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stoyo21 · High Card Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 4

i am going to a casino in a few weeks and i want to play NL poker, it will be my first time and i will bring $300.

I have few questions

1. What game should i play?

im thinking 1/2 or 2/4

2. I would consider myself a decent poker player but what can i expect from playing in a casino rather than online and how should i adjust my playing.

3. Can someone explain or give me a link how the rake in casino works and how much i should tip the dealer?

4. Any information or advise would be helpful thank you

thank you

I dont want to look like a complete idiot on my first time!!!

bigpairde · Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 6:57 pm Post subject:

hi there,

apart from online,.....did u ever play live before?
in case you didn't, this might be your biggest challenge: get some of your friends to play with you a few times before going to the casino.

at the casino:
u cannot look like an idiot,....all is idiot proof as there are so many ppl there for the first time every day. really don't worry about that.

tipping the dealer: depending on the pot you won.
just watch how the other players are handling this.

I would also recommend that you walk around and carefully choose the table you want to play at (how much do the other players have in front of them,....is it a rather quiet or rather chatty table,.....)

hope this helps u some
GL

speedracer75 · Pair Joined: 07 May 2008 Posts: 27

1. I'd guess 1/2 is a safer starting point with a $300 bankroll, gives you three $100 buyins (or one $200 full buyin and a $100 half buyin)

2. Watch the other players. You can gain a lot of insight on their holding by their body language and how they react when certain cards hit the board... i.e. if the flush just hit on the turn, did they just grimace or jump out of their seat? Also some friendly (and maybe some not-so-friendly) table conversation may take place... also be aware that other players will be watching you and your body language/movements... if they pick up that when you miss the flop completely you're very eager to check/fold, they'll obviously know than when you stall when the action is on you, you either have a big hand or have at least caught a piece of the flop... therefore, even when you miss completely, take a second or two before you check (or bluff...).

3. Probably depends on the casino. I think most take out $1 after each increment of $20 that goes into the pot, probably with a maximum rake of $3 to $5 per hand. But it all varies... some probably take a full rake (like $3) once the pot hits $20 or so... as for tipping the dealer, personally I only tip when I'm winning, and then only when I win at least a medium sized pot. Typically I'll tip $1 if I drag down a pot of about $30, $2 if it's about $60, and $3 if it's around $100. I'll rarely, if ever, tip over that (especially for the sized games you'll be playing with a $300 bankroll), but there's always exceptions. Tipping of course also always varies player to player... some players will always tip after dragging even a piece of a pot... some players will never tip at all... some players only tip the dealer once a new dealer comes in to replace them... it's pretty much up for you to decide.

4. Good luck? Smile

stoyo21 · High Card Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 4

i guess i have played before live. Every wednesday i play in a home game but that is it. thanks for your guys help.

mgodd · Posted: Thu May 22, 2008 10:28 am Post subject:

With only $300, you definitely want to be playing no higher than 1/2NL. I went to Atlantic City for the first time a couple months ago and only brought $300 with me, bought in for $100 each time, and after a bad beat with pocket rockets, and 2 bad beats with pocket kings, I was on my way.

I was pretty uncomfortable playing at the casino at first, but after a few orbits went around, I had gotten the hang of things. I'm not sure what limits you play online, but be prepared for a lot of limping and a lot of people seeing each flop.

I'm not sure if casino rake is a universal standard or not, but when I played I believe it was 10% of the pot, up to $4 max (for 1/2NL). A small blind ($1 chip) is a normal tip for most hands. If you take down a huge pot, maybe $2 or $3, it's up to you really.

Have fun and good luck!

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