First Time Live

I'm finally turning 21 in about a month. My buddy is taking me to Borgata (Atlantic City). Is there any etiquette I should be aware of? I don't want to piss anybody off.

Has anyone been to this casino before? Any comments on it?

So excited!

Hi, and happy early birthday. I went to the Borgata for the first time last weekend and was very impressed. It's a gorgeous room, well-lit and had a good staff. When you get there, sign up for your games at the front desk (immediately on the right as you enter the room) and get a Borgata card. They will call your name when they have a seat for you; look for a floorperson with their hand in the air to seat you. You should get your first buy-in at the cashier window (on the left as you enter).

As for etiquette, I would say no standing on the table, no unauthorized stripping, etc. . Seriously, though, just don't be an ass. I would announce your actions first so everyone is clear on what you are doing (announce "call", "raise", "fold", etc.). Don't talk about a hand you're not in until it is finished. There is some trash/table talk, but don't get out of line and don't let it get to you. If you don't like the table, move. Do tip your dealers and waitresses, and most of all: DO have a good time.

As Redknightt mentioned, announce your intentions - there's something called "string betting" where you put some chips out then put more out. You have to put the entire call/bet out at once or you're stuck with the initial bet whatever it was. Announcing what you do is the best defence against being caught by this or by accidentally miscounting your chips. Just say "Call" or "1500 total" or whatever before you put the chips out. If you put the wrong number of chips out you'll be allowed (required, really) to correct it.

It's not required, but definitely to your advantage to not look at your cards or get your chips ready to bet until it's your turn to act. I've seen a few new live players do this. Knowing what you're about to do gives a huge advantage to the people to your right.

Don't mess with a phone or ipod or whatever when you're waiting for the action to come around to you. It tends to piss people off when they're constantly having to wait for you to finish up before you act. In fact, don't even bring those things with you.

Put something on top of your cards right after you get them. Most people use a spare chip, some bring some novelty item of around that size with them. In many casinos if someone mucks their cards and they hit yours by mistake, your hand is automatically mucked as well. The chip protector keeps this from happening.

In general, just try to chat up the other players and dealers. If they like you they'll be more likely to help you out with the mechanics.

I have a poker society running and we use standard casino rules and etiquette you can find plenty of info at:

http://wrexhampokersociety.webnode.c...and-etiquette/

For sure the big thing is to anounce before you do anything call raise etc . If you are putting in a bet never drop your chips one at a time onto the table most places will only accept the first chip to hit the table. I find that dont listen to a lot of what the players say most is designed to put you off or make a bad move. My favourite one to do to is when I have the "nuts" is wait for a raise in fron of me then say i dont think you have anything then reraise them.... they promptly reraise to show how big there balls are . I usually get paid this way once or twice a night. Take the time to find out what there little comments etc mean before making the big move. Not many people have no tells whatsoever

Hope you have fun

you know what i discovered when i firt played poker live... that there are differences between US poker and continental EU poker (im from Europe)
didnt know that... thought that there was a difference in roulete for instance (american roulete with the double O) but texas holdem?
example: you cant raise like that you call and then throw in the raise, by that i mean - saying raise before doing anything and then putting in first the calling amount of chips and after that putting in your raise (its more transparent for the dealer and therefore better). this you cant do. you have to raise and put all those chips in at once. slight differences... just like in pulp fiction

I will add one thing.....

Do little talking and a lot of observing and listening until you get the hang of it after a few trips.

i went to a real card room for the first time last month and I noticed some things that were different between online and live

First, stacks tend to be deeper than compared to the same stakes online. For example, in a $2/$4 nlh game online, the average stack is about $350-$400 whereas live in a $2-$5 nlh it would be about $800 (a rough estimate)

Also, since live games are slower, players get bored and call you down more often which means you get paid off more, but don't be surprised to get a bad beat.

Also, there is a lot more action in the evening/night than during the middle of the day (usually) because of tourists/business men so you can either a) build up your stack all day so you won't be bullied around by the people that keep reloading at the table or get some rest during the day and take advantage of the bad play at the table.

good luck, if you have the right attitude, you'll have a great time!

Probably not a good idea to talk during a hand or about your cards, but I would say make an effort to socialize. Many poker books agree with me on this - you'll get a better read on them, they'll help show you the ropes and they may even take it a bit easy on you. Ok, maybe they won't take it easy on you but at least they'll smile and shake your hand after taking the last of your chips.

I've found that live, if you make a mistake they are fairly forgiving about it. They love to see a new player. If you show your hand to anyone before you muck it, plan on showing it to everyone. Show one, show all.
Good Luck,
Tom

+1
We were designed with two eyes, two ears, and only one mouth for a reason

Don't talk about your fold hands it pisses everyone off. Just try to get some information on the players your dealing with and just have fun. By the way you can do blind straddles. ^^

oh yeah i forgot to mention the social aspect. Be nice, it will take you a long way since players are more willing to lose money to a nice player than a jerk