Going to B&M for the first time

[snl19]

I'm going to the Atlantis casino in the Bahamas and I have a few questions about live poker.

1. What do I do when I walk in? Do I have to sign up for a table to play, or do I just go sit down if I see an open seat?

2. What's "chopping" when talking about play folding to the blinds preflop? Does the player next to you ask you beforehand if you would like to chop in this situation every time? (I'm pretty sure this has something to do with the rake taken from every pot regardless of if a flop is seen or not)

3. I give the dealer at the table cash and get chips from him/her, right? I'm assuming they accept US dollars, their currency has a 1-1 exchange rate so I would be surprised if they didn't.

Any other tips/advice? I just want to know what I'm up against as I haven't been to a casino before, and have just been playing online since I started playing poker. (The other -EV games at casinos never really attracted me [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img])

[Basilvdk]

1) There is some sort of sign up board to get a table, you cannot just sit down. If you don't see the board, speak to a floorperson who can direct you.

2) Generally, if it is folded around to the small blind, the small blind will ask the big blind to chop. Experienced players usually do this, but a lot of novices will not. Do not look at your cards before offering/accepting a chop. It is generally considered bad form. Also, if you notice the other person looking at the cards first, you may not wish to offer the chop, but it's up to you. I always do myself, but often it is not accepted.

3) Each casino will be a little different. Often there is a cage where you can buy chips, or runners who will change your cash for you [tip the runner]. You may have the option of buying in at the table, but especially for time games this is not the ideal situation as it delays the game. Instead, get the chips yourself.

As for the currency issue, I have no idea. I've never had that experience before.

[aargh57]

Also, take a look at the B&M sub forum stickies. It will give you some info about commonly asked stuff.

[Basilvdk]

Actually, something just occurred to me: I don't think the Atlantis has poker.

[formula72]

Not that I know of

[Acein8ter]

If your not used to playing with chips and want to raise, say raise and name the amount. Then assemble your chips and push them in at one time.

I see a lot of newer people make 'string' bets at the tables. It's where you push some of your chips in, then try to add more. Like if you want to raise to $50. You put $30 in first, then another $20. They will not allow you to do this...

[kabouter]

Or slowly letting the chips fall, just stack them behind the line, and push them all over at once. Some dealers are very strict about this [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img].

[H0neyM0nster]

Don't be all shy and quiet by not saying 'raise' and instead put in one chip of a high value - believing that this shows you are raising. If you haven't said it is a raise - it will be taken as a call.

To avoid looking like a novice - Have a think, wait for your turn, then clearly announce what you intend to do - then do it.

[kabouter]

And keep your pokerstars tshirt at home [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[mutiger91]

The string bet and the one chip call when you mean to raise are definitely the biggest errors new players make. I have lost money both ways.

You also want to protect your cards with a chip so that your hand isn't mucked accidentaly.

The only other thing I can think of that you really need to know is that your verbal announcement of your intentions is binding. Don't call out of turn and don't even think about making a joke about folding. (Saw a guy's hand folded once in a 2000 chip tournament pot when his opponent went all-in for his last 50 and he made a stupid joke.)

An anecdote about acting in turn: Someone I know was in a hand. He pushed all-in. Internet player declared a call out of turn (maybe to discourage a call from the player between). When the middle player called, the internet player mucked. His hand is now dead, but the first all-in player pointed out that his call was binding and he should have to put the money in the pot. In fact, that is what the floor ruled.

This may seem unfair, but by declaring his intention, he got a much better read on the strength of the middle player's hand. He then tried to use that information to save him a call.

The bottom line is that there are no check-boxes for call/raise at a live table. Wait until the action is to you and then make your decisions.