NYC Poker Rooms

[BIGRED]

I have some questions regarding NYC poker rooms, or for that matter, any poker rooms outside of legitimate casinos.

1. They're illegal, right? Maybe a dumb question, but thought I'd ask anyway.

2. What are the risks if you step in one of these places?... Legal, that is. I already know about the financial risks.

3. How do I get into one? Do I need to hook up with someone to get in?

4. Will I find easy games in these types of places? Probably not, right?

The reason why I ask is because I want to start playing more live poker, but I live too far from the casinos and want to explore the idea of playing in some of these underground places in NYC. Is this ill-advised?

Am I going to get jumped and mugged if I go there?

[StogeyMike]

I'm glad I found this question - I am also interested in playing live poker in or around NYC without having to travel to AC or Foxwoods.

Key question for me is #3 - How do I get into one?

[CrackerZack]

Disclaimer: I am not a member of any NYC clubs and can't/won't introduce anyone. Do not PM me!

Answers:
1) Yes
2) Very little. Usually take your info, and unless you're wanted for something else, you won't be bothered again. If it gets busted when you're there, cashout immediately. Its rarely like the movies where the swat team busts in, instead the police knock on the door, announce they have a warrant, and eventually force their way in.
3) You need to be introduced by a member. Disclaimer to all: I AM NOT ONE. DO NOT PM ME!
4) Low limits aren't tough but not quite as stupid as casino games.

Ill advised? not really if you have the extra time.

Mugged, jumped? Not anymore likely than anywhere else in NYC.

[MRBAA]

Craigs List for NY has a club posting

[BIGRED]

[ QUOTE ]
Craigs List for NY has a club posting

[/ QUOTE ]

What's Craigs List for NY? Would you explain more?

[stantheman]

http://newyork.craigslist.org/

it's an online classified service - VERY useful and very entertaining to browse (if you know where to look) /images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[morgant]

http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=531711&page=2&view=collap sed&sb=5&o=14&fpart=1

this was just posted......look around a bit, there is a wealth of info.

[cottonmather0]

I don't know anything about New York, but I live in Houston and the nearest legal poker is 2.5 hrs away by car in Lake Charles. I can answer some of your questions from my experience:


1.) Yes, they are illegal.

2.) Not much can happen to you - in a legal sense - unless you are running or operating the game. The cops will run your drivers license and take your name, and thus they can take you to jail if you have any outstanding warrants, but simply playing in the game is not illegal. (running the game and promoting the game are illegal, though)

I do know some guys with highly exclusive licenses and certifications (stockbroker and lawyer types) who are afraid of taking any chances though and who don't play in these games because any legal trouble could be costly to their profession, however remote the chances. Something to keep in mind.

3.) Getting into one is just a matter of serendipity. Once you get into one place the whole universe is usually opened up and you'll get referred and directed to all kinds of places.

One of the best ways to meet these people the first time is to go to the nearest casino poker room near you and make it very clear where you are from. Make a lot of conversation with other guys and eventually someone will give you a phone number or some directions.

4.) For the most part the games will be harder than a tourist game in Vegas, but not particularly tough. This is because everyone else there is like you - they like to play poker so they play a lot and have some experience. That said, there are still very good players and very bad players and if you have a good enough game and you get enough experience in a typical game you will figure out what it takes to win.

[RydenStoompala]

I've only heard through a friend of a friend (so do NOT PM me) that there's at least one (all illegal) that rivals anything this guy had played at in AC. In fact, even the drink girl was better-looking! Chances of getting mugged? Depends how stupid you are. Take a long stroll in the wrong neighborhood at 5am and you get what you get. They will get you a cab (I heard, through a friend). I also heard, through another friend and never by personal experience, that the mid-limits games were quite good, but you don't want to lock horns with the locals. Also ill-advised to be a Red Sox fan or to remark that the Rangers suck.

[murellus]

i play at that place once a week. usually one table but every time i see new faces so it's bound to start growing pretty quickly. most of the time it's 5-10 limit unless people decide to play something else. monday tournaments at 7pm are $50 buyin with unlimited rebuys and sat tournaments at 3pm are $30 with unlimited rebuys. the owner is a great guy and really easy going. pm if you're interested

[the life]

hey murellus.....
1- how many people do they get in the tournament on sat
2- what kind of stakes is it no limit..?
3- how many checks do you start with..

i am probably going to be there on sat....

thanks

[turnipmonster]

I think you're talking about two different rooms. the big room in nyc doesn't spread 5/10, and has way more than 1 table.

--turnipmonster

[murellus]

im talking about the small one. ps is packed now and won't accept new memberships. the tournaments on sat are $30 buyin and i believe to be around 25-35 people, with loads of buyins. the players there aren't what you call strong players. good luck if you play, i'll be down at the borgata