Lost in poker rooms? Here is the guide!..
<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=sub>November 23, 2004
John Caldwell </TD></TR><TR><TD>John Caldwell is a veteran poker player, and Las Vegas visitor. John lives in Los Angeles, where he plays, and generally thinks way too much about poker.
You’ve seen "Celebrity Poker" on TV. You’ve heard Bennifer broke up because Ben couldn’t give up the cards. You’re wondering what the attraction is. You’re wondering how you can find out. It won’t be hard.
With the surge in the popularity of poker over the last 18 months, the only thing popping up faster than new casinos in Las Vegas are poker rooms for those casinos. In 2001, one was hard pressed to find more than six or so major casinos using any of their valuable floor space for poker. Now, elaborate spaces are being built to accommodate the rise in poker. It appears poker is here to stay in Vegas...for now. You know, until some other celebrity fixation takes over.
An accountant from Knoxville, TN named Chris Moneymaker (yes, his real name) changed the poker landscape by winning his seat at the World Series of Poker on a $40 Internet tournament. Moneymaker became the 2003 champion, turned that $40 "investment" into $2.5 million, and became the hero for the Common Poker Player. No longer a game for weathered Western cowboys, or squintillianaires who are ready to bet their private islands on a hand. Moneymakers’ win made it clear poker is egalitarian after all, and this charged up it’s popularity on television, and in casinos everywhere across the land.
Nowadays, you can find a poker room in almost any casino in Las Vegas. Many of the card rooms in Las Vegas are very similar, so check with your hotel to see if their casino has one. A few will be covered here for varying reasons, but if you don’t care where you play, call the front desk; you probably don’t have to go very far.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Card rooms have changed greatly in the post Moneymaker era. Gone are the smoke filled rooms with 30 grizzled looking players hunched over four poorly lit tables. In fact, nearly all poker rooms in Las Vegas are now NON-smoking, so playing and breathing are once again possible. Notable exceptions to this are the poker rooms at the Palms, and the Sahara, both of which allow smoking (several other casinos allow smoking between the hours of midnight – 8am).
A great deal of what you expect should come from the time you choose to play. If you go on a Tuesday morning at 9:30, you may only see one game going, most likely a low limit Texas Hold‘em game. If you go Friday night at 8pm, it is possible you will be in for a lengthy wait to get into a game. When you approach the poker room, you will see a podium or desk staffed by a well-dressed man or woman. If no staff is present, wait patiently until they return. They will put you right into the game of your choice, or on the waiting list. (Know which game(s) you want to be put on the list for in advance – many rooms have a board on the wall describing the games in action at that time). Try to avoid chasing the floor person into the room, as they will probably direct you back to the podium/desk, where you will find two people now ahead of you in line. Don’t worry: very soon, you will find yourself with a stack of chips at a poker table with 6-9 other people.
DO’s AND DON’T at a Poker table (Mary – I think a “table” or "info box" would be well served here.)
DO: When you are first seated, you will be asked whether you want to post a blind. Unless it just happens to be your turn for the big blind, sit and wait for the blinds to come around to you. This will calm you down if you are nervous/excited, and allow you a few hands to see how the table plays.
DON'T - Hold up the game by taking more than 15-20 seconds to decide what to do. If you need a little extra time, say "TIME" so everyone knows you are thinking, and not sleeping. Veteran players get very testy with people who take 3 minutes to decide whether or not to call an $8 bet.
DO tip the dealer if you win the hand. Observe how others have tipped, and follow suit. If you don’t know, it’s ok to ask! Tip the waitresses, also!
DON’T: act out of turn. Acting prematurely can give away the strength of your hand, which could cost you more than it will help you in the long run. When you are just starting out, take an extra beat to make sure it’s your turn to act.
DO: When you are going to make or call a bet, place the chips far enough out in front of you so the dealer can easily reach them. DON’T throw the chips at the pot – This is called "Splashing the Pot" and will not only anger the other players, it will identify you as the newbie.
DO: Protect your hand. Place a chip or something on your cards to protect them from being accidentally grabbed by the dealer (you’d be surprised how often this happens). Also, carefully cover your cards with your hands when checking them…you can’t believe how good a player the guy next to you is when he knows what you have.
DON’T – Yell at, Cuss, throw cards, or any other objects at the dealers. It isn’t his/her fault. Don’t say something about the dealer to the table, but loud enough for him/her to hear. Dealers are human beings doing noble work – treat them as such!
