Dealer's Choice
Also known as: DC, Dealer Calls It
Not a single game but a format where the dealer selects which poker variant to play for each hand or orbit. The quintessential home game format. Players cycle through the dealer position, and each player picks their favorite (or most profitable) game when it is their turn to deal.
Quick Rules
- When the deal reaches a player, that player announces which poker game will be played.
- The chosen game's rules and hand rankings apply for that hand (or orbit, by house rule).
- Common house rules: the game must be known to the group, or from an approved list.
- Some groups allow wild card games; others restrict to standard variants.
- The dealer's choice can last one hand or one full orbit.
Strategy Notes
Choose games where you have an edge over the rest of the table. If your opponents are weak at Stud, call Stud games. Pay attention to what games opponents call — it usually reveals their comfort zone.
Home Game Tips
The most social and flexible format for home games. Establish ground rules in advance: are wild card games allowed? Can any game be called, or only from a list? One-hand or one-orbit rotation? Having a menu of approved games printed out helps keep things moving.