I read online that state gaming commissions may be cracking down on illegal gambling play but they are leaving the home games alone. There has been a surge in live play since the fall of the big three online casinos. Can we expect the trend to grow as the world of online poker and gambling becomes more precarious? A lot of die hard online poker fans may struggled with the change occurring in the poker world. There are new poker leagues, different online rules and of course the fear that your online casino will shut down and your deposit will become a part of a federal lawsuit. A lot of players have switched to no money online play but it doesn't have the same thrill or earning potential as traditional virtual casino play. That's why many a motivated poker fan has begun nightly or weekly poker game sin their own game room, den or at their kitchen table. A few friends, a deck of cards, some chips or chip substitutes are really all you need to get started. Its a great way to play for money without hassle, spend time with friends and work on your face to face bluffing. Of course online play is very different from traditional play and more is expected from you as a player. You have to look your opponent in the eye to see if they are bluffing. You have to make decisions based on the players rather than the cards and of course you cant visit the poker chat rooms to complain about your friend's poker techniques; well you shouldn't. It becomes a more personal, more visceral poker game and that can only improve your overall technique. Keep your home game under the state and federal radars by having small or no money betting and avoiding a rake for the establishment. As soon as you start treating your kitchen table as a casino things can turn very quickly. Call a few friends or email a few players and set up a live poker game for this weekend. Don't forget the beer and chips.