players but these games get noticed more easily by regulars and infrequent guests. Private games ensure that only invited players can join in and you can more strictly control the maximum number of players.

Maximise the opportunity! 

Start off with 1 or 2 promotional games to build awareness, especially if you want to run a weekly league like with Redtooth Poker. (see the Links page for more info)

Make sure you have a specific area of the venue cordoned off on the night at least two prior to the game commencing. Venue patrons can be put off if they have seated themselves somewhere to eat and you then have to asks them to move. Also if you have someone coming into set-up it reduces the risk of rushing to get the game ready in time. Make sure there will be plenty of room in-between tables (don't forget there are chairs as well as people in the chairs) players like to be comfortable not packed in like sardines. You wouldn't do these thing to a live band/singer/quiz host, so treat poker the same way.

Position the game in highly visible area of the venue as it will pique the interest of regulars and new guests. Hiding the game away in corner will not garner the attention it needs to make people want to join.

Put up posters advertising the upcoming game well in advance of the game, last minute notice will invariable cause the venture to fail.

Table Service.

This is one thing that really is beneficial to a successful night for both player and venue.

Venues on average increase drinks sales by about 30% if staff walk around about 20mins asking if anyone needs drinks. poker players hate having to miss time at the table while standing at the bar waiting to be served especially if there is a limited number staff on hand. They'll either buy less drinks or moan it takes too long to be served and wont enjoy the game as much and could be reluctant to return for future games.

Following on from that, possibly offer a small buffet selection for players at the break or a 20% discount on food or even introduce a poker food menu with things like chips, wedges, loaded potato skins, buffalo wings, paninis or pizza maybe in the form of smaller portion sizes than on the regular menu

Social Media.

Take pictures of the event in progress then share and tag us on your social media pages to help boost attendance at the next game. As your first night will likely have a few teething problems, ask the players for their feedback to help make the next time a better event.

If we are hosting for you please talk to us if there are things you would like to adjust for the next event please talk to us on the night or the days following.