I\'m new to...
 

I was recently referred to this site by a friend and have been reading most of your interesting posts since. I'm going to be spending this summer in LV. I'm flying out there this Saturday. I'm new to poker and hope to play live while I'm there. My poker budget is only $1000. What advice would you give this humbled novice? I did some little research and Luxor seems to be the only casino that fits my budget in terms of bankroll but also the concensus here is that it's one of the worst rooms. Any advice appreciated.

Edited to add:

BTW, I don't have any live/online experience and I'm interested in NL.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Hey writergirl,

Welcome to the forum!

Two quick questions for you and then I can give some advice.

1) How much poker experience do you have (live or online)?

2) Are you looking to play limit or no-limit?

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Thanks PokerFink. I've no live/online experience and I'm interested in playing NL. I've also edited my post to add this info.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
I did some little research and Luxor happens to be the only casino that fits my budget in terms of bankroll but also the concensus here is that it's one of the worst rooms.

[/ QUOTE ]

I haven't played at Luxor, but just from the pictures on allvegaspoker it looks reasonable enough. It spreads a 1/2nl game with a $50 max buy-in, while most 1/2nl games have a $200 max buy-in (some are even higher). The small buy-in means the game is much less profitable for experienced players, so most if not all of the players will be very inexperienced. As such, it's a good place for you to start out and play a session or two to get your feet wet.

After that, I would suggest moving to one of the bigger/nicer rooms. I like the Venetian a lot, but there are also nice rooms at Caesar's, MGM, Wynn and Bellagio. Every room will have plenty of 1/2nl tables, so try em all.

Since you only have $1000, I would suggest buying in for only $100 at a time. As you gain experience and skill and grow your bankroll some, you will want to buy-in for a full stack to maximize your profit potential.

Be sure to read the strategy forums for how to beat the games; 1/2nl is full of terrible players and it's not hard to turn a profit.

Hope that helps.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Thanks so much PokerFink.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
I was recently referred to this site by a friend and have been reading most of your interesting posts since. I'm going to be spending this summer in LV. I'm flying out there this Saturday. I'm new to poker and hope to play live while I'm there. My poker budget is only $1000. What advice would you give this humbled novice? I did some little research and Luxor seems to be the only casino that fits my budget in terms of bankroll but also the concensus here is that it's one of the worst rooms. Any advice appreciated.

Edited to add:

BTW, I don't have any live/online experience and I'm interested in NL.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry it's got to be me but SOMEBODY has got to say that if you've never played poker before NL might not be the best thing to start off with.

You're going to be there the entire summer? Start off w/ 3-6 limit or something and at least read a book or have somebody give you some primers.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

if you are really completely new to the game it would be VERY unwise to just turn up at vegas and play NL without at least some experience. online is a great way to learn the basics of the game really cheap. its nowhere near as much fun as playing live but even if u only put 10-20 hours in it will give you some experience to go on.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

As others have said, if you have no poker experience, at the very least download one of the poker clients and play at the free tables. It would be preferable to deposit a few bucks and play some micro limit.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Normally I would tell someone with no live/online poker experience to start out at a low fixed limit game like $2-4 or $3-6.

On the other hand, it always seems to be the woman at the table, who has little to no experience at all, who gets hit with the deck.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

contrary to what most posters seem to think, I believe the Luxor is a very good room for beginners. We stayed there last trip out and I played something like five hours a day in their room to qualify for the poker room rate for our hotel room.

This is probably the softest competition you will find in LV.

Buy a book or two, they will pay for themselves, over and over.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

If you have never played before then here is what I recommend:

1) Buy Sklanky's and Miller's NL Hold'em Book and Sklansky's Theory of Poker. They will help you understand the ins and outs of the games.
2) Read the uNL and FR NL forums on this site. You will see what people are doing in very common situations.
3) If you have little to no poker knowledge, start at a $2/$4 limit table for a couple of hours to get comfortable with how the game flows, what type of hands seem to be winning pots, etc.
4) Start posting in a strat forum forum. The best way to gauge your understanding is to post advice and see whether other posters agree.
5) Conventional wisdom is that a winning player's bankroll should be 20 buy-ins or more. Your NL bankroll is 5 $1/$2 buy-ins. As Pokerfink said, if you stick to the Luxor $50 buy-in game you could probably be okay, but just be aware that your risk of ruin (i.e. losing $1k) is high.

