Virgin seeks FAQ...

[BigBaitsim (milo)]

I'm really concerned about looking like a moron, and hate having to have the basics explained to me while I'm at the table. I've played 60K hands online, but none in casinos. I can shuffle chips (big whooopdeeedoo, I watch poker on TV like everyone else), but have no idea of basic pokerroom stuff. Since the Mirage won't supply me with little "Raise" and "Check/Fold" buttons when I'm in the BB, is there an FAQ out there for the casino virgin?

-Milo (who is very excited [pathetic?] about his first pilgrimage to Mecca)

[Vehn]

1) protect your hand
2) act in turn
3) remember to tip when you win a pot (only important one)

[razor]

First Time Casino Visit Info

There are a few things in here of particular note for those who have played a ton online but never in a B&M.

[Easy E]

1) Don't believe it when they tell you that they "love you"

2) Don't believe them when they tell you "it won't hurt"

3) Don't believe them when they say "of course I'll love you"

4) Yes, you can get pregnant the first time

(well, maybe not #2 for you)

[bwana devil]

it's easy to pick up the changes after an orbit. sit out until the blinds come to you and you should get the jist of it.

well, that may actually work to your advantage. you'll look like a novice who hasn't sat at a poker table before and doesn't know how to play poker. use this misperception to your advantage as you say "aw shucks, how'd i win another hand?" as your drage another pot.

[TankSJ]

Relax. As was said before, protect your hand and act in turn and you'll be fine. There are plenty of people who have played in casinos for years and still act like morons.
If you've only played online, B&M will seem SLOW, but don't get impatient and loosen your opening standards.
Also, when in doubt, it doesn't hurt to announce "call" or "raise". I guess you could say "fold" if you want to, but people will probably get that when you muck your cards. Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially of the dealer.

Have fun,
tank

[jmark]

If your eyes aren't good, try and sit across from the dealer or on either side, so that you're closer to the cards.

Don't keep your hands on your cards, as no one will be able to see them and the action will pass you by. This can also happen if you're in the 10 seat because the 1 seat can't see you past the dealer. If it's your turn to act, say time if you have to think for more than 2 seconds. B&M players are very antsy for some reason (at least at low limits -- I think they're trying to increase their hands/hr so they can hit the jackpot faster).

[jrobb83]

Pay attention!! When coming from playing online it's easy to be side-tracked by everything that's going on in the card room. Make sure you concentrate on the game and know when it is your turn and what your action is going to be. Make sure and protect your cards when in a hand by placing a chip on them, especially when in the seats closest to the dealer. Just watch how the other players put out bets, fold their hands, etc and follow along.

And if you play at the Bellagio be sure and order the strawberry smoothie.

[steveyz]

One important thing, if you are planning to raise, be aware that string betting is not allowed. You have to put the whole amount in at one time, unless you first announce "raise". This usually gets novices at least once. I.e. if you plan on raising a $4 bet to $8, better have a least 8 chips in your hand when you go to put the chips forward. You cannot put 4 chips in, reach back to your stack, and put another 4 chips in.

[sdplayerb]

When you going?
I'm going next tuesday-friday, and will play there either tuesday or thursday night.

you can just say bet, call or raise, and put the requisite amount of chips.
heck, if they know you are a newbie, they'll probably think you suck and not realize you have played a lot.