How do I get started at a live game at a Casino?

[skyfire]

I've played Poker with friends over the years for fun, but none of us really knew how to do the betting correctly, or the Big Blind, and Small Blind, etc...

Now I would really like to go to a few local Casinos to do some small tournament playing. I have had a couple of quick lessons from a friend on betting recently.

OK, here's my problem. Is there a table I can ask for where the players are either on the same level as I am, or a table that wouldn't mind a first time player joining in? Do I inquire with someone at the Casino if there is such a thing? I do know seasoned players a lot of times do not like playing with beginners because of how unpredictable they can play at times.

I live in Rochester, NY, so I can go to either Turning Stone, or to the Niagara Falls area.


Thanks!

[Josh]

Hey Sky! Here's what I'd do:

1) Read up on Limit and No Limit Hold 'Em. Make sure you understand the ruled before you ever think about going near a casino.
2) Watch the action at a few tables before sitting down, watch the dealer and how the players act, watch how they declare raises, etc.
3) Sit at the lowest limit hold 'em table you can find, tell the dealer you're new to casino poker and apologize in advance for any etiquette mishaps. Then fold every hand for 30 minutes and move to another table. That'll be enough to let the nerves and give you some real understanding of how the game works.
4) After you get the hang of the action and etiquette in Limit, try a low buy-in tourney or two and you're off!

[rhbergman]

Originally Posted by skyfire

I've played Poker with friends over the years for fun, but none of us really knew how to do the betting correctly, or the Big Blind, and Small Blind, etc...

Now I would really like to go to a few local Casinos to do some small tournament playing. I have had a couple of quick lessons from a friend on betting recently.

OK, here's my problem. Is there a table I can ask for where the players are either on the same level as I am, or a table that wouldn't mind a first time player joining in? Do I inquire with someone at the Casino if there is such a thing? I do know seasoned players a lot of times do not like playing with beginners because of how unpredictable they can play at times.

I live in Rochester, NY, so I can go to either Turning Stone, or to the Niagara Falls area.


Thanks!

I'd recommend two things - 1) call the poker room and ask if they have poker lessons. When they do, plan on attending. You know how to play poker already so the lesson (for you) will really be based on poker ettiquette and progression of play at the casino, and 2) watch the action before you sit down for a good hour or so.

#2 also helps with table (game) selection which is a very important part of winning casino poker.

As for some players not wanting to play with inexperienced players, I've never known that to be true, but if so, that's their problem, not yours. Play your game and have fun. If you need help, ask the dealer.

One more thing you can do - check the internet for sites like 2plus2. They can help you understand when to tip (toke) the dealer and such.

Have fun!!!

[stonker]

I live in Rochester and there are a ton of home games you can go to that follow the same rules as casinos and I'm sure they will teach you table etiquette.

[jldecarlo]

Originally Posted by Josh

Hey Sky! Here's what I'd do:


3) Sit at the lowest limit hold 'em table you can find, tell the dealer you're new to casino poker and apologize in advance for any etiquette mishaps. Then fold every hand for 30 minutes and move to another table. That'll be enough to let the nerves and give you some real understanding of how the game works.

Good advice, particularly this. Playing at a low limit table for thirty minutes and just watching how it goes without playing any cards will cost less than $20 and give you a great idea of the mechanics of casino play.

L

[KingZilla]

Originally Posted by skyfire

Now I would really like to go to a few local Casinos to do some small tournament playing. I have had a couple of quick lessons from a friend on betting recently.

OK, here's my problem. Is there a table I can ask for where the players are either on the same level as I am, or a table that wouldn't mind a first time player joining in? Do I inquire with someone at the Casino if there is such a thing? I do know seasoned players a lot of times do not like playing with beginners because of how unpredictable they can play at times.

I live in Rochester, NY, so I can go to either Turning Stone, or to the Niagara Falls area.


Thanks!

All the previous replies seem like good advice but you mentioned TOURNAMENT games. In my experience, there is NO table selection at tourneys.. you get the seat they give you. I wouldn't worry too much about your level of play. I've seen skilled and unskilled players at these tourneys. Just play your best and hope to catch some luck. You won't offend too many by being a noob and you can ask questions of the dealer if you are unsure about something. Sometimes the chips are not denominated so you'll have to be a quick study on memorizing what color is what value. Again, ask questions before dropping your chips over the line if you are not sure.
Along with the previous advice, I'd start at small buy-in tourneys until you get your feet wet, then progress up from there if you wish.
Good Luck

[The Rake]

Everyone has given great advice above. As you watch the table, pay very close attention to how folks call/bet/raise. Watch how they move their chips over the line. You don't want to get into a spot where you meant to call, but then have to put more chips in because of how you were handling/moving the chips.

And to reiterate a previous poster, do not be hesitant to ask questions. Everyone at the table had their first first time at a "real" poker table, so they shouldn't complain at all. In fact, I've found most folks (by far) to be very quick to help out a new guy. They want new guys to have a favorable experience so that they will come back.

Enjoy!

[cdnmoose]

1. Virtually guaranteed you won't be the worst player at the table.
2. When someone sits at a table and doesn't know how to post blinds, everyone else licks their lips.

[imthatguy]

Call me and let me know when you're going to be there.

On a serious note, I would follow the advice above, specifically, the reading up suggestion. The more you know about the flow of the game before you sit down, the better. The last thing you want to do is look the part of someone who doesn't know what they're doing. Sharks will pick up on that immediately, they can smell fear. Also, take some time to get used to the feel of chips. The more comfortable you are with the chips, the better off you'll be while seated at the table.

The guys who fumble with the chips are the ones I pounce on.

[machinelf]

You might some some useful info in this thread:

http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/casino...tml#post746915