Live Poker

[DePokerGod]

I've never played at a casino but i've logged many hours online. I was wondering what to expect. What kinda cash games do they have as far as blind sizes. When you make your bets do you just dry and do so slow and smooth every time? what things are you looking for when you sit at a table? any suggestions would be great.

 

[JimmyBrizzy]

Not sure how the games or blind structures differ in the UK.

US casinos usually have NLHE (1/2, 2/5, 5/10), LHE (2/4, 3/6) and might offer Stud, Omaha or other variations and higher (or sometimes even lower) blinds depending on the venue size.

Usually what I'm looking for is lively table where people are friendly and are there to have a good time. But you don't get to choose your live table in the same method you get to when playing online. You typically get sat at the table that has an opening and then can request a table change if you don't like the table they sat you at.

 

[tenbob]

Generally at low limits live most of the players are there for a good time. Don't be an idiot, don't be a table captain, don't go there with sunglasses and headphones unless you are prepared to laugh at yourself, don't berate bad play, don't complain about getting a bad beat.

The games are very very easy to beat, keep your bluffs to a mininum and just go for value. I played a €1/€2 game last weekend and seen a guy call a $75 flop bet with a naked jack high flush draw, and pay off a 200bb stack to my nut flush when we both hit.

 

[clover]

At the casino I go to, they typically only have $1/2 tables going, although you can get on a list for whatever stakes you wish to play at. As for table selection, it really depends on how crowded the casino's poker room is. If it's not too crowded, they will usually always give you assigned seating, but you can always ask to sit elsewhere.

When I was adjusting to cash games from tournament style play, the biggest shock for me was seeing how much players will raise preflop. It's a lot different from online raises too. Raises of 5-20x the BB are typical, and if you're at an aggressive table, it can be even higher. I suggest getting a feel for live play before making too many decisions too quickly, and play about 10-15% of your hands.

And as Bob advised, do keep your bluffs to a minimum. Many people are there to gamble, and will call with anything!

Good luck at the tables! You will love it!

 

[Vollycat]

What Tenbob said.

Don't be a dolt when you take a bad beat, and make sure you adjust to the slower play. When playing online you can have multiple tables, a movie going in the background, surfing the internet, etc.

Live there will probably be a TV on. That's it. Use your time while not in a hand to notice the way the others play and start learning their habits.

Just because the play is SO much slower, doesn't mean there isn't poker to be learned.

 

[nevadanick]

You can also use the search feature here at CC since this seems to be a regular subject.

Start with >> https://www.cardschat.com/forum/general-poker-13/live-play-donts-177592/

 

[crabby4]

Quick question. What's considered low stakes?

 

[tenbob]

Quick question. What's considered low stakes?

$1/$2 , $1/$3 would usually be the lowest stakes you will find, generally the $2/5 games can be tougher, but generally (not sure what the defination is) I would consider anything under $5/10 live low stakes.

 

[cyclone45]

( play 2/4 3/6 and 4/8 limit usually

 

[ukaliks]

I've never played at a casino but i've logged many hours online. I was wondering what to expect. What kinda cash games do they have as far as blind sizes. When you make your bets do you just dry and do so slow and smooth every time? what things are you looking for when you sit at a table? any suggestions would be great.

I see ur from Sunderland m8. I live on the outskirts of Newcastle like and been to all 3 of there casinos (Aspers, Grov, Stanley. Only Stanley once tho).

As for cash games there all NLHE. At Aspers they have the .25/.50 and the £1/£2 cash games. Grov does .25/.50 cash game and I think Stanleys does .25/.50 too.

I dont play any of there cash games, due to a small live BR but I watch them on the tournemanet break or after I bust out. I usally stick to the tournaments at Aspers tho but the .25/.50 cash game a Aspers is so weak. U get ur decent player but u get ALOT of fish sticking 50-100BB on crap like 97s. Expect to take a few buy-in's as the tables are so loose ur AA could get cracked.

What ur lookin for at the cash game b4 u sit down is the people who are playing too many hands, limping/callin lots and the fish going to showdown with hands like 64s, K9o etc. Ive seen as few idiots who play crap and get lucky.

The tournaments are even worse. The £20 ones are like online $2's lol. Lots of limpers, draw chasers and drunk people. Bit of a goldmine if u've got a bit of a roll behind ya n u dont mind gettin sucked out on every now n then.

Peace!!

 

[natsgrampy]

Try the 1 / 2 tables first. Be very tight and patient. Watch others and learn their habits, with your between time. You will find a calling station or two at every table. Identify who is who and exploit them at their own game. It doesn't take long to figure who the fish are.

 

[DePokerGod]

A lot of helpful responses. Thanks a lot guys. My 1st live game is tomorrow night. Gonna miss not getting rake lol. Wish me luck!

 

[Leo 50]

DPG

Make sure you have several buy-ins with you.

When you first sit down,
check out the chip stacks, who's largest, who's smallest.
Play VERY tight for the first few rounds.
Try and get a feel for the table.
Loose, Aggressive?

Try and have a good time and just enjoy the experience.
If you win some great but you probably won't the first time out.

Good luck

Enjoy

 

[LarkMarlow]

If you're nervous about playing live for the first time, one thing you can do is go to the poker room some day or evening and just observe for an hour or so. Don't play; just watch. If you have any questions, ask the floor managers-they'll be very cordial and helpful because they want you for a customer. You can learn a lot this way without the pressure of playing and when you return to play you'll at least be somewhat familiar with procedure, the layout of the room and customs (average tip given to the dealer, that sort of thing).

Speaking of questions, when you do sit down to play live don't hesitate to ask the dealer if you are not clear about something. Other players are generally willing to answer questions too--they get a chance to show off their knowledge and also they want to keep fresh blood at the table .

 

[Shwiggler]

The games are really easy to beat. If I lived near a casino I'd be there everyday. A lot of the lower limits tables are fish farms.