Questions about Vegas Poker "logistics"

[cjk73]

Tried a few searches but don't really know what semantics to search on...

Live in Jersey and play 1/2 NL fairly regulary in AC but will be heading off to Vegas for a four day weekend in a few weeks and have never played poker there(Was there one time previous in my Blackjack days).

I've read tons on here about WHERE to play so my questions are more focused on the "logistics" of play in Vegas, if different from AC, so...

Are chips purchased at the cage or table for initial buy-in?

I have heard comments about "chip-runners" (doesnt exist in AC, to my knowledge anyway). When would you buy chips from a runner and if you do, what is an appropriate tip?

Should the Podium be tipped? When, sign-up or upon seating?

Regarding posting...the posting rule varies from hotel to hotel in AC, is posting always required or do you get the to play without posting when first entering the game? Or does it just vary by card-room?

Finally, I've seen a references to "must-move" tables on this site and am not familiar as to what it is. I don't think such a thing exists in AC (at least at 1/2 NL). Can someone explain what it is and if it matters to a 1/2 NL player.

Any feedback is much appreciated. I figured it best to get this info down before I get there to a) avoid looking like a donk, and b) avoid slowing down the game with silly things. I know some of this is probably silly but I have never played B&M outside of AC....

[SellingtheDrama]

Generally in my experience, Vegas chips are purchased from a chip runner - at the table for your perspective. They don't have chip racks ala AC there. I generally tipped the runner a buck.

There is a chip runner in AC btw - Borgata keeps one in the HL area on weekends at a minimum.

Must move means there are 2+ tables of a game. The must-move table is the protection table for the main games - if someone leaves the main games (non must move), the new player at that table is whoever has been at the must-move the longest. Anyone entering the game starts at the must-move, moves up through that list, and then enters a main game. Must move can play shorthanded.

[jeffnc]

I like to get my own chips basically because I don't like to tip. Tip the chip runner if they get your chips. The floor managers don't get that many tips, but then they usually just take your name and tell you where to sit. Where tipping them comes in handy is if you want a table change, or special request for a table. Such requests can be +EV, so tip them to assure prompt service. I suggest $5, others might have other opinions.

"Must move" is to keep at least one table full. If they let people just come and go and sit where they please, they could end up with 2 6 player tables. Some players really don't like that. So play at a must move table if the potential of short handed play is OK to you. If it's not though, you can always excuse yourself for awhile if it gets short.

[johnnyrocket]

yea get ur own chips

[Mike Gallo]

I just returned from a trip to Vegas, so I will attempt to help. I play in Atlantic City, so I know what you mean about the differences.

Are chips purchased at the cage or table for initial buy-in?

You will need to buy your chips from the cashier or the person who seats you. They do not have cages in Las Vegas. This surprised me as well.

When would you buy chips from a runner and if you do, what is an appropriate tip?

When the floorperson seats you, he or she will ask how much your are buying in for. I tipped a dollar to the chip runner.

Regarding posting...the posting rule varies from hotel to hotel in AC, is posting always required or do you get the to play without posting when first entering the game? Or does it just vary by card-room?

I play limit, so I had to post. I do not know if the same applies to no-limit games.

Finally, I've seen a references to "must-move" tables on this site and am not familiar as to what it is. I don't think such a thing exists in AC (at least at 1/2 NL). Can someone explain what it is and if it matters to a 1/2 NL player.

They have must move games in AC. If a casino has a main games going, they will sometime start a new game and consider it a "must move" game. As players leave the main game the floor will filter new players into the main game from the must move game.

Good luck and post a report.

[cjk73]

Thanks, very helpful information!

[MelloAceCV]

Posting when you sit down varies by casino for no limit. Most rooms I have played do not require you to post.

[bav]

Posting varies by casino in limit games, too. Some don't require you post to sit at any game, some demand you post at every game. Some let you buy the button, some don't. And some, like Monte Carlo, let you pay to buy the button but then don't give it to you...you can't actually buy the button but they'll let you pay your money as if you can.

Every poker room has chips at the desk or cashier. Small places tend to have a single desk that has everything and they'll ask you to buy your chips at the time they tell you where to sit--examples include Harrah's, IP, and Paris. Others have chip runners or you can always go to the cashier and buy chips yourself--examples of these are Mirage, Bellagio, Wynn, and Venetian.

What's this about Vegas poker rooms not having cages? Just because it isn't enclosed in bars or 1.5" lexan doesn't mean it isn't a cage. And at Venetian, it really is a cage with iron bars.

[Mike Gallo]

What's this about Vegas poker rooms not having cages? Just because it isn't enclosed in bars or 1.5" lexan doesn't mean it isn't a cage.

I really can't explain this.

I agree, by industry standard the casinos call it a cage.

Still a different experience for me.