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.