Poker and steak night

What it is

A low-key stag do, a birthday or a groom’s night in: a great steak dinner followed by a play-money poker tournament. Friends take turns dealing, the blinds rise, and the last player standing wins a prize.

Plan ahead

• Two weeks before: buy a chip set and a felt table top. Print a blinds schedule.
• The day before: buy steaks and sides; set up the card table.

Steak dinner

Sirloin or ribeye, brought to room temperature, seasoned well, seared 2-3 minutes per side in a very hot pan, rested 5 minutes. Serve with chips, peppercorn sauce, onion rings and a green salad. Offer a vegetarian option like a halloumi or mushroom stack.

Poker tournament

• Everyone starts with the same chips (e.g. 1,000)
• Blinds start at 10/20 and double every 20 minutes
• Eliminated players can run a side game of blackjack
• The champion wins a trophy, a bottle or the “golden ticket” to pick the stag’s forfeit

Tips

• Play for chips only, not real money.
• Print a hand rankings card for beginners.