This post is not meant to discourage you, but to help you begin to realize some of the effort involved in becoming a winning NL player.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Writergirl,

The $50 NL game is a very different type of NL game than you will find at higher levels. Same goes for the 2/4 limit and 3/6 limit. You can beat the $50 game but it takes good patience and the ability to get up and cash out when you are up a couple or three buy ins.

As others have recommended I'd highly suggest you buy some good poker books and read and re-read them and it sure wouldn't hurt if you went online and played microlimits so you get a feel for how a poker game plays. Understanding concepts like position is an extremely important part of the game and if you grasp just this you can expect to profit when playing against people who don't.

Also, check out the small stakes strategy forum here. I think you can learn quite a bit from the posts.

Good luck and keep us posted on how you do this summer.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Thank you all. I'll purchase the books today. Regarding online poker, I thought it was illegal for U.S. residents to play online poker in several states including Las Vegas? Is it not? Thx.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
Thank you all. I'll purchase the books today. Regarding online poker, I thought it was illegal for U.S. residents to play online poker in several states including Las Vegas? Is it not? Thx.

[/ QUOTE ]

The short answer is no, but most here are recommending that you play with play money on free sites to help with your undersatnding of the game.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
Thank you all. I'll purchase the books today. Regarding online poker, I thought it was illegal for U.S. residents to play online poker in several states including Las Vegas? Is it not? Thx.

[/ QUOTE ]

No, but recent legistlation has made it harder to deposit money to online sites.

I would buy at least 2 books. One that is specifically geared towards brand new No limit holdem players. Then another book that is a little more advanced and caters towards middle level no limit.

Anyway if you take it seriously (and therefore aren't just giving you're money away) i'm sure you'll enjoy it. Good luck to ya!

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Because of your bankroll, let me urge that you reconsider NL versus LHE. Your bankroll should be able to fund a summer of fun with lots of play at LHE versus the chance of being busted out early in NL. For reading I suggest Small Stakes Hold 'em. It is perfect for the passive tourist play available almost 24/7 at MGM/Excal/Luxor at 24/, 3/6 and 4/8 limits.

Since you have NEVER played for $, start slow, please.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
I was recently referred to this site by a friend and have been reading most of your interesting posts since. I'm going to be spending this summer in LV. I'm flying out there this Saturday. I'm new to poker and hope to play live while I'm there. My poker budget is only $1000. What advice would you give this humbled novice? I did some little research and Luxor seems to be the only casino that fits my budget in terms of bankroll but also the concensus here is that it's one of the worst rooms. Any advice appreciated.

Edited to add:

BTW, I don't have any live/online experience and I'm interested in NL.

[/ QUOTE ]

BTW, where are you staying? Alot of the locals off-strip casinos have attractive low-limit options.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

1. Get some poker books like SSHE
2. Play online for free before you go. It won't play exactly like a real game but it will get you aqaunited with the game at the very least.
3. Play at least some 2/4 Limit Hold em to start with and play very tight. This will get you used to the game such as betting structures, when it is your turn to act in the hand, tippping the dealer, what a rake is, raising, etc.
4. Have fun with it whatever you decide to play

GL

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I was recently referred to this site by a friend and have been reading most of your interesting posts since. I'm going to be spending this summer in LV. I'm flying out there this Saturday. I'm new to poker and hope to play live while I'm there. My poker budget is only $1000. What advice would you give this humbled novice? I did some little research and Luxor seems to be the only casino that fits my budget in terms of bankroll but also the concensus here is that it's one of the worst rooms. Any advice appreciated.

Edited to add:

BTW, I don't have any live/online experience and I'm interested in NL.

[/ QUOTE ]

BTW, where are you staying? Alot of the locals off-strip casinos have attractive low-limit options.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll be staying right across from the Hard Rock Casino.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Thank you all. I'll purchase the books today. Regarding online poker, I thought it was illegal for U.S. residents to play online poker in several states including Las Vegas? Is it not? Thx.

[/ QUOTE ]

No, but recent legistlation has made it harder to deposit money to online sites.


[/ QUOTE ]



except for the fact that Nevada Law makes it illegal to send a wager over the internet (there are exceptions but they all apply to entities licensed by Nevada)
[ QUOTE ]
NRS 465.093 Placing, sending, transmitting or relaying wagers to another person prohibited under certain circumstances; penalty.

