Smiddywap 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Ok, I'm headed to the casino this weekend to play poker. This will be the first time I've played poker live, other than little home games.I have this problem where I make an ass out of myself any place I go. I would like to at least limit this condition at the casino.As a community of degenerate gamblers, many of you have extensive time logged at the live tables. What I need from you is advice. Any advice.Now, I'm not after things like what it means when someone splashes a bet toward you. I'm looking for things like whether or not you are expected to tip the dealer if no flop is dealt. How to take a break from the game to visit the washroom (are the chips safe if left at the table?). Even things like where one buys chips. I've never even looked in the casino's poker room, I've got nothing here.So again, what I'm asking for is any advice on how poker is played live. Thanks, this is important to me since I want to act like a P as I MM. Link to post Share on other sites
CardWarfare 4 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 I play in a now infamous local card room in NY, and here's my attempt at answering some of your questions.Dealer tips- Mostly up to your discretion, but I usually do it in a fair sized pot, meaning a few raises and bets or a hand that gets shown down. I don't tip the dealer if I raise with say, K-K and everyone folds. I usually tip the dealer anywhere from $1-$5, at my usual 1/2 NL game, unless it's a huge pot.Chips- Usually, the protocol is just to buy them at the cage/cashier and bring them to the table. Most places also have chip runners, who bring you chips at the table, or dealers who can sell you chips.Sitting out- My place is rather informal, so I just get up when I need to go to the bathroom , get a drink etc. Leaving your chips at the table is an indication that you intend on returning. In more formal places, usually just notify the dealer that you wish to be dealt out for a minute, and they will do so.As far as if leaving your chips is "safe", it should be at any casino. Dealers keep an eye on the players at the table, and should ensure that no one starts picking at your stack while you're taking a leak. Link to post Share on other sites
pckt10s 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Don't stare at the waitresses too long. Link to post Share on other sites
mosley 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 you will probably end up looking like it is your first time in a casino. there may be no way to hide it.just remember that other people may assume that this means that you can be bullied or may play weak holdings.show down a few good hands and nobody will care whether or not you have all the moves, they'll figure out not too censored with you. Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Zach6668 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Dark sunglasses and a hoodie are a must in any 2/4 or 3/6 game. Link to post Share on other sites
Suited_Up 2 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 you will probably end up looking like it is your first time in a casino. Â there may be no way to hide it.just remember that other people may assume that this means that you can be bullied or may play weak holdings.show down a few good hands and nobody will care whether or not you have all the moves, they'll figure out not too censored with you.Have you ever played in a casino? Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Zach6668 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 you will probably end up looking like it is your first time in a casino. Â there may be no way to hide it.just remember that other people may assume that this means that you can be bullied or may play weak holdings.show down a few good hands and nobody will care whether or not you have all the moves, they'll figure out not too censored with you.Have you ever played in a casino?LOL... casino play is worse than online play... no one watches for shit like that... half of the people can't even read the numbers on their cards! Link to post Share on other sites
Suited_Up 2 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 you will probably end up looking like it is your first time in a casino. Â there may be no way to hide it.just remember that other people may assume that this means that you can be bullied or may play weak holdings.show down a few good hands and nobody will care whether or not you have all the moves, they'll figure out not too censored with you.Have you ever played in a casino?LOL... casino play is worse than online play... no one watches for shit like that... half of the people can't even read the numbers on their cards!Yeah, kinda where I was going with that. lol Link to post Share on other sites
Smiddywap 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Author Share Posted January 10, 2006 Thanks everyone for the help so far (Zach, the iPod's already on shuffle). I thought of a few more specific questions.- I show up at the casino. The tables playing limits I want into are all full. How do I get on the waiting list?- I show up at the casino. There is an open seat at the table I want to join. Can I just walk over and sit down or do I have to check in with someone first?- Are tips supposed to be given to the dealer in chips or cash?- I'm folding. Do I push my cards to the dealer or throw them in the muck? Where is the muck, anyway? Link to post Share on other sites
