Here's the situation: my regular game has gone cold, I'm debating if I should play in this other private game. I've heard rumors about this host colluding in other games but I never learn what exactly happened. Also my source was drunk at the time and let's just say he too is a "hustler" and have been around the block.

Pros:
1. This game has been around for quite some time and running consistently (Never played there but I get meetup notifications and things)
2. It offers a deep stack low buy in game which is rare in LA, I'm trying to work with a disciplined bankroll so this helps.
Cons:
1. Rumors about the host?
2. I'm relatively inexperienced with these private games.

Decision?

Also, for future reference, when going to a new private game, what exactly should I be alerted about other than the obvious like shorting stacks or doing credits/markers?

If you are in LA why not just go to a casino?

Because none of the casinos have a good deep 1/3 game

I live in LA, and play 99%+ in home games...only times I go to casinos are to kill time or maybe for a tournament.

A few questions:

1. Is this game raked? I'm guessing it is. I won't play in a raked home game. Personally, I've found the few I've been in to be filled with hustlers etc...I can't call them cheats, because I have no proof, but the combination of personalities and actual hands made me extremely suspicious.

The only time a rake is OK, IMO, is if it pays for food/drink/venue/dealer, or it goes to some year end bonus rebate - for example, we once raked for a wsop trip for our group, including buyins. Poker attracts low lifes...caveat emptor.

2. What is a deep stack, low buy-in game? Does that mean you can buy in short vs other players?

3. Rumours, if not necessarily true, often tend to based on some real incidents. Personally, I'd avoid the game.

Why not just take a smaller than normal amount of money ( to protect your budget). Sit in and see what happens. You likely can figure out if the game is good for you or not, and fairly soon enough. Don't always believe what you hear, but remember it and be alert.

This. One of the reasons I quit the previous game (other than it had gone cold). There were situations where I don't know what to make of, people are friendly, money were thrown, meanwhile there were a lot of "hustler" "degen" type people in suspicious situations.

I've been to two home games in LA, both are raked at 5-7% capped at 5. How did you find unraked games? Is it just friend circle?

I tend to avoid all home games where the dealer plays, and if deal rotates thats even worse IMO.

Watch for people who play with a lot of cell phone action going on

Try it once...dont take a loy of money...see what happens. Pay attentiin to the dealer(s). Todd Brunson (may still) has some good info about how to spot cheating dealers...nit sure where to find this info online...check his blogs

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Yes...the friend circle! Played in a few with dealers, but they were paid by tipping out at the end or during the game.

Rakes are very difficult to overcome in the long run...you need a bunch of truly terrible players who have deep pockets.