Most people overlook one of the most important skills required when playing poker. They know how to play the odds, they know how to bluff, but no one really thinks about how to sit. Seat selection can have a crucial effect on the outcome of your game, and can often be the deciding factor between a win and a loss. It is particularly important when playing Hold’Em, as your betting positions are fixed for the whole hand. This is different from 7 card stud, as the position changes based on the cards that are exposed.

The first rule in seat selection is to sit in a position that enables you to play after the maniacs. When you’re playing with someone who likes to bet and raise no matter what cards they have, its best to act right after them, so sitting on the left is important. If you do this, then when you have a good hand, you can bring the bests up to three, because you can be sure that he’ll bet.

Try your best not to get an early position, as it requires you to go in blind. You have no real knowledge of the game and don’t get the chance to see anyone else’s playing style. So, you’re jumping in head first. When you’re in a later position — ideally, last — you have a chance to observe a whole round of betting, gaining a lot of knowledge about the strength of the hands that your opponents are holding.

It is definitely difficult to arrange the table so that it works out to your advantage, but try to get all of the aggressive players to the right of your seat. You want them to act first, so you can make use of three-betting to build big pots. By playing before them, your raise might cause them to fold, but by acting after them you can almost trick a maniac into three-betting. It pays to have the most aggressive players to your right, so you can manipulate the game a lot more easily.

Poker Nights are a great way to get the gang together for a night of hanging out, drinking and socializing. Even if your friends aren’t avid gamblers, poker nights give you the chance to sit around the table with some old buddies or have your new friends get to know each other. It can be a pretty big event, so here’s a quick guide to putting together the perfect poker night:

1. Invitations. Make sure you invite people that you actually like spending time with. You might be tempted to invite a friend whose known to throw money around. You know, the one that no one else can stand being around. Even if it means he’ll be shelling out some serious cash and giving you the chance to make some big bucks, resist the urge to call him over. When you invite people you’re not too keen on, it just means the night is going to eventually bomb.

2. Time and Date. I think Thursday is the best night for a poker game, but that’s just me. Sunday through Monday, all your buddies are too concerned about having to work the next morning. But on Thursday, they’re willing to go to work tired or hungover on Friday. Friday and Saturday are also good days to hold a poker night, but people usually already have plans for the weekend, but it really depends on what your schedule looks like.

3. Set-Up. Get a good set of chips. 12 gram chips are a good weight; they feel like the real deal and are generally inexpensive. Make sure you get more than 500, and they should be in a case, just in case you’re travelling. Also, a round table to play on is ideal. Oval poker tables, like the ones you see on TV, aren’t the best socializing. You can also get cup holders and chip trays to make the experience feel more authentic. An automatic shuffler would be a nice addition if you’re not confident with your own shuffling skills.

You can also make the environment feel more genuine by turning down the lights and putting on some jazz music. Don’t have music blaring or the TV on in the background. Keep your bar fully stocked with beer, wine and other booze. Even mix up some martinis to make your guests feel like high rollers.

4. Rules. Use a “Buy Whatever” system, where there isn’t a set buy-in amount. This also lets players buy chips whenever they want, even if its in the middle of a hand. But, this means that there is no protection from “all-in”s, so if someone raises you more than you have, you have to buy more chips or fold. But, let’s not go crazy! Put a raise limit into effect so, for example, the maximum any player can raise is $2.00. This way, you don’t have people getting too competitive or walking home without shoes. Also, make sure everyone knows the rules, including which hands win. If you have novices in the crowd, take it slow for the first few rounds.

5. Games. Texas Hold ‘Em is perfect for poker nights. It’s simple and quick, easy for everyone to enjoy. But, if you’ve got some poker afficianados, try 7-Card Stud or something tricky like Blind Poker.