Home game time limits

[5thStreetPokerParties.com]

We run into this issue all the time with clients who only have an alotted time frame for their events. In order to get things done in time we adjust a few different variables:

1. Starting Chips - Instead of starting with 2000 in chips, start with 1000 or 500.

2. Blind Level Duration - Use 20 min instead of 30 min.

3. Blind Schedule - Start at a higher blind level. Instead of 5-10, start at 25-50. Pull out only the initial blind levels. One of the worst things you can do is pull out levels in the middle of a standardized blind schedule... it disrupts the flow. Another possibility is to include antes in the later blind levels.

I personally hate event formats that have finite time limits on the end of the tournament. This only encourages reckless play in the last hand which penalizes the skilled player.