Top 12 Beginner's Tips for Live Casino Poker

A Crash Course for Public Poker Room Newcomers

You're a recreational poker player, usually found in basements or kitchens, occasionally participating in Elks or Kiwanis tournaments, or even playing in school. The thought of stepping into casinos or public poker rooms might intimidate you, but perhaps you'd like to give it a try, especially if your friends go there. This article provides essential tips to help you fit in and feel at ease in a public poker room setting. While it won't teach you winning strategies, these 12 tips will prepare you to sit down confidently.

1. Don't Worry About Looking InexperiencedStarting somewhere is natural. Don't feel ashamed of being new to public poker rooms. Seasoned players understand this and are usually welcoming and forgiving of mistakes. Pay no heed to the few who may act rudely or condescending – they aren't worth your concern.

2. Handle Your Cards CarefullyPublic poker rooms have stricter card-handling rules to prevent cheating. Avoid holding your cards below the table or revealing them to other players. Practice a simple technique at home that allows you to view your cards discreetly without exposing them to opponents.

3. Act in TurnActing in turn is essential. Avoid jumping the gun and ensure you take your action when it's your turn. Don't make others ask, "Is it to me?" or "My turn?" The action moves clockwise, so follow it and act accordingly.

4. Don't Needlessly Delay the ActionWhen it's your turn, act promptly. Take your time for difficult decisions, but don't turn every hand into a lengthy ordeal. Focus on the game while you're in a hand, refraining from daydreaming, conversation, or phone use.

5. Don't Anticipate the ActionAvoid revealing your intentions before it's your turn. Don't count out your chips or hold your cards in a way that hints at folding. Such actions provide an advantage to attentive opponents.

6. Make Your Bet (or Raise) in One MotionPublic poker rooms don't allow "string bets." Decide your total bet amount before acting and announce it before making the motion. This approach ensures a fair and legal bet.

7. Don't Take Chips Off the TableIt's generally against casino rules to remove chips from the table unless your session is ending.

8. Ask Questions Outside of HandsFeel free to ask questions about poker room policies and procedures. However, avoid asking dealers during a hand. Wait until the hand is over or inquire with a floorperson or the poker room manager to minimize distractions.

9. Post Blinds PunctuallyIn games with blinds, post them on time. Delaying the action by not posting your blinds promptly can be frustrating to other players.

10. One Person to a HandYour hand and decisions are yours alone. Don't share your hand with friends or discuss your play with them while a hand is in progress.

11. Avoid Celebrating Your WinsWinning a hand is great, but don't draw attention to it by celebrating or discussing it at length. Keep the game moving smoothly.

12. Don't "Slow Roll"Avoid the inconsiderate practice of "slow rolling," where you dramatically reveal your hand to prolong the suspense. When it's your turn, show your cards without undue delay, whether you win or lose.

These 12 tips won't make you a poker pro, but they'll help you navigate public poker rooms comfortably and avoid annoying or embarrassing others as you learn the basics of the game.