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Playing poker online with friends is a simple way to recreate the feel of a live table when you can’t meet in person. This guide covers the most practical platforms for private poker games I’ve found. You’ll see clear steps for getting started, the strengths and drawbacks of each option, and tips for running a smooth game night with your friends.
Best 3 Platforms to Play Poker Online With Friends
Finding a place to play poker online with friends isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Most real money poker sites keep tables anonymous to prevent collusion and cheating, which makes it nearly impossible to set up private games with people you know. That’s why the best options for friendly poker nights are free platforms designed for private tables.
Below are three I’ve tested that make it simple to host games: Poker Patio for quick browser play, Poker Now for groups who want more features, and Steam titles for a polished, video-game feel.
Poker Patio
Poker Patio is the quickest way I’ve found to start a private game with friends. I can create a lobby and share a link in seconds, and nobody needs to download an app or create an account. Everything runs in the browser on desktop or mobile, so even first-time players don’t get lost. In my tests, the setup was smooth and players joined without issues, which matches what I’ve seen others praise on Reddit. The games use play money only, but groups can always agree on side stakes off-platform if they want to add something extra.
Steps to Set It Up:
- Click “Play with Friends” → “Start Lobby.”
- Enter a username and stack, then create the lobby.
- Copy the room link and share it.
- Admit players as they arrive and start the game.
Poker Now
Poker Now is the fastest platform I’ve used for private tables. Everything runs in the browser with no downloads or registration, so a game can be up and running in less than a minute. The table supports up to ten players and even has optional built-in voice and video, which helps bring back the feel of sitting around the same table. For groups that play regularly, the Club feature adds rosters and hand histories, and with the Plus plan you also get admin tools like transaction logs. It’s play-money only, but the setup is so simple that it works for both one-off nights and longer-running leagues.
Steps to Set It Up:
- Go to “Start a New Game.”
- Copy the auto-generated room link.
- Share it with friends and seat everyone.
- Toggle voice or video if needed, then deal the first hand.
Steam
For groups that want a more polished, video-game style experience, Steam titles like Prominence Poker and Governor of Poker 3 work well. Both are free to play and let you invite friends into private tables, though the setup takes a bit more effort since everyone needs a Steam account and the game installed.
- In Prominence Poker, I create a lobby, set privacy to Friends Only, and send invites directly from my Steam friends list.
- Governor of Poker 3 works similarly, letting me open a private table and control who joins.
The environments, avatars, and animations make the games feel more immersive than browser-based options, but the downloads and extra steps can slow things down. Both use play chips only, with optional in-app purchases for cosmetic items.
Steps to Set It Up:
- Install the game on Steam and add your friends.
- Prominence Poker: Play → Privacy Friends Only → invite from your list.
- Governor of Poker 3: Pick a saloon and stakes → set to Private/Friends Only → invite.
- Start the match when everyone joins.
Comparing the Top Poker Platforms for Friends
| Platform | Setup Difficulty | Devices Supported | Video/Chat Features | Real Money? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poker Patio | Very easy – share a link and play | Desktop & Mobile | Text chat only | No | Quick casual games with zero setup |
| Poker Now | Easy – browser-based, no account | Desktop & Mobile | Built-in voice/video and text chat | No | Groups who want recurring games with more tools |
| Steam (Prominence Poker, GoP3) | Moderate – download + lobby setup | PC via Steam | In-game chat and voice (varies by title) | No | Gamers who want a polished, immersive feel |
Tips for Hosting a Smooth Poker Night Online
Getting the table set up is only half the battle. A good poker night also depends on how you organize the session and keep things running smoothly. These tips come from my own experience hosting games and should help your group avoid common hiccups.
Set a time limit
Decide on a 60–120 minute window so the game stays fun and doesn’t drag on. My group usually caps at 90 minutes, which keeps the energy up.
Agree on rules before the first hand
Set chip values, blind levels, and rebuy rules in chat at the start. It avoids mid-game debates and keeps things moving.
Use video or voice chat
Hearing friends makes the game feel more like a real table. If the platform’s tools lag, switch to Discord or Zoom.
Warm up with play chips
Start with a quick orbit using play money, especially if beginners are joining. It helps everyone settle in without pressure.
Test the platform early
Open a table a few minutes before the start time and run a mock hand. You’ll catch microphone, seating, or invite issues before everyone joins.
Rotate the host role
Take turns setting up the lobby each week. It spreads out the small admin tasks and keeps everyone involved.
Ask the Expert
These are the questions I hear most often from people setting up their first online poker night.
Do I need to download software to play poker with friends?
Anonymous, September 9, 2025
Answer
Taylor Smith, September 10, 2025
Not always. Poker Patio and Poker Now both run right in the browser, so you can be playing within minutes. If your group prefers a more polished game-world look, Steam titles like Prominence Poker require a download.
Are these games safe to use with friends?
Anonymous, September 9, 2025
Answer
Taylor Smith, September 10, 2025
Yes, as long as you stick to official platforms and private tables. I always share links only with people I know and lock the room if the option is there. It keeps random players from slipping in.
Can we play with real money on these platforms?
Anonymous, September 9, 2025
Answer
Isaac Payne, September 10, 2025
No, these games use play chips. If your group wants to add stakes, you’ll have to handle that off-platform. Just make sure to agree on limits beforehand so it stays friendly.
Have Fun Playing With Your Friends
For me, the best part of playing poker online with friends is how easy it is to recreate the feeling of sitting around the same table, even when everyone’s apart. The key is keeping things simple: agree on the rules before the first hand, use video or voice chat to bring back the table talk, and set a time limit so the night doesn’t drag on. With the right setup, an online poker night feels less like a tech workaround and more like a tradition you can keep going no matter where everyone is.
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