jdwilli09 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 To get into one of the games you have to put your name on the list/board. When a seat is open in the game(s) you want you will be called. You can't just go sit down, although Ive seen people get away with it.Tips go to the dealear or waitresses or whomever usually with chips. I usually tip about $1 per $20 in the pot. Or $1 for any pot less than that. Also, if a dealer is doing anything inappropriate such as talking about hands while in play, or stuff like that I usually wont tip. That doesnt include misdeals or things like that as long as they're properly corrected, cause that will happen.You'll know where the muck is, just slide your cards away from you. The dealer will collect them.Good Luck. Have a good time. Link to post Share on other sites
pckt10s 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Thanks everyone for the help so far (Zach, the iPod's already on shuffle). Â I thought of a few more specific questions.- I show up at the casino. Â The tables playing limits I want into are all full. Â How do I get on the waiting list?- I show up at the casino. Â There is an open seat at the table I want to join. Â Can I just walk over and sit down or do I have to check in with someone first?- Are tips supposed to be given to the dealer in chips or cash?- I'm folding. Â Do I push my cards to the dealer or throw them in the muck? Â Where is the muck, anyway?-sign in at a podium or large board with games listed, if not see a floorman-yeah, if no one is waiting and the other tables of the same game aren't short-handed. If unsure ask the floorman. -chips are fine.-just pass them to the middle, or if you get pissed you can throw them at the dealer, not recommended though Link to post Share on other sites
CardWarfare 4 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Thanks everyone for the help so far (Zach, the iPod's already on shuffle). Â I thought of a few more specific questions.- I show up at the casino. Â The tables playing limits I want into are all full. Â How do I get on the waiting list?- I show up at the casino. Â There is an open seat at the table I want to join. Â Can I just walk over and sit down or do I have to check in with someone first?- Are tips supposed to be given to the dealer in chips or cash?- I'm folding. Â Do I push my cards to the dealer or throw them in the muck? Â Where is the muck, anyway?It's gonna be tough for me to answer some of those, since I play at a local room that's very laid back. They do have a formal waiting list though, and usually at my place, you just go to whoever's on the floor and request to be put on it. At my place, I'm always greeted by someone, at which point I just ask them if there's any seats open at ___ limitsdealer tips are given in chips.. usually just thrown toward the dealer after a handUsually the dealer will recognize any move you make with your cards toward the center as a fold. Be careful with this, it can get you in trouble sometimes. The muck is a magical portal in which cards disappear and are forever lost in the time-space contuim. Or a pile of dead/burned cards near the dealer.Also, one lesson I learned the hard way, is that if chips are placed in front of your cards, it's a bet. This means, keep your cards in front of your stack, and if you need to count out chips to raise/bet, do so behind your cards, and as close to the rail as possible. Some places are more anal than others about this, but I got screwed over because I counted out raising chips in front of my cards.On the same note, make sure if you're raising, that it all goes into the middle at the same time, or announce "raise" before throwing chips in, if you keep silent, and make more than one motion toward the pot with chips, its a string bet and only the first chips thrown in will count. Another helpful tip: put a chip or something on top of your cards, the people on TV don't just do it to be cute. This is another lesson I learned the hard way. Dealers will muck your hand accidentally every once in a while if you're not careful, especially if you're sitting in the 1 and 10 seats. Link to post Share on other sites
tryptout 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 I think the replies have just about got you good to go. Just reiterating some things here. When you check in with the floorperson at the front desk - and you should always check in and get ur name on the list (don't just try to sit in any game) - just ask them where to buy chips.As suggested, it's really a good idea to verbalize all of your actions. Especially if you are raising, say "raise." A lot of people say "call" and "bet" also. It helps head off any controversy. Just don't announce "fold" like those ppl in Celebrity Poker. That is so annoying. You can get up for a break anytime, but you should let the dealer know so that you s/he doesn't deal you in. The confusion can lead to mideals. Do tell the dealer if you're going to miss a blind. Most rooms will pick you up if you disappear for too long (20 mins +), so keep that in mind. Most places will let you keep your seat while you take a meal break. Just ask the dealer if/when it comes time for that. As a sideline, I suggest:Don't get into poker discussions. Don't talk about where you play online.Might re-think the whole Unabomber act, too. It's generally better not to come off as a hotshot. The B&M world is a lot different than the online one. Just be a little more mellow, try to make conversation, etc. Link to post Share on other sites
CardWarfare 4 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 to reiterate the above posterzach's comment about the hoodie and glasses had a very obvious, yet omitted sw.nothing wrong with the ipod, i use mine all the time.. but the whole sunglasses thing will either make you a target or a joke.. probably both Link to post Share on other sites
Smiddywap 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Author Share Posted January 10, 2006 There was an omitted sw in my reply about the hotshot getup, that's not my style. Link to post Share on other sites