DO: When you want to raise, say the word "Raise!", then get the amount of chips desired/necessary. If you put a larger chip in, and don’t say raise (or anything at all) it will be considered a call…
Table Talk: DO: a bit of light chat is fine, but if you notice you are the only one talking, either pipe down, or find a friendlier game. Games vary a lot in this way, and you will have to feel out the table’s "temperature" for yourself. DON’T: Criticize others play. This is very important! Very few physical confrontations happen in card rooms anymore, but the few that do, usually have some origin in this type of talk. If someone makes what you consider to be a bad play, and gets lucky to beat you with it, grit your teeth, and say "nice hand" or "That’s Poker"….and move on. DON’T: talk about a hand when it is still going on. If you folded what became the flush, no need to tell anyone about it…it could influence the play!
DO: When you win…wait until the chips are pushed to you before you give your cards back to the dealer.
DO: Have Fun!
SELECT LAS VEGAS CARD ROOMS
A note about games: At any given time, you will probably find at least one active low limit hold’em game running at any given poker room. However, if you want to play Stud, Omaha or any other game (they even still spread PAN at the Plaza!), it is recommended that you call ahead, and see if your game of choice is being offered. A good general rule is the larger poker rooms (Bellagio, Mirage, Nugget) will have a more likely chance of having a non hold’em game. Also, keep in mind if you and 4 or 5 friends want to play draw just like you do at home – ask! Its possible the room may provide you a dealer (as long as you pay the rake).
Note: We highly recommend you call ahead to see if the game you want is being offered.
Bellagio – Currently the epicenter of the high stakes poker world. On any given night, some of the games finest can be seen battling in this modern poker coliseum…Careful – the bigger the stakes, the bigger the sharks! 888.488.7111
Palms – Hipster cool meets a smoking friendly room. Most times, a baby No-Limit game ($100 buy in) is offered, as well as 4/8 hold’em, etc. 866.942.7777
Orleans – Notable for its daily tournaments, and mostly local population. Usually at least 4 or 5 active tables. Allows smoking from midnight to 8am. 800.675.3267
Horseshoe – Fans of poker lore should venture to this downtown stalwart, where an overwhelming percentage of poker history has been made. If the walls could talk… 800.622.6468
Golden Nugget – Also downtown, this newly expanded poker room has become a popular place to play. A Stud, and Omaha game can often be found, as well as No Limit games. Daily tournaments. 800.846.5336
Sahara – The only other smoke friendly room, the Sahara has daily tournaments (mostly Hold ‘em) that often play 12 handed (!!), and usually sell out. 888.696.2121
Mirage – Once the biggest game in town, the Mirage has given way to the behemoth that is the Super-Duper Casino (the Mirage being one of the first Super Casinos). However, the Mirage still boasts a fine poker experience, and is still a great place to play. 800.374.9000
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<TABLE cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=sub>November 23, 2004
John Caldwell </TD></TR><TR><TD>John Caldwell is a veteran poker player, and Las Vegas visitor. John lives in Los Angeles, where he plays, and generally thinks way too much about poker.
You’ve seen "Celebrity Poker" on TV. You’ve heard Bennifer broke up because Ben couldn’t give up the cards. You’re wondering what the attraction is. You’re wondering how you can find out. It won’t be hard.
With the surge in the popularity of poker over the last 18 months, the only thing popping up faster than new casinos in Las Vegas are poker rooms for those casinos. In 2001, one was hard pressed to find more than six or so major casinos using any of their valuable floor space for poker. Now, elaborate spaces are being built to accommodate the rise in poker. It appears poker is here to stay in Vegas...for now. You know, until some other celebrity fixation takes over.
An accountant from Knoxville, TN named Chris Moneymaker (yes, his real name) changed the poker landscape by winning his seat at the World Series of Poker on a $40 Internet tournament. Moneymaker became the 2003 champion, turned that $40 "investment" into $2.5 million, and became the hero for the Common Poker Player. No longer a game for weathered Western cowboys, or squintillianaires who are ready to bet their private islands on a hand. Moneymakers’ win made it clear poker is egalitarian after all, and this charged up it’s popularity on television, and in casinos everywhere across the land.
Nowadays, you can find a poker room in almost any casino in Las Vegas. Many of the card rooms in Las Vegas are very similar, so check with your hotel to see if their casino has one. A few will be covered here for varying reasons, but if you don’t care where you play, call the front desk; you probably don’t have to go very far.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Card rooms have changed greatly in the post Moneymaker era. Gone are the smoke filled rooms with 30 grizzled looking players hunched over four poorly lit tables. In fact, nearly all poker rooms in Las Vegas are now NON-smoking, so playing and breathing are once again possible. Notable exceptions to this are the poker rooms at the Palms, and the Sahara, both of which allow smoking (several other casinos allow smoking between the hours of midnight – 8am).
