First Live Experience--Any Pointers?

[samsonite2100]

I'm going to Vegas this weekend for two days of drinking, eating and poker. Although I've technically played live before, it was about 3 AM and I was wasted, and wasn't taking it seriously. This time, I'm going to play (relatively) soberly.

I've already searched B & M quite a bit, and am not asking for standard stuff like "where should I play," "how much should I tip," etc. I guess I'm looking for more random stuff, live pointers, things you wish you'd known before your first live session--really, anything that might help a humble low-stakes NL player have a better/more profitable/more interesting time in Vegas would be welcome. Thanks!

[BetweenTheBars]

Click on the B&M Newbie Guide V. 4 on the main B&M post page.

[Aces_up_North]

1/2 in Vegas can either be profitable or kill your roll. Play smart heads up poker and you should be fine. Best 1/2 in town is MGM, but I also found the 1/2 at Binions to be very good, get the mix of old farts and tourists. Just wanting to dump there money so they can say "I played where poker was made famous!"

As far as live tips, don't be so eager when you first sit down to play hands. Get a feel for the table and get comfortable with yourself. let the donks make the moves and pad your stack

[RobTheDuck]

All of these observations are based on my experience in Atlantic City (I've never been to Vegas):

Play ABC poker.

Don't get Fancy Play Syndrome.

Value bet, value bet, value bet.

Bluff little to none.

Play low limits.
No matter what stakes you want to eventually play, or are rolled for, start playing at the lowest stakes possible. This prevents you from blowing your roll making learner's mistakes.

Learn from your mistakes.
I'm sure you'll bet/check/fold out of turn a few times. Move on and try not to do it again.

Verbally declare what you want to do.
Say "check," "call," or "raise." If you are first in a pot, say the amount. This keeps confusion about bet sizes to a minimum.

Don't try to pick up on tells.
You have enough to worry about during your first time playing live - don't even bother trying to look for tells.

HAVE FUN!
Don't take yourself too seriously. Leave the iPod and sunglasses at home. Understand that there is a learning curve learning to play live.

[SplawnDarts]

RobTheDuck's mostly right, but I disagree on two points.

1) Bluffing in moderation is OK, but one barrel only!!!! C-bet OK. Massive "I've got a boat" turn/river bluff NOT OK.

2) Why not look for tells. It's where all the money is in NL, so you might as well get started.

[Brad1970]

Be cordial to everyone at the table. You'd be amazed at how a little decency towards everyone else will be appreciated. You go in there with an attitude (not saying you would...) & you'll wind up a target for the whole table.

Always chop. Always. Even if you have pocket A's.

Don't drink too much while playing. Nobody likes dealing with a drunk.

Be sure & tip the dealers & waitresses. Even if it is only a buck.

Be sure to protect you hand at all times.

Don't broadcast to the whole room that you are new to live poker (see last part of comment #1), act like you belong there, & have fun.

[SplawnDarts]

[ QUOTE ]

Always chop. Always. Even if you have pocket A's.


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F'n bull. Where's it written you can't play out of the blinds? In California, with the bizarre drop, sure, but Vegas?

[Richard Tanner]

Remember to yell "Habachi" or something when you win a pot, the people around you will find it hilarious.

Also, if you want a count of the pot, don't ask the dealer, just reach in and grab the chips and count yourself, it'll speed up the game.

Oh, and this is a big one, no matter how much of a lock your hand is, always insist the other guy turn his over first, you paid for that info, and you deserve it. If he protests, just tell him that.

[img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Have fun, and good luck. Make sure to come back and write a good trip report.

Cody

[RobTheDuck]

[ QUOTE ]
1) Bluffing in moderation is OK, but one barrel only!!!! C-bet OK. Massive "I've got a boat" turn/river bluff NOT OK.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't count c-bets as bluffs, they are okay. 2-barrel bluffs with air are definately a no-no.

[ QUOTE ]
2) Why not look for tells. It's where all the money is in NL, so you might as well get started.

[/ QUOTE ]

I stand by my original statement. I think there is way to much to see and hear and learn on your first trip. Save looking for live tells for trip #3 or 4.

[ungarop]

[ QUOTE ]
Best 1/2 in town is at any casino that spreads 1/2, but I also found the 1/2 at Binions to be very good, get the mix of old farts and tourists.

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