How to play poker in a casino?

[Jabberwocky]

Hey. I go to the casino often but I ALWAYS play roulette. Recently I've been playing poker with friends and I understand most of it although there are some bits I'm still a bit silly about. Anyway I was at the casino last night playing roulette and I was ALMOST going to go over to the poker tables but I just couldn't figure out wtf was going on.

I understand what hands you need and almost understand how the betting works but I don't understand the technicalities. On the poker table there seemed to be an outline for the cards and then another three [i think] circular outlines for chips. What are those ones for?

Cheers.

 

[Cyc]

Chipping up.

 

[alasdairm]

i was pretty nervous the first time i played in the casino - my hands trembled when i bet

i would suggest going along and watching for a little bit - most poker rooms should be happy to let you observe. if you remember two golden rules, you won't go far wrong:

1. don't act out of turn. other players will get (justifiably) annoyed if you bet (or fold) out of turn. just pay attention and wait until it's your turn.

2. always state your intent before you move chips. if you plan to raise, say "raise" and the amount clearly before putting in your chips. that way, you'll avoid string bets and a host of other beginner mistakes.

have fun

alasdair

 

[Infinite Jest]

I'd suggest playing some online first, to get a real good idea about how the betting works, what sort of bets are permissable, to remind you to act in turn, as Ali says, and to get some basic idea about tactics.

Plus, read read read books about poker.

 

[JerryBlunted]

just don't cry when the sharks take all your money the first few times. you'll learn by watching and doing better than anyone can tell you. casino poker is a LOT more bloodthirsty than regular friendly home games, and you need to play correct as far as following the rules, acting in turn, etc. even more so, remember the more people seated at a table the higher percentage chance that your hand can be beat. in a three or four person game a top pair could maybe win a pot, but in a nine player game, probably not likely. also, if you can watch for awhile before playing notice if any of the players are crazy bettors and try to sit downwind from them. you don't want your modest ten dollar raise being overswhelmed by the guy next to you who bets fifty off the flop every hand.

 

[tango]

I used to play at the casino a lot, and it was never a big deal to even ask what to do next, in fact I used to do that a bit for an advantage, look like I didn't know much about the game...then steal everyones money! Don't take your chips off the table once you've put them on...I got busted doing that, didn't realise you're not meant to. And if the buy in is, say, $40, you always have to have that amount on the table if you have it.

 

[alasdairm]

did you play your first casino poker game yet, deathrow? how did it go?

alasdair

 

[TheSpade]

Hey. I go to the casino often but I ALWAYS play roulette. Recently I've been playing poker with friends and I understand most of it although there are some bits I'm still a bit silly about. Anyway I was at the casino last night playing roulette and I was ALMOST going to go over to the poker tables but I just couldn't figure out wtf was going on.

I understand what hands you need and almost understand how the betting works but I don't understand the technicalities. On the poker table there seemed to be an outline for the cards and then another three [i think] circular outlines for chips. What are those ones for?

Cheers.

I think what you're talking about is the shitty casino poker game where you play against the dealer and not a proper poker game, i.e. Texas Hold Em.

If so it's just you versus the dealer, other players hands dont come into it. Whoever has the best hand out of you and the dealer wins, bigger hands pay more money etc. It's a shit game that you wont make any money out of.

 

[Yippee Skippy]

I think what you're talking about is the shitty casino poker game where you play against the dealer and not a proper poker game, i.e. Texas Hold Em.

If so it's just you versus the dealer, other players hands dont come into it. Whoever has the best hand out of you and the dealer wins, bigger hands pay more money etc. It's a shit game that you wont make any money out of.

You, sir, I believe are correct.

Plus, read read read books about poker.

Poker books are a myth. Don't listen to anyone who tells you they're good to read!
(here's where one of those winky faces would go. Sim0n - quit spillin' the beans!)

 

[xtcxtc]

Plus, read read read books about poker.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^