1. Except as otherwise provided in NRS 465.094, a person, alone or with others, shall not knowingly:

(a) From within this state, place, send, transmit or relay through a medium of communication a wager to another person or an establishment that is located within or outside of this state; or

(b) From outside of this state, place, send, transmit or relay through a medium of communication a wager to another person or an establishment that is located within this state.

2. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Added to NRS by 1997, 3319)

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Is the LUXOR spreading a NL game? In my recollection, it was only limit available, and that poker room was incredibly small (maybe 5-6 tables). In any case, back to writergirl -- is this foray into poker part of something you're writing about? I think the majority of the "new generation" of players spent plenty of time online with play money before ever putting money on the line.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Last time I checked Excalibur still had a $1-$3 spread limit game going. If so I strongly recommend you start there.

The game is so soft it's ridiculous; a couple of years ago I played there a few times with my legally blind wife (who can see her own cards ... kind of ... but can't see the board) so she at least could get a feel for what I'm hooked on - and she made consistently money ... [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
Is the LUXOR spreading a NL game?

[/ QUOTE ]

yes

Re: I\'m new to...
 

You might also want to think about trying some NL tournaments. They are fun, and you limit your $$ exposure to the entry fee. If you want action like TV, this is the way to go.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

I don't know. Lots of great advice here. But I'm just wondering if I'm the only one who's been stacked by someones girlfriend stopping by the homegame even though she's never seen a hand of HE in her life (this is certainly not sex-specific).
I say you go in blind and see what happens. I've always wanted to put a 100% novice at a casino table and watch the fireworks.

(Totally kidding, listen to these guys)

P.S.- Greetings all, been stalking the forums for a while and look forward to interacting more.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

My advice:

Skip the books and get in there and play. Take $50 shots. If you lose, take a walk and think things over--then try again a couple of hours later.

If you go broke four times straight, you've still got $800. At that point you can regroup--try a different game or give it up with most of your BR in tact.

Not everybody wins at this game--it's hard.

I've left Vegas broke more times than I can count, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. That being said, I just got to Vegas yesterday. Haven't been here in five years. Been everywhere else in the country, but this is the first time I've had the urge to come back since Becky had the WSOP.

Good luck.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

In addition to the advice given already I would add that you should visit the "Books & Publications" forum here.

You're name is "writergirl," you're moving to Las Vegas for the summer and want to play a game you've never played previously and start doing so in the gambling capital of the world.

My BIG question:

I would guess you plan on writing some kind of story/article/script about this.
Is this so? Do you have an angle already? Do you have some type of expose in mind? Etc., etc.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
My advice:

Skip the books and get in there and play. Take $50 shots.

[/ QUOTE ].

[ QUOTE ]

I've left Vegas broke more times than I can count, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

[/ QUOTE ]

LOL

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
My advice:

Skip the books and get in there and play. Take $50 shots. If you lose, take a walk and think things over--then try again a couple of hours later.

If you go broke four times straight, you've still got $800. At that point you can regroup--try a different game or give it up with most of your BR in tact.

Not everybody wins at this game--it's hard.

I've left Vegas broke more times than I can count, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. That being said, I just got to Vegas yesterday. Haven't been here in five years. Been everywhere else in the country, but this is the first time I've had the urge to come back since Becky had the WSOP.

Good luck.

[/ QUOTE ]

You do know this is 2+2 right? Home of GOOD advice? Then why are you giving such bad recommendations?

1) Read Ed Miller's Getting Started in Hold'em. Its the best and easiest book to read to get you started

2) Learn online. You can play thousands of hands to learn the feel of the table in the time frame it will take you to play 100 live. I play live all the time, but its not the best place to learn. Another option is using simulators like Poker Academy which uses artificial UI (ignore the advice they give on how to play your hand, its sub-optimal). You can get the software here.

3) Visit the micro and small stakes strategy forums here on the 2+2 , read each hand history and you will learn how to avoid some of the biggest traps and maximize your expected value very fast.

Good luck. We were all beginners once but take it from someone who has been there, the best way to learn now a days is on your computer.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I was recently referred to this site by a friend and have been reading most of your interesting posts since. I'm going to be spending this summer in LV. I'm flying out there this Saturday. I'm new to poker and hope to play live while I'm there. My poker budget is only $1000. What advice would you give this humbled novice? I did some little research and Luxor seems to be the only casino that fits my budget in terms of bankroll but also the concensus here is that it's one of the worst rooms. Any advice appreciated.

