Hello. As far as poker goes - ensure that you have two decks of quality plastic playing cards with different coloured backs and plenty of quality chips. You possibly already know all this, but this will ensure there's no problems with the actual game itself. Get your friends to support you as you get games going and be dilligent as to who you invite over, start with low stakes $10 for seat. Once the game's going people will enjoy themselves and keep turning up. As host, make sure your totally familiar with the rules of whatever your playing (Texas Hold'em?), as you may have to adjudicate in particular circumstances.
If there are other games in your region, go to them, get to know people and then invite people to your game. I would suggest hosting a regular game every two to four weeks rather than every week perhaps. I used to go to someones house to play low stakes here in Britain (10 quid a seat) and had a lot of fun. New people turned up, some were experienced others not. The house additionally took 1 pound per person to cover costs of replacing cards and chips etc. They also used a laptop with a program running on it to raise the 'blinds' at regular intervals.
Once the game's running smoothly, people will enjoy it and this will keep them coming.  |