poker for a newbie

[Stephanie]

One of the girls I am going to Vegas with wants to try Texas hold'em '"live" while we are there. any suggestions where a person who knows how to play just hasn't done it yet in Vegas can get an inexpensive game during the day? Does she have to sign up before hand?

We are stayng at the Dessert Rose Resort by the MGM but we are go everywhere.

[BobK]

Go to the Excalibur Poker Room and ask to be added to the Hold-Em list for the lowest stakes game they have. Once you get to a table, watch the other players and if you have any questions, ask a dealer.

[gamalicious]

I would suggest against doing that at all really. Even at low limit games, you can lose some dough. Plus new players are the reason sharks make money in vegas...they sure don't make it off of the other pros there (some do, but they might just lose it back the next week).

If your friend is really into it, try out online tutorials and game play. I know I tried hold 'em on Yahoo Games, and it was ok. The main thing to realize about that though, is that there isn't any face-to-face contact involved. You'd be suprised but a good deal of the gameplay in hold 'em is not what cards you are dealt, but how your read other players. Tell your friend good luck, from:

The Stupid Kid

[Stephanie]

She has played before but has never done so in Vegas..She is very good but wants to play for real... as she puts it.

Low limit like the excaliber. ANy other hotels have low limits?

[jolo777]

One of the girls I am going to Vegas with wants to try Texas hold'em '"live" while we are there. any suggestions where a person who knows how to play just hasn't done it yet in Vegas can get an inexpensive game during the day? Does she have to sign up before hand?

We are stayng at the Dessert Rose Resort by the MGM but we are go everywhere.
My husband is a low limit hold-um player and has always found a friendly low limit game at the Sahara, even their daily tournaments are under $50. They are also one of the only places on the strip where you can find a $2. or $5. blackjack table open. It is not a new Mega resort, but a real taste of old Las Vegas including great free lounge shows.

[beckw925]

Last May we went to the lessons at the Excalibur. Free - very short, but excellent practice. Then they turn the table to a real one, low limit and you put up $20. We walked away with $160. Sometimes sharks join in when they convert, so watch them. But it is great practice and a good way to know the real thing.

IP has lessons too.

Good luck! it is great fun.

[bigalbr]

Just about any poker room will have either a 2/4 or 3/6 limit game and and 1/2 no limit game. The Excalibur has a 1/3 spread limit game after the lesson, with 2/6 spread and some 1/2 NLHE. Luxor has spread 1/2 limit in the past, I'm not sure if they still do.

There's no reason for your friend to be intimidated or concerned about playing in Vegas. Most of the players in Vegas are tourists. Games at these limits are all beginner's games. Dealers are used to new players and work them into the game. Some of the players are jackasses, but that's poker.

[BobK]

I would suggest against doing that at all really. Even at low limit games, you can lose some dough. Plus new players are the reason sharks make money in vegas...they sure don't make it off of the other pros there (some do, but they might just lose it back the next week).


Real pros are NOT going to sit down at a 2/4 HE table. They can't make any money that way. Most full-timers are playing 10/20 HE, minimum.

But, do not sit down at a 1/2 or 2/4 table with sunglasses on. You won't intimidate anyone, and you'll look like an idiot.

[frienddelilah]

Usually there will be a desk usually in back middle. There should be a person there that runs the room. They will tell you what tables they have open. Ex 2/4 tx holdem 3/6 7card stud etc. Tell them what you want to play and they will direct you to a table. You may have to buy in your chips there also.