Your First Trip to a Casino Poker Room: How to Conduct Yourself and What to Expect

I'll never forget it. In fact, it seems just like yesterday. It was September of 2003. I was in Davenport, Iowa visiting my brother whom worked for a local casino there. While in Davenport, I went to the Isle of Capri casino to play poker for the first time for money. They had a small, smoky poker room and I had at least an hour wait to get in a 4-8 limit hold 'em game. I saw down with about $80, which I thought was a lot of money at the time. I hopped right into the big blind and didn't even know I was required to post $4 right off the bat. I did and then was dealt Q-7 my very first hand. I took down the pot with a bluff and then flipped it over and showed it proudly. It felt so good because my goal was to bluff someone out of a pot early on. I didn't win another hand that day and busted an hour or so later.

Hopefully your first crack at a poker game in a casino will go better, but don't focus on winning and losing. Focus on gaining experience and becoming comfortable sitting at a poker table. It can be a bit intimidating for the noob. So here is some great advice to help calm your nerves and make your first trip to a casino poker room a successful one.

How to Conduct Yourself

First off, never let anyone know it's your first time playing. Any time I know someone is new to the game, I take advantage of them. Act like you've been there many times. Don't ask what blinds are. Don't constantly ask if it's your turn or how much the bet is. This will set off the "he's a donkey" alarm to the good players. Know what the blinds are and when to bet prior to joining the game. If it's a $1-$2 no-limit game, the blinds are $2 for the big blind and $1 for the small blind. Those in the blind are the 2 players directly to the left of the button. The bet is on you when all players to your right have acted. Pay attention to what the players before you have bet so you aren't acting clueless when the action is on you.

What You Should Expect

Unfortunately, you should expect to lose on your first trip. If you get lucky and hit some hands, that's great. Just don't expect it. Use your first few trips as a way to gain some experience. Don't focus on winning and losing. Get comfortable playing at a casino and work on improving your game. If you do those things, you will start winning before long.