How to avoid from being kicked.

Playing multiplayer games can be both enjoyable, and at times frustrating. One of the most important jobs of the host is to attempt to make the game as enjoyable as possible for everyone. Because an enjoyable game is the goal, often it is necessary for the host to kick players to achieve that goal. As a COH2 host for the last half decade or so, I am going to share the types of behaviors that will earn you a swift ride in the ejection seat.

1. Typing "go", when it is not possible to go.
If this is you, then I am sorry to say that you may be the first one ejected from my game for multiple reasons. If you are not aware enough to know that some players are still downloading the map or files needed, then this game is not for you. Awareness is a big part of playing multiplayer, and no one wants to play with an unaware team mate. By saying "go" immediately, you also gave a tell that you are impatient, and impatient players are often the first to quit. This is an observation I have found true over hundreds, probably thousands of games. I almost always regret when I did not kick the "go" player. I do some times give a player the benefit of the doubt in a case where it is obvious that English is not their primary language.

2. Damanding players.
When you enter a room and immediately demand changes to game settings, you may be surprised to find yourself alone in the lobby. If this is you, I regret to inform you a kick is eminent. Often I am playing with friends, and we have already discussed and/or agreed on a particular map and settings. In the case I am not among friends, players already present may have joined to play a particular map or setting. In any case, you are coming off as bossy, and you are not in the position to control the game. By demanding something other than what is currently advertised, you have made yourself the odd man out. Unfortunately majority often rules and that is not you, watch your step out the door.

3. Obvious signs of Inexperience.
Many of the games I host are verse Expert AI opponents. All too often inexperienced players attempt to play beyond their skill level. When this happens the other players have to make compromises to adjust. The end result is what you would expect, a compromised game. No one wants that. If you kindly ask that I lower the difficulty level, you might find yourself in the lobby. If you suggest that I change the map to Sittard Summer, you are already gone. If your profile shows less than 100 hours of in game time, bye bye. This is not to be unwelcoming to new players, there are plenty of games to be had against lower skill opponents. I see Sittard games all the time, they can be fun. Go find or host those games. Expecting everyone else to enjoy picking up your slack that results from only 3 hours of game play is both inconsiderate and unrealistic.

4.Poor performance.
It is also possible to get kicked immediately after a game ends. This can happen even on a winning game. When it does happen, likely you did really bad, so bad in fact that the remaining players thank me for kicking you before the next game begins. You may have played out of your element. You may gone afk for a home emergency. Whatever the reason, you caused enough grief and must be removed. There is no need to worry, feel free to join again some other time when you are more on your game.
Also, you may not realize this, but I (and probably many other hosts) have a list of players that have played so poorly or have done such terrible things, that I/we will never play with them again. These guys earn an instant kick on entry. Without mentioning any names, if you are the guy that dynamites team bases, you made my black list. If you are that guy that repeatedly threw smoke on all of my offensives after I asked you kindly to stop many times, you are a game saboteur and belong on that dark list as well. There are some other names on that list too. The point is, do these terrible things and you will be kicked from many games, not just mine. Black lists are a thing.

5. The Five Second Guy
We have all seen him, the guy that enters the room, and leaves after only a couple of seconds. Know this, the host may have kicked him so that you can enjoy a fun game. If you are the guy that enters a room for a few seconds and leaves repeatedly, hosts may find you unreliable and kick you on your next entry. Every time you enter a room you occupy a spot for a player. If you are randomly bouncing through rooms, you may be getting in the way of another player attempting to join. Do this enough times and hosts will not take you seriously and just send you on your way.

Hopefully having read this list will help you avoid being kicked so frequently. It is meant to be insightful. While I host Company of Heroes 2 games, much of what I have discussed can be applied to any multiplayer game. Just try to remember we are all here trying to have some fun. Hosting a game is a responsibility, it takes more than just a fast machine, and connection. It means looking out for others. Hosting requires much consideration. Do your host a favor and show some consideration back.