Tournament times are restricted. Losses may not be as heavy because they are limited to buy-ins and re-buys. Tournaments also prevent people from leaving early and getting an unfair advantage. In addition, the time restrictions will make sure that the game does not take too long.

But what do you need to run a tournament? What rules should you follow? Here's a quick guide to help you get started setting up a home poker tournament.

Supplies

If you don't already have one, you need to get a poker chip set now! Cash may be fine for cash games, but well run tournaments require players to chip up to keep things moving. A good poker chip set will also have a dealer button. This button will keep your game moving by eliminating the delays caused by the constant "who's deal is it?" question.

You'll also need two decks of cards. With two decks, the dealer-to-be can shuffle his deck while the current dealer is sending out the cards. This also helps keep things moving. Remember to have a blank card on the bottom of each deck so no one can sneak a peak at the bottom card.

A good card table is also nice to have. If you're going to spend the money to get high quality clay poker chips, you don't want them banging around on a hard kitchen table.

Last but not least you will need an egg timer so that you know when to raise the blinds. Now you have everything you need to enjoy the game.

The rules

It is important to decide on payouts and blind levels before you begin. A different method is used with home games and will depend on the number of people playing. Tournaments on the other hand work in this way. The person in first place gets 50% second place will receive 30% and third runner up will receive 20%.

Every 15 minutes there will be an increase in blinds; this will be prearranged at the beginning of the game. Firstly the gamers will chip up when the small blind becomes 100. They will chip up again when the small blind reaches 400.

So now you are ready to go! As you play more tournaments you will very likely find that you make more money and enjoy yourself more than in the regular cash games. Of course it is always nice to be able to tell your spouse exactly what time you will be back.