How to host an online poker night.

You can run a poker night with friends from any phone or computer, with no sign-ups or downloads. Here's how to set one up and keep it fun for everyone.

1. Pick a time and get everyone on a call

Half the fun of a home game is the chat. Open a video or voice call before you start, or use the chat at the table. Two to nine players can sit at a table, and five or six is a good number for a lively game.

2. Choose your chips and blinds

A simple rule is to start everyone with 100 big blinds. For example, 2,000 chips with blinds of 10/20 gives a relaxed game with plenty of play.

3. Decide how long the game should last

A blind timer gives your game a proper ending, because rising blinds push players to act. Doubling every 10 minutes usually suits a shorter game. For a slower evening, try every 20 or 30 minutes, or turn the timer off and allow rebuys.

4. Send the link

Start a table on Pokerio and share the link in your group chat. Friends tap it, choose a name and pick a seat. Nobody needs an account or an app. Once everyone's sitting down, press Start game.

5. Help new players

If some of your friends are new to poker, send them the Texas Hold'em rules and hand rankings before you start. The poker terms guide explains the words they'll hear at the table.

6. Keep the game moving

Pokerio has no turn timer, so nobody feels rushed. Anyone can pause for a drink or a phone call, unless the host turns that off. If someone walks away during their turn, the host can sit them out, and they can come back when they return.

7. Make it a tradition

End-of-game stats show the standings, awards and a chip chart, ready to share with the group. Use them to settle who gets the bragging rights until next time. The chips are play chips with no real value, so the bragging rights are the only prize.