First trip to a casino/poker room (1 Viewer)

[Lefty2215]

So sometime soon I plan on making a trip over to Vegas to visit family and to finally do some gambling in a casino. I've been over there and played some blackjack but I want to play some poker.

So I guess the point of this post was to ask the people here who I assume has thousands of hours of expertise at the tables. I've heard I can just go up to the cage and get my chips there but I don't know what breakdown I should get. I'll just lay it out this way:

1. What would a buy-in be for .25/.50(if this is actually in casinos) or $1/2?
2. What breakdown should I get for something like .25/.50 or $1/2?
3. Once I get to a table I've heard about posting but I'm kinda confused about what that is.
4. Any other tips I need to know? I know how to play but it's been all home games and I know there is different protocol when it comes to casinos. I know I'm gonna feel stupid even with tips but I'm hoping to feel less stupid with you're help lol. Thanks!

 

[David O]

First thing you would do is go to the poker room desk and see what they are spreading. If you want to play no limit the smallest game will probably be $1/$2 wth a max $300 buy in (chips purchased at the table). They will tell you which tables are available or put you on the list if there are no available seats. When you sit you will notice where the button is which if you come in behind the button you will not have to post until the blinds get around to you. It would not hurt to watch the a game before actually sitting down to play. Nothing wrong with being rail bird for a while so you can get a feel for the game. Once you feel pretty confident then sit and buy in. Don't sweat it and be prepared to win or lose. We have all been there. Let us know how it goes.

 

[manamongkids]

If you have a smart phone download the bravo poker app it will tell u what games and stakes are being offered at which casinos. Will save u a lot of time

 

[Lefty2215]

First thing you would do is go to the poker room desk and see what they are spreading. If you want to play no limit the smallest game will probably be $1/$2 wth a max $300 buy in (chips purchased at the table). They will tell you which tables are available or put you on the list if there are no available seats. When you sit you will notice where the button is which if you come in behind the button you will not have to post until the blinds get around to you. It would not hurt to watch the a game before actually sitting down to play. Nothing wrong with being rail bird for a while so you can get a feel for the game. Once you feel pretty confident then sit and buy in. Don't sweat it and be prepared to win or lose. We have all been there. Let us know how it goes.

The post would be the max blind right? Is that basically like paying to play?

 

[David O]

$1 small blind $2 big blind.

 

[xxmurrxx]

Posting would be the big blind to get into the action instantly, or sit and wait until you are the big blind.

 

[Lefty2215]

$1 small blind $2 big blind.

Ya I meant big blind. Not sure where max blind came from lol

 

[moose]

When you check in, always ask if you buy in at the table or the cage. In most cases they will send you to the cage. Sometimes they will take your money and run the chips to your table for you. It is always nice to tip the chip runner a buck if they do this.

If you are playing NL, just get all red chips. If playing limit get all $1s. The dealer will make change if necessary for you from the tray.

In Vegas you don't have to post to play, you will get a few free hands until the blinds hit you. Action junkies play right away. Nits, OMC etc wait for the button to pass. If you start UTG, or in the small blind, I guess it's optional to wait for the button without looking like a total tightwad.

 

[Lefty2215]

Posting would be the big blind to get into the action instantly, or sit and wait until you are the big blind.

Oh ok that makes more sense. I was thinking posting was required regardless. Even if I have to wait for 3 or 4 hands it gives me a chance to feel out the other players for a brief period. Thanks!

 

[Lefty2215]

When you check in, always ask if you buy in at the table or the cage. In most cases they will send you to the cage. Sometimes they will take your money and run the chips to your table for you. It is always nice to tip the chip runner a buck if they do this.

If you are playing NL, just get all red chips. If playing limit get all $1s. The dealer will make change if necessary for you from the tray.

In Vegas you don't have to post to play, you will get a few free hands until the blinds hit you. Action junkies play right away. Nits, OMC etc wait for the button to pass. If you start UTG, or in the small blind, I guess it's optional to wait for the button without looking like a total tightwad.

This is very helpful. Wasn't sure how the getting chips thing would go and if they give me a certain breakdown or if they would ask what I want. I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask when I'm there. Is it weird to sit out a few hands until the BB gets to me? I mean on a $1/2 game $2 isn't anything.

 

[Lefty2215]

What is a standard buy-in? I thought I saw somewhere that it was 10x the big blind. Don't know if that's true though. Is it just something I can ask when I get there? And if so does anyone have a rough estimate of what a $1/2 game buy-in would be?

 

[RagsPoker]

I would say $1-2 buy-in is generally $200. Some people buyin for less....I often buy-in for $150 (you can always get more chips at any time as long as it's between hands).
If you get in a $2-4 or $3-6 limit game somewhere people usually buy in for $100.
Where do you plan on playing in Vegas? Flamingo might be a good place to get your feet wet without risking a lot.....they have a $2-4 limit game running most all the time. That game would get you kind of familiar at casino poker without the risk of losing $100 or more in one hand.