A great deal of what you expect should come from the time you choose to play. If you go on a Tuesday morning at 9:30, you may only see one game going, most likely a low limit Texas Hold‘em game. If you go Friday night at 8pm, it is possible you will be in for a lengthy wait to get into a game. When you approach the poker room, you will see a podium or desk staffed by a well-dressed man or woman. If no staff is present, wait patiently until they return. They will put you right into the game of your choice, or on the waiting list. (Know which game(s) you want to be put on the list for in advance – many rooms have a board on the wall describing the games in action at that time). Try to avoid chasing the floor person into the room, as they will probably direct you back to the podium/desk, where you will find two people now ahead of you in line. Don’t worry: very soon, you will find yourself with a stack of chips at a poker table with 6-9 other people.
DO’s AND DON’T at a Poker table (Mary – I think a “table” or "info box" would be well served here.)
DO: When you are first seated, you will be asked whether you want to post a blind. Unless it just happens to be your turn for the big blind, sit and wait for the blinds to come around to you. This will calm you down if you are nervous/excited, and allow you a few hands to see how the table plays.
DON'T - Hold up the game by taking more than 15-20 seconds to decide what to do. If you need a little extra time, say "TIME" so everyone knows you are thinking, and not sleeping. Veteran players get very testy with people who take 3 minutes to decide whether or not to call an $8 bet.
DO tip the dealer if you win the hand. Observe how others have tipped, and follow suit. If you don’t know, it’s ok to ask! Tip the waitresses, also!
DON’T: act out of turn. Acting prematurely can give away the strength of your hand, which could cost you more than it will help you in the long run. When you are just starting out, take an extra beat to make sure it’s your turn to act.
DO: When you are going to make or call a bet, place the chips far enough out in front of you so the dealer can easily reach them. DON’T throw the chips at the pot – This is called "Splashing the Pot" and will not only anger the other players, it will identify you as the newbie.
DO: Protect your hand. Place a chip or something on your cards to protect them from being accidentally grabbed by the dealer (you’d be surprised how often this happens). Also, carefully cover your cards with your hands when checking them…you can’t believe how good a player the guy next to you is when he knows what you have.
DON’T – Yell at, Cuss, throw cards, or any other objects at the dealers. It isn’t his/her fault. Don’t say something about the dealer to the table, but loud enough for him/her to hear. Dealers are human beings doing noble work – treat them as such!
DO: When you want to raise, say the word "Raise!", then get the amount of chips desired/necessary. If you put a larger chip in, and don’t say raise (or anything at all) it will be considered a call…
Table Talk: DO: a bit of light chat is fine, but if you notice you are the only one talking, either pipe down, or find a friendlier game. Games vary a lot in this way, and you will have to feel out the table’s "temperature" for yourself. DON’T: Criticize others play. This is very important! Very few physical confrontations happen in card rooms anymore, but the few that do, usually have some origin in this type of talk. If someone makes what you consider to be a bad play, and gets lucky to beat you with it, grit your teeth, and say "nice hand" or "That’s Poker"….and move on. DON’T: talk about a hand when it is still going on. If you folded what became the flush, no need to tell anyone about it…it could influence the play!
DO: When you win…wait until the chips are pushed to you before you give your cards back to the dealer.
DO: Have Fun!
SELECT LAS VEGAS CARD ROOMS
A note about games: At any given time, you will probably find at least one active low limit hold’em game running at any given poker room. However, if you want to play Stud, Omaha or any other game (they even still spread PAN at the Plaza!), it is recommended that you call ahead, and see if your game of choice is being offered. A good general rule is the larger poker rooms (Bellagio, Mirage, Nugget) will have a more likely chance of having a non hold’em game. Also, keep in mind if you and 4 or 5 friends want to play draw just like you do at home – ask! Its possible the room may provide you a dealer (as long as you pay the rake).
Note: We highly recommend you call ahead to see if the game you want is being offered.
Bellagio – Currently the epicenter of the high stakes poker world. On any given night, some of the games finest can be seen battling in this modern poker coliseum…Careful – the bigger the stakes, the bigger the sharks! 888.488.7111
Palms – Hipster cool meets a smoking friendly room. Most times, a baby No-Limit game ($100 buy in) is offered, as well as 4/8 hold’em, etc. 866.942.7777
Orleans – Notable for its daily tournaments, and mostly local population. Usually at least 4 or 5 active tables. Allows smoking from midnight to 8am. 800.675.3267
Horseshoe – Fans of poker lore should venture to this downtown stalwart, where an overwhelming percentage of poker history has been made. If the walls could talk… 800.622.6468
Golden Nugget – Also downtown, this newly expanded poker room has become a popular place to play. A Stud, and Omaha game can often be found, as well as No Limit games. Daily tournaments. 800.846.5336
Sahara – The only other smoke friendly room, the Sahara has daily tournaments (mostly Hold ‘em) that often play 12 handed (!!), and usually sell out. 888.696.2121
Mirage – Once the biggest game in town, the Mirage has given way to the behemoth that is the Super-Duper Casino (the Mirage being one of the first Super Casinos). However, the Mirage still boasts a fine poker experience, and is still a great place to play. 800.374.9000
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