Edited to add:

BTW, I don't have any live/online experience and I'm interested in NL.

[/ QUOTE ]

BTW, where are you staying? Alot of the locals off-strip casinos have attractive low-limit options.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'll be staying right across from the Hard Rock Casino.

[/ QUOTE ] So you are looking for something like 2/4 with 1k bankroll. Play at Southpoint(not to rough), Sahara had a 2/4 game going on. Also try Mandalay Bay.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Thank you for stomping on Red Stine's (insert adverse adjectives of choice) advice.

The good news is that Luxor gets you the low buy in NL you need. People argue that it isn't "real" NL because the stack sizes impacts how people play. It does and that also means the books you read about NL will not completely prepare you for that game.

However, Small Stakes Hold'em (SSHE) was written for the 1-3 spread game at the Excal and the 2-4 to 4-8 games from Mandalay Bay to MGM. That book directly and immediately applies to the game in front of you. This is why I say, start there, and if you up your bankroll by winning at those games, then start taking shots with other people's $ at Luxor 50.

The good news is at either game, you will be up against at least a few players who believe in the Red Stine school of learning.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
Thank you for stomping on Red Stine's (insert adverse adjectives of choice) advice.

The good news is that Luxor gets you the low buy in NL you need. People argue that it isn't "real" NL because the stack sizes impacts how people play. It does and that also means the books you read about NL will not completely prepare you for that game.

However, Small Stakes Hold'em (SSHE) was written for the 1-3 spread game at the Excal and the 2-4 to 4-8 games from Mandalay Bay to MGM. That book directly and immediately applies to the game in front of you. This is why I say, start there, and if you up your bankroll by winning at those games, then start taking shots with other people's $ at Luxor 50.

The good news is at either game, you will be up against at least a few players who believe in the Red Stine school of learning.

[/ QUOTE ]

Prior to Small Stakes Hold'em, she really should read Getting Started in Hold'em... its for absolute beginners like her and also is a mix between limit and NL so she can decide what she likes best.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Just a quick note to those who think I gave bad advice--you're all wrong.

Writergirl (assuming she is actually a girl and not a troll) came to Vegas to play--not visit the library or play online.

And whoever said the computer is the best teacher is a moron. You're missing two very important elements on the computer--sight and sound. Playing live you listen to people and watch them. Try doing that online. We're talkin about real poker here--not that phony (illegal) Internet crap.

To win live you have to play live. Experience is the best teacher.

But of course don't listen to me. Listen to everyone else here. 2+2 houses the largest group of 16 year old winners (who never lose) on the planet.

You wanna learn to play live? Get some experience and play live. Take small shots. Keep trying. Think about the game.

I fully expect this post to be deleted as are all posts that go against the sacrosanct 2+2 philosophy. That's what happens when they make kids with huge egos moderators.

Do YOU see why?

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Stine has got to be a troll poster.

I mostly play live, and I can tell you that if you can win at low online limits, you will absolutely crush most B&M games all the way to 5-10NL.

Read SSHE and learn from the included starting hands table. One thorough read, and some discipline, will give you enough on an edge for those soft live games.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
Just a quick note to those who think I gave bad advice--you're all wrong.

Writergirl (assuming she is actually a girl and not a troll) came to Vegas to play--not visit the library or play online.

And whoever said the computer is the best teacher is a moron. You're missing two very important elements on the computer--sight and sound. Playing live you listen to people and watch them. Try doing that online. We're talkin about real poker here--not that phony (illegal) Internet crap.

To win live you have to play live. Experience is the best teacher.

But of course don't listen to me. Listen to everyone else here. 2+2 houses the largest group of 16 year old winners (who never lose) on the planet.

You wanna learn to play live? Get some experience and play live. Take small shots. Keep trying. Think about the game.

I fully expect this post to be deleted as are all posts that go against the sacrosanct 2+2 philosophy. That's what happens when they make kids with huge egos moderators.

Do YOU see why?

