Last Updated on December 19, 2022
For those who want a healthy dose of competition, perhaps there’s nothing more exciting than a night of poker. Most people are familiar with the game; it can be quite rousing (particularly if players are pros); and it’s a generally good bonding activity.
Planning to host your first poker night? Here are a couple of tips to make the night go smoothly.
How To Host Poker Night with the Boys
When done right, poker night is a wonderful way to get your friends together for good, clean fun. And a little healthy competition never hurt anybody. While you might be a poker aficionado yourself, that’s not enough to hold a successful game.
First, make sure your guests know how to play. There are different types of poker. You and your buddies should agree on what to play, as well as settle on house rules. What’s the ceiling on betting? How many friends do you want to invite? Will you include pro players or all beginners?
Next, cover the basics. Of course, prepare your table, cards, chips, etc. A traditional poker table will set the mood. But you can also use table toppers on top of any regular table. Have two decks of cards (although you’ll only use one). Ready 500 chips in 4 colors.
Don’t forget to serve snacks. But it keep it simple. Opt for just wings, chips, nuts, sandwiches, etc. For drinks, you can ask guests to bring their favorite sixer or create a classic cocktail for the evening. Do include non-alcoholic options for the designated drivers or for those with diet restrictions.
It wouldn’t hurt to provide the right atmosphere. Achieve this with a nice jazz or classical playlist. Find these on Spotify or Pandora. If you can afford it, having cigars handy will add that old-school gambling vibe, too.
Finally, create a backup plan. What do you do when there are no-shows? Do you start the game right away or serve food first? Will you wait for latecomers? What happens should you run out of drinks? Think of worst case possible scenarios so you’re not caught off guard.
Handsome Poker Invitations
Once your chips, snacks, and music are all set, you can give the event a more ‘formal’ feel by sending out invites. These will remind guests about your upcoming affair. It also serves as a nice souvenir of sorts (especially for those intending to host a one-shot game, like for bachelor parties or adult dinners).
Take your pick from these handsome poker invitation templates.
1. Vintage Style Poker Flyer Template
Make your guests ‘feel lucky’ before they even enter your venue with this stylish old-school inspired template from Flyer Heroes.
Download Vintage Style Poker Flyer Template
2. 2 Poker Mag. Ad, Poster or Flyer
With a total of 6 files (PSD) that are print-ready and highly customizable, this poster/flyer pack by Alex Lasek will give you a leg up with 2 awesome designs, reminiscent of 20s casinos.
Download 2 Poker Mag. Ad, Poster or Flyer
3. 2 Poker Magazine Ad, Poster or Flyer
The King has come to play! This gorgeous and intricate poster invitation template boasts of clean and organized layers for convenient editing.
Download 2 Poker Magazine Ad, Poster or Flyer
4. Vintage Poker Night Flyer Template
The spade can symbolize a lot of things, a few of which include life, the power of darkness, or intellect. In this case, Hotpin used the spade as a pretty image for this flyer design.
Download Vintage Poker Night Flyer Template
5. Poker Flyer Template
Promote poker night in the best way possible – by using gold against black for a stunning, eye-catching effect that will make anyone say all-in.
6. Poker Night Flyer Set
Graphicook gives you this midnight blue invitation that’s as regal as what your night is going to be.
Download Poker Night Flyer Set
7. Poker Flyer Set
If you have 7-8 tables, chips, cards, and some snacks – then all you need are these poker invitations to have a roaring good time.
8. Poker Tournament Flyer
Who will bring their A-game and who will come out with a bad beat? There’s only one way to find out, and that is to send out these invite flyers to willing participants. Designed by Creativeartx.
Download Poker Tournament Flyer
9. Poker Night Event Flyer
This simple yet attractive poker flyer by Vynetta is perfect for private events or for-profit games.
Download Poker Night Event Flyer
10. Poker Night Flyer
Cards, marquee signs, and chips – we all know what these mean! It’s time to get Lady Luck on your side because it’s poker night.
11. Poker Night Flyer
With monoline illustrations and detailing, this minimalist poker game invitation works well for a private party or a quick play between close friends.
12. Poker Flyer
This detailed poster invite features colorful chips, cards, and a marquee sign reminiscent of Vegas. It’s recommended for clubs, restaurants, diners, or any small business that wants to get in on the game.
13. Poker Night
Black and white colors keep this poker night invitation template classy and sleek. Print-ready, fully editable, and available in 300 DPI, it makes for an awesome keepsake, too.