How can I play Texas Hold 'Em at the casino without making a fool out of myself?

I know the rules of Texas Hold 'Em, and I'm actually pretty good at the game. I've played both online and with buddies, but never in the casino. I stick with the slot machines because I am too intimidated to play at the tables.

Any tips for a beginner? 10 points for the best answer! :)

There's a very simple answer to this:

Find a casino that gives lessons. If you're coming to Vegas, many of the casinos offer free lessons, and I'm sure other casinos around the country offer them as well. Most lessons end with a small stakes game for all the people who sat in on them. Everyone at the table will either be a beginning player, or a beginner to live casino play, so you will have nothing to be embarrassed about if you make