Looking to add a little on-site gaming to your
meeting? Not only is Texas Hold'em the most popular variation
of poker played - it's also a very social game, perfect for a
corporate gathering. But there are a few tips every planner
should keep in mind when looking to host a successful Texas
Hold'em tournament.
1. Set the Goal
Why are you hosting the Texas Hold'em tournament? Is it to
encourage lighthearted entertainment, to teambuild, or to spur
competition? "If you just want to host it as a social event,
it's the new golf. It's popular with all ages," says Tijuana
Plant, leadership services coordinator for Caesars
Entertainment. "It's the new networking environment." Or
perhaps you're using the game to recruit new employees, like
Caesars did in January with its MBA Poker Championships and
Recruitment Weekend at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. "It's an
event that's really true to our brand," says Paul King,
corporate director of talent and recruiting for Caesars.
"People playing poker - they're very smart, very analytical,
they're quick with their decision making, they are essentially
using their interpersonal skills at the poker table. So a lot
of the same skills that translate into good business skills we
see at the poker table." Knowing what the goal of the game is
will help you create the appropriate environment and attract
the right players.
2. Set the Rules
"Create a very 'set' set of rules," says King. "Our rules are
official: We publish them and post them beforehand." You can
decide what kinds of betting you want - for real money, or just
for fun. Texas Hold'em involves seven cards for each player:
five public and two private. For a quick rundown on all the
essentials of the game, visit the World Series of Poker website
at bit.ly/smHoldEm.
3. Pick the Right Venue
King says it's important to consider whether you want to have
an "open" tournament or host it in a private venue. For
example, if you hold the tournament on a casino floor, it's
likely that the game will be open to public players. Many
casinos have private rooms you can book, however. And "if
you're not going to have it at a casino, make sure you research
the company who is going to be hosting your tournament," Plant
says. "You don't want a company that's going to charge you an
exorbitant amount." Either way, make sure that you …
4. Hire Professional Dealers
They know the game best and will ensure that all state rules
are followed, say the experts.
5. Lead With Confidence
"Your tournament leader has to be charismatic," Plant says. "He
has to be fun. Having someone who is entertaining, who calls
rounds out and tells them when to change chips, is imperative.
It makes the time go fast, people have a good time, and they're
your arm for the tournament. As an event planner, you can worry
about all the other details. Your tournament leader can focus
on making sure the game goes smoothly."