[/ QUOTE ]

Red Stine - I'm nearly 40 years old, the one who outed you for giving bad advice, AND I'm also the moderator of the B&M forum. Last year my income from poker nearly matched my 6 figure income from my job. I've grinded my way up from .50/1 games online to taking stabs at 100/200 games live, and back down to the middle limits where I am playing now. Obviously I don't fit your stereotype profile of the moderators who are trying to stifle your free speech of anti-2+2 philosophy. At the same time I also protect the 2+2 philosophy of insuring a quality learning experience, and I'll always out anyone who provides advice to the contrary. Ignore books? Take $50 shots and be prepared to lose? Computer poker is not poker? LOL.... tell that to Doyle Brunson who spends more time playing online 1k/2k lately than he does live. The vast majority of sucessful players on this site don't agree with you that she should "ignore books", its obvious that doesn't sit with you well but to inflict that poor advice on a new player is just plain wrong.

We don't delete posts like yours, we encourage users show them for what they truly are - bad advice. We delete trolling posts, trolling includes arguing your point by making abusive remarks. Trolling is magnified when your giving bad advice, as you did. so let it be a warning to you - lay off the trolling when someone outs you for giving bad advice. We wont delete the post (unless its absolutely vile and offensive), but you will get your rights to post here removed if you are abusive and continue to troll.

[ QUOTE ]
But of course don't listen to me. Listen to everyone else here. 2+2 houses the largest group of 16 year old winners (who never lose) on the planet

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds like your bitter. If you don't like those "16 year olds" that are making positive EV decisions which help them win significantly more than you, then why do you bother visiting this site? Your logic is flawed.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Think we all agree that this guy's advice isn't good. About the only valid thing that has a bit of weight that he said was if you want to learn to play live, then play live. This is true but why not practice and read a bit first? You'll go in better prepared and less likely to lose a lot of money and come away with your first poker experience as probably more positive & fun one.

I totally forgot about Getting Started in HE as a read. Good choice before SSHE.

I'm 43 BTW and you can learn from anyone at any age.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
My advice:

Skip the books and get in there and play. Take $50 shots. If you lose, take a walk and think things over--then try again a couple of hours later.

If you go broke four times straight, you've still got $800. At that point you can regroup--try a different game or give it up with most of your BR in tact.

Not everybody wins at this game--it's hard.

I've left Vegas broke more times than I can count, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. That being said, I just got to Vegas yesterday. Haven't been here in five years. Been everywhere else in the country, but this is the first time I've had the urge to come back since Becky had the WSOP.

Good luck.

[/ QUOTE ] Wow this is some sore advice. No wonder why I see the complaints. She's new man. Think you should follow all the advice but the one above Writer girl. I read your post once more and I think you should try Limit Hold'em most likely 2/4 before you play around with NL. I first played in the Aladdin and met a nice pit boss who played for a living and he did NOT recommend 1/2 NL for my first try. Im also not a 16yr old player and I don't give people advice like that. On this site I was encouraged to read over and over again. I didn't want to and thought that Theory of Poker was all I needed. There are so many books(even beginner books on this forum) that'll help you become a better player. To be honest with you the way the books(Good books now) are written they'll help you think more in different situations. Nothing wrong reading on your trip over to Vegas. You can finish Hold'em Poker by Sklansky in a couple of hours. Its a beginner's book and helped me out. Also don't have some misconception or bad dream that you are going to live in Vegas for a while and become rich with only $1,000. Poker takes time and you'll get a bad experience finding out what Tilt is. Save your money and have fun. Go to Jet. Nice club. Dam I miss Vegas. Think Im going to go in July again.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

If I had to recommend you buying one book to get what you could out of in three days, it would be 'Getting Started in Hold'em' by Ed Miller. It gives a good basic view of both Limit and No-Limit Hold'em, and will give you enough info over the next three days to at least cut your losses.

I would also recommend playing limit, as opposed to NL. If you are like me, and go to casinos to have fun at a poker table, limit is much more of a social game. In NL, even (especially?) at 1/2, you get more of the Bill Fillmaff types, who take the game (and themselves) WAY too seriously. Plus, being a woman, you'll of course have to deal with a lot more of the male chauvinism on a 1/2 NL table than on a 2/4 - 4/8 Limit table.

Re: I\'m new to...
 

Thank you all for all your input. I'm heading over to Barnes & Noble to pick up the recommended books. I won't play until I'm done reading.

Thx

Re: I\'m new to...
 

[ QUOTE ]
Thank you all for all your input. I'm heading over to Barnes & Noble to pick up the recommended books. I won't play until I'm done reading.

Thx

[/ QUOTE ] Go to Borders. They have better discounts. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]