Going to the casino for first time...

Hey all,

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice regading playing poker at a casino. I've never played at a Casino before, and I decided yesterday that I am going to give it a try. Are there any things I should look out for? I was thinking about bringing $500 to 5/10 limit game, is that enough? This is more of an 'experience' thing, rather than taking it super serious, but i'd still like to win some coin.

I live in Ontario, Canada... was thinking about going to the Great Blue Heron Casino. Good or bad? Anyone tried it?

Thank you for any advice,
Christopher

Jeez. Don't jump in to the 5/10 game your first time in a casino. Even if you play those limits online, start at 1/2 or 2/4 to get used to the way things work. You only need $100-200 bucks to buy-in and it won't hurt as much if you make a mistake. Then after you get comfortable, move to your normal limit table. If you don't normally play as high as 5/10, don't start now.

Anyway, I actually like casino poker better than online because you can think things out since the action is slower. Just relax and have fun.

MrSticker gives great advice. 5/10 limit is much too high if it's your first time. Really, Sticky says it all. I have nothing else to add to that, except to say good luck!

I need to practice more in an actual casino myself. The only problem is I give off a lot of tells. I get excited with good hands and a large pot and my heart starts racing more. My hands are usually always cold too because of that. I guess it just takes practice not to show any tells eh?

Hi I hope you do well the advice I was given was stay at the low limt to start with to get the feel of playing at a casino.I Wish you all the best

Throwing in a single over-sized denomination chip without a declaration of "raise" first is considered a call.

Do not ask, "Will there be a 'ding' when it is my time to play?"

Cheap, Cheap, and cheaper. Learn your way around. There are many same players there every night. For the most part they'll dust a rookie.

If you get lucky early, don't try to conquer the world. They usually have much deeper pockets on hand considering their at a casino, and will grind you down.

When I go it's usually for two days, and always bring enough ammo on hand, and have access to more if I need it. Poker gonna be around for long time. Get live play down first and comfortable, before pushing it.

Best thing that could happen is you get a ton of monster hands early and win. That has a way of relaxing you and giving confidence.

GOOD LUCK. ENJOY THE REAL WAY TO PLAY POKER.

Speak every action.....call raise fold
wait for your turn........ No auto fold button at a live table..
and when you get a good hand start thinking about what can beat you instead of yay i flopped two pair...
Don't drink.........
relax ,have fun, and take your time.....the pace is a lot slower than online.
I prefer live to online...its more fun
And one more thing ...don't chase....it will cost you all your chips.

Good luck

Start at the low limits and make sure to really pay attention to the table. I normally will sit out until the blinds get to me just to get a few extra hands of reads on opponents.

I highly recommend reading Caro's Book of Poker Tells, or at least skimming it, before you sit down for the first time. If for nothing else than to try and tighten up your own game so you don't give off many tells.

Oh, and to emphasize what dweezel said, don't drink. Easiest way to lose your bankroll is to get hammered off free booze and get to the point where you just don't care. Trust me, you will care in the morning.

Thanks for all the advice guys, I appreciate it. The only reason I suggest 5/10 was because that's all this place seems to offer. However, I think I might take the journey to Niagra and play at Fallsview if I can...

Chris

1. Run in
2. Post BB
3. Fold out of turn
4. Stack your chips in a random ugly way
5. Ask the guy sitting next to you why the cards are dealt face down
6. Ask the dealer if he can deal out 6th and 7th street to "see what I would have had"
7. Play A+ poker from there on out
8. Profit

Never gambled... Alive only with the friends

Since it sounds like you're going just to have the experience, and not to start down the road of being a casino junkie, I would advise to just enjoy yourself most of all. I don't know your financial situation, but I certainly wouldn't want to have $500 on the line at 5/10 and expect to have a good time.

Just soak it all in and don't act like a total idiot, but don't worry about feeling too much shame if you make an honest mistake. Most of the other people at the table will be happy to have someone they assume is a bad player at their table rather than pissed that you bet out of turn one time or something.

Protect your cards if you're sitting next to the dealer.

And don't feel bad if you lose control of your body after winning your first pot. My arms were shaking so bad as I scooped up and piled the chips. After that, I've been a cool customer.

EDIT: And I just realized how old the original post is!

LOL, 1-7 isn't that tough, #8 though is

Look for a 2/4 table with some drinking, friendly coversation and players making simple mistakes, such as for getting to post their blind. You want a table with some rookies that way you don't feel so bad when you make a mistake. Time of day is also important. I like to play after 10pm. Its easier to find a table.
First time I played live it took me about a 1/2hr before I felt comfortable. Don't for get to tip the dealer when you win. LOL

That's something I've always wondered. How much to tip? 15%, like a waitress?

Here is a site you might find helpful.

What she says in the "Poker Players" section is pure gold.

LOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLL sry that had to be said - too funny

lol @ typical poker player drink order: "Half coffee, half hot water, a teaspoon of Sweet'N Low, one drop of honey, cream on the side."

If you play a 2/10 spread believe that everyone will chase their flushes even if you jam the pot. I've had a set of aces cracked many a times by a flush chaser.