Jelly-Filled Ace 1 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 If applicable: put your cell phone on vibrate - take the call away from the table. The casino I frequent has a rule about this, yours may not but it's better error on the side of polite than the other. Link to post Share on other sites
chaosnhavoc 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Just be prepared to see some of the ugliest playing ever.. And dont go to the bathroom until your pass the button.Don't Play the person play the cards.. in Limit.In No Limit Just jump on and hope for the best... Link to post Share on other sites
Big Trips 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Here are a few useful tips:when you get your chips to the table, splash them out of the rack and start building a huge stack (preferrably all 100 chips).Use your credit card to tip the dealer.If you have to go boom-boom, stuff all your chips in your pockets. The dealer might try to steal some while you're away.Ask for a deck change every time the button passes you.If someone gives you a weird look, get a floor man over to give him a warning. If the eye-balling continues, try spitting at the guy. Link to post Share on other sites
getarealjob 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Wow.Just move to an area where you can train, play and grind "live"--if you intend to make this, Poker, your life's goal, that is to become a professional hustler; if you come up from the internet, you are sad. Internet players are the saddest lot in the history of poker--in the history of America as we know it. One name: Sdouble, who is the biggest loser to ever grace the felt--one of many. And apparently all the losers have met up like Star Trek geek conventioners in the Bahamas.Online play is ridiculous. All online players are absurd. Train live, supplement your income online if you want any kind of credibility.It's like training to play poker by connecting the dots online. Training live: it's like learning to compose a symphony. Learning online: it's like learning to color inside the lines, "left to right, left to right."Only live-trained players will make a meaningful mark on poker historically (aside from Chris Moneymaker).This will seriously be my last post on this pathetic teenager, low-limit posting forum. (excluding all posters who have followed Negreanu in'01, or posted on this forum when it first started.)Good luck vets. Link to post Share on other sites
DrawingDeadInDM 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Biggest thing I see from people who are "new" to the casino is string betting.Announce the amount you intend to raise/bet and then put it out there. Just do this. It makes life easier. Or, if you need to be Johnny Chan-esque, make sure you have grabbed the proper amount, prior to moving your chips forward. i.e., If you want to raise to 20, make sure you have twenty in your hand if you're not going to announce it.Don't say, "Raise" put 120 out there, and then go back to your stack for another 80. They won't let you, you will piss yourself off, you will look like an ass, people will exploit it, and you will lose full value on your hands. Say, "I raise" and put the amount out there...if it's a large amount you will not be able to push forward, in one movement, say, "I raise, 150".You CAN say raise, put the "call" out there, and then go back to your chips. i.e. Someone bets 15 to you. You announce, "raise", AND MAKE SURE THE DEALER HEARS YOU (God, that pisses me off), put the 15 out there, and then are allowed to go back to your stack, as verbal declarations are binding. Oh, and usually, say, "I raise, to 150 total" It'll confuse the dealers less and what not. OH! And DO NOT Do this. If you're playing NL and someone makes it 10, and the other person makes it 18, do not chime in about how they violated the minimum bet rule. You must double the raise or the bet, not the dollar amount.Oh, and, if you're going to play 1/2 NL, do not get all $1 dollar chips. That's really fucking annoying. It takes 19 minutes to count your damn stack. If you're buying in for a 100, get 90 in 5's and 10 in 1's, or some such combination. Limit is different, but if you plan on playing lower stakes NL, just don't bring rack after rack of white chips. Link to post Share on other sites
akoff 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Spend the first 30 to 45 minutes playing like a total donk…it is called advertising. Then tighten up and start raking pots… Link to post Share on other sites
akoff 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Spend the first 30 to 45 minutes playing like a total donk…it is called advertising. Then tighten up and start raking pots… Link to post Share on other sites
DrawingDeadInDM 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Oh.And keep your chips in stacks of 20 if you're playing NL. I'm moderately certain they MUST be stacked in some way, but, it's good etiquette to make it stacks of 20.Just makes life a little less complicated. Link to post Share on other sites
chaosnhavoc 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 Watch the stimulants.. Dont need you having a heart attack your first pot taken.. Link to post Share on other sites
Dixie Wrecked 0 Posted January 10, 2006 Share Posted January 10, 2006 People make fun of sunglasses at a 3/6 or 4/8 table but even though I've never worn them I'm starting to think they might come in handy.Some of those old men aren't careful about protecting their hand even if you tell them so sunglasses would hide the fact that you're taking a peek. Also, I dont want people to see where I'm looking when I'm trying to look at tells or checking out the occasional hot chick's cleavage. Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now