Sounds like a pretty social game.

Sounds like Sam and Joe found a soft game


As mentioned, I would have let reg pull bet back, with instructions about keeping big chips visible. Also as mentioned, once the action has moved along (and been accepted), it's a lesson learned.

Happens in lots of places, for lots of reasons. Happens again with the same guy, the list of reasons gets smaller.

Another case of happens all the time. Have a talk with Joe directly if you can. Do your best to explain OPTAH and reverse the roles. On a related note, I tried explaining OPTAH to a long time player in violation last week, he genuinely didn't see a problem, hasn't been an offender in the past, and won't be doing it in the future (more than once anyway).

I tell Jim it's OK for him.

Got no problem with Sam. I'm more interested in why the couple guys who has suspicions didn't come to you before you came to them. I wouldn't be surprised at soft play, but without Joe it may not be an issue.

It sounds like Joe could use some time off. I usually get the games together, and have either outright suspended players, or simply not invited them in the past. Agree or disagree, behavior changes dramatically after they've sat out. If Jim asks about Joe, I probably let him know 'not this week', but keep asking. Yes, a talk with Joe is in order. Apologies aren't in everyone's tool box, but coming to an understanding about hiding chips, OPTAH and ranting is a minimum before he returns to play.

The first time Jim brings a problem to the game, it's on Jim. When you allow the problem to continue, it's now on you.

Everyone involved.

but, since I followed the title, I have no idea who that ban would apply to... or why.

OP, I think it started off as your mistake by letting a first time player bring 2 guests that you didn't know. Even though you've known Jim you admitted he'd never played with your group.

I would ban Joe because he doesn't fit with your group. He's hiding chips and he blatantly told his friend to check it down after his friend was reaching for chips to bet. Sure, you could simply issue a warning and have him back but why mess up a good group of regulars for one guy you don't even know? I wouldn't ban Jim or Sam.

Issue a warning?

Does it go on his permanent record? Perhaps he should be placed on Double Secret Probation*.


If one of my friends who I've invited to play poker with me (but never has) tells me he's got two *more* players for me, I'd be tripping over myself with joy.


[*There is a little-known codicil in the Faber College constitution which gives the dean unlimited power to preserve order in time of campus emergency. Find me a way to revoke Delta's charter. You live next door. Put Neidermeyer on it. He's a sneaky little ****, just like you, right?]

That was my thought at the time. I've played many times with Jim, never had an issue so I thought, great more players.

LOL.

The guy may not understand that it is wrong to do. He just needs a friendly reminder that its against the rules. It sounds like Joe learned the rules in a bar free roll.

Give one (1) chance at redemption. go over the rules that were broken before starting the next game, and then ENFORCE THEM STRICTLY. If they persist, then they get uninvited. If they modify their behavior in order to maintain the "friendly" atmosphere, then you just added a couple new players.

Also, lesson learned about letting "friends of friends" through the door without vetting them yourself, right?

I wouldn't. I'd surely invite my friend and see how he interacts with my group and if he's cool then I'd be OK with him inviting a friend or two. It makes things run smoother if all of us are comfortable with each other and we don't tolerate abusive players or those who we consider angle shooters. We've got plenty of players though.

And thus, today's lesson is: Friends of friends don't always act like the friend.

If Joe, Sam or Jim are not nice people, to hell with education, ban them all.
Otherwise teach them.

For me this would be the most important reason, can I get along with them. I don't
have to really like them, it's poker, but they will listen to the host or won't be invited.

"Survey SAID....... good answer!"

I really meant it I get along with everybody and I think it's important (cheeseburger stakes obv). People listen, gamble and have fun. Which means I have fun!