Most home game arguments aren't about cards. They're about money, and about a rule nobody knew existed.
These are the eight money rules we'd write down before the first hand. They take ten minutes to agree and save a lot of awkward evenings.
1. The buy-in range
Set a minimum and a maximum. A fixed amount works well for friendly games. A range works if skill levels vary a lot. Either way, say it out loud before the first deal.
2. How rebuys work
Allowed or not? Only when you're below a certain stack? Capped at a number per night? Whichever you choose, rebuys count as buy-ins, and every one should be written down.
3. What a chip is worth
Put the values on a card on the table. "I thought the blue ones were 5" is a conversation you only want to have once.
4. When someone leaves early
Can they cash out whenever they like, or only between hands? Do they get paid straight away, or at the end with everyone else? Letting people cash out immediately is simpler for the bank. Making them wait is safer if the bank is short.
5. Borrowing and lending
Can players lend each other chips or cash during the game? If so, record it as a buy-in paid to that player, so the totals still add up. If you'd rather not deal with it, ban it.
6. Playing on credit
Decide if anyone can buy in without paying. Our suggestion: yes for regulars, but never a new buy-in while an old debt is unpaid.
7. How long people have to pay
"Same night" is best. Where that isn't possible, name a deadline, such as 48 hours. A deadline everyone agreed to makes the chase politer. See how to collect what you're owed.
8. What happens when the money doesn't add up
Pick the rule before it's needed. This guide covers the options. The best rule is the one nobody argues about, and that's usually the one agreed in advance.
Write it down and share it
Put the rules in the group chat and pin them. A rule nobody can find isn't a rule. Update them when something comes up, but only between games, never mid-hand.
If your group runs side games like the 7-2 game or a nit game, add those to the list too.