Your First Visit to a Real
Cardroom
written by BeatTheFish.com
 ...Fishy
says, "Don't be intimidated - just be informed before your first
visit."
With online poker becoming so prevalent,
many players are exposed exclusively to it, never touching real felt
and clay at a cardroom. Because many players are choosing to try out
brick-and-mortar poker for the first time, here are some
tips that should make your playing experience more enjoyable and
make you more comfortable.
Especially during peak hours, many
tables at cardrooms are usually filled up when you get there. You
can call ahead to the poker room before you arrive, if you wish, and
find out what games they have going to give you an idea of what's
available. Once you
arrive, there will be a designated floorperson available to answer
questions and help to direct you. Let them know your name, what
table you'd like to play at, and that you'd like to join the waiting
list if necessary. Ask them if you buy in your chips with them or at
the table.
Once you get a seat at the table and
have your chips in front of you, you will likely be a ball of
nerves. That's okay and that's completely natural. You can even
announce to the dealer and the rest of the table that it's your
first time. They'll probably be pretty nice to you, and they'll
probably call you down more when you bet. Use it to your advantage.
Hopefully you'll be able to settle down once you've played a few
hands. Remember to announce your betting actions out loud to avoid
any confusion. Never play out of turn, either. Wait until it's your
turn to act before betting or folding. This is very important.
You've seen them do it on TV, and you
should probably do it, too. You need to keep a poker face. Don't
give away your actions and don't exaggerate with any action. Unless
you're experienced at trying to mislead your opponent, don't try it.
Play a solid game. You're new to the
players at your table so you don't have much of a table image. Use
that to your advantage and play the best poker you can. Let them try
to bluff you when you're holding the nuts.
Enjoy your first game at a real cardroom,
and hopefully you'll leave a winner and want to come back for
another session. Because it's your first time, you especially may
want to consider setting a stop-loss limit if things are not going
your way.
Back to
General Poker
Strategy
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