 

[Lefty2215]

I would say $1-2 buy-in is generally $200. Some people buyin for less....I often buy-in for $150 (you can always get more chips at any time as long as it's between hands).
If you get in a $2-4 or $3-6 limit game somewhere people usually buy in for $100.
Where do you plan on playing in Vegas? Flamingo might be a good place to get your feet wet without risking a lot.....they have a $2-4 limit game running most all the time. That game would get you kind of familiar at casino poker without the risk of losing $100 or more in one hand.

Smaller buy in for higher stakes?
And I'm not sure where I'm gonna go yet. Was gonna ask you guys where good places would be to go or start out lol

 

[luckbox]

maybe start out in a low buy in tourney? you will limit your loss to the cost of the buy in and if you can last for an hour or two you should be comfortable by then...just sit and be patient play top ten hands only and learn to relax....my opinion

 

[Lefty2215]

maybe start out in a low buy in tourney? you will limit your loss to the cost of the buy in and if you can last for an hour or two you should be comfortable by then...just sit and be patient play top ten hands only and learn to relax....my opinion

Hmm I like that idea. Give me experience at the table but like you said limits my loss. Hadn't really looked into tourneys. What are buy-ins like for low tourneys?

 

[Chippy McChiperson]

Smaller buy in for higher stakes?
And I'm not sure where I'm gonna go yet. Was gonna ask you guys where good places would be to go or start out lol

Limit games play a lot smaller than no limit games. If it's your first time, and your nervous, you may want to try limit before you move over to the no limit table.

 

[Lefty2215]

Limit games play a lot smaller than no limit games. If it's your first time, and your nervous, you may want to try limit before you move over to the no limit table.

$1/2 would be NL and $2/4 would be limit? Sorry I'm used to playing very basically with the people I play with. I would definitely want to start out with limit

 

[Chippy McChiperson]

Yeah, 2/4 is limit. $1 is the small blind, $2 is the big blind, and all bets pre flop and on the flop are $2. All bets on the turn and river are $4. I think it's capped at 4 bets per street (unless you're heads up with someone, then it is unlimited bets per street).

 

[Lefty2215]

Yeah, 2/4 is limit. $1 is the small blind, $2 is the big blind, and all bets pre flop and on the flop are $2. All bets on the turn and river are $4. I think it's capped at 4 bets per street (unless you're heads up with someone, then it is unlimited bets per street).

Damn apparently I don't know standard poker betting rules like I thought I did. I'm just used to playing casual no limit. I need to study up on all of this before I make an ass of myself lol

 

[luckbox]

Hmm I like that idea. Give me experience at the table but like you said limits my loss. Hadn't really looked into tourneys. What are buy-ins like for low tourneys?

in vegas i have no clue but some here may suggest some, in Dec i was in florida walked in an hour after they closed out a $5000 free roll at the dog track...so it would have cost you nothing, dont know if vegas has any of those....it can be slow and boring but might get you comfortable for under $100 probably or nothing if you find a free roll

 

[Lefty2215]

in vegas i have no clue but some here may suggest some, in Dec i was in florida walked in an hour after they closed out a $5000 free roll at the dog track...so it would have cost you nothing, dont know if vegas has any of those....it can be slow and boring but might get you comfortable for under $100 probably or nothing if you find a free roll

I checked the small casino near me on Bravo Poker like MAK suggested and they have tourneys daily for the next month for anywhere from $45-$85. A lot cheaper tha I was anticipating. Might have to find a weekend where I can go out there and play in one without feeling too bad if I don't make any return. Will definitely get a good feeling of what it's like at a table with people who mean business.

 

[luckbox]

I checked the small casino near me on Bravo Poker like MAK suggested and they have tourneys daily for the next month for anywhere from $45-$85. A lot cheaper tha I was anticipating. Might have to find a weekend where I can go out there and play in one without feeling too bad if I don't make any return. Will definitely get a good feeling of what it's like at a table with people who mean business.

as you know with tourneys you can bust out early but just dont shove all in with a pair of pocket sevens on the first hand...i dont know what games you are comfortable with but it wont take you long to relax probably, maybe find one with rebuys just in case your pocket AA's get cracked early

 

[Lefty2215]

as you know with tourneys you can bust out early but just dont shove all in with a pair of pocket sevens on the first hand...i dont know what games you are comfortable with but it wont take you long to relax probably, maybe find one with rebuys just in case your pocket AA's get cracked early

I don't plan on shoving at all unless I'm 100% sure. With something like a tournament, especially my first one, I want to stay I as long as possible. Makes me feel like I'm getting my money's worth lol

 

[moose]

You are in Vegas to have fun. I would do whatever is the most fun for you.

 

[Lefty2215]

You are in Vegas to have fun. I would do whatever is the most fun for you.

Ya I guess that is true. I'll probably end up just winging it once I get there lol

 

[NiceShot]

Highly suggest playing low stakes locally before you go or a small tourney as suggested above. It will help you to get comfortable which will help you to focus more on the poker and having fun than if you are following ettiquette. If you have a buddy willing to go with you even better.

 

[Lefty2215]

Highly suggest playing low stakes locally before you go or a small tourney as suggested above. It will help you to get comfortable which will help you to focus more on the poker and having fun than if you are following ettiquette. If you have a buddy willing to go with you even better.

That's what I was thinking so I headed out to my casino/card room near me but it's a small one that only played higher stakes. Might have to drive down to Commerce Casino near LA at some point