It varies by state, but home poker games often aren't expressly illegal. The illegal aspect is often profiting off of running the poker game. As long as you don't implement a rake into the system and you are paying out the entire pot, you are probably good from a legal perspective although IANAL.

When I played poker at MSFT in WA state, another rule was that you couldn't bet truly blind. You had to at least look at your cards. To see your cards and bet was a 'game of skill', to not was 'gambling'.

That's what gives away the tell... I'd say reading people is probably the more relevant skill than counting odds...

No, that's not how poker is played, it really is about counting odds and evaluating the possible plays. Unless you were kidding of course and I'm far to sleepy again.

So you couldn't play a game like Hold 'em that requires a small and big blind? Or anything requiring pre-deal antes?

If you remove the antes in poker, then it is no longer a game of skill.

The only reason to make a bet is because of the antes, otherwise you will only play AA, as should everyone else.

Did you play at Cafe 40/42? =)

At times... I was out at RedWest.

This is the case in California, which will cover many of the people that would use this. As long as there is no rake, the game is legal. If you'd like to see the law in your state, see:

http://www.homepokergames.com/homepokerlaw.php