Beginner @ Foxwoods...

[pj4533]

I consider myself a beginner, but I have been playing online for a while now and would like to try in an actual casino.

I live in Boston, so Foxwoods is fairly close. Just curious on a few things (I have only quickly searched the older posts, so I apologize if this was answered):

1) As I understand it, weekends have been insanely busy lately. If I was to show up on a saturday afternoon, how long would the wait be? I can call ahead to get my name in, correct?

2) What limits are usually being played? I am not sure I would feel comfortable at a 4/8 game, I'd much prefer a 2/4 or even 1/2 to start. In these forums I have seen people mention 4/8 & up, is there anything lower?

3) I have read here about others first experiences in B&M, and some of the differences from online(tipping, softer games due to wandering blackjack/slot players etc), but does anyone have any other tips for a beginner?

Anyway, if you see a guy with big sideburns and a black kangol....KEEP AWAY! You sharks can take someone elses money! haha, just kidding, stop and say hello. Sorry I missed the meetup last weekend, that would have been fun for a first time.

-pj

[mmanne]

My experiences
1) You can't put your name on the list over the phone on weekends or holidays. Most times if you're willing to sit at limits between 4/8 and 10/20 it is less than a 1 hour wait (assuming you don't show up at 9pm on a friday)
2) There is a 2/4 game, 4/8, 5/10 kill, 10/20 ...
3) While you are waiting for a game, just watch a table, you'll get all the tips you need. Tip after every hand you win ($1 is enough no matter the size of the pot). Games are softer for the limit, so 2/4 might play like a Party .5/1 table. Be friendly to everyone at the table, it makes for a more enjoyable time.

matt

PS: I'm probably headed over the long weekend, so if you are going to be there, let me know, we'll meet up.

[CrackerZack]

1) Can't call on weekends. Last weekend we got there at noon. My GF waited 3 hours for a 2-4 seat. The list grew by an entire column in the time she was waiting too.

2) 2/4, 4/8, 5/10 w/kill, 10/20, 20/40, PL, bigger HOE and stud games

3) don't tip more than a dollar. you won't beat the rake and tipping at 2-4 for very much. play 4-8 if you can afford it. the players still suck

[JoeU]

I agree with #3 "BOSS".

Definitely play in the 4-8 game, especially on the weekends. The game is much weaker then than during the week.

Good Luck.

Joe

[TheGrifter]

I've seen the advice to play the 4/8 and yes the game is soft but the 2/4 can be unbelievable. At foxwoods, on a weekend it's likely that you'll be sitting with 2 or 3 people who've never even played poker before. And usually they love to jam the pot.

Not to seem cheap, but at the 2/4 game even a buck a pot is a bit much to tip. My advice, bring a stack of .50 cent coins, not only will it save you some money on toke and drink tips, it'll help you keep track of how many pots you haul for post play analysis.

[Horrible Player]

Start playing O8B... very little wait... great game to learn online

[AliasMrJones]

My first time in a B&M was a bit disorienting for me at first. The internet poker screens put everything in front of you in an easy to use way. In person, you have to keep track of pot size, crane your neck to see how many people at the other end of the hand are still in, did he raise or just call, etc. By the end of my first B&M session, I was comfortable.

I also suggest watching a table or two first. I'm sure you'll very soon be itching to get in there and take some of that money.

Play higher limits than you do online. I play party 2/4 online and my first B&M experience was 5/10. It was the lowest limit thay had and at first I was worried. I watched some of the play - 5-7 to the flop, showing down jack-high, etc. and very soon my name was on the list. From my experience, B&M limits approximate online action at double the online limit. (So I play 2/4 online and have no trouble at all with 3/6 up to 5/10.) This is somewhat dependent on what the lowest limit at the B&M is.

When you sit down, let the dealer know you're a B&M newbie and ask him/her to help you out. They'll be happy to prompt you, etc.

Remember that short-term, even if you're a +EV player, you could very lose. Don't get too frustrated if the cards don't fall your way or if people draw out on you. Keep your cool, tell people nice hand when they crack your AA with 85o.

B&M play introduces a social aspect missing from internet play. It also allows you to watch the other players and I was able to catch reads by the expressions of the other players as well as whether they were reaching for chips or getting ready to pitch their cards.

Above all, enjoy yourself. Be polite, make friends at the table and I'm sure you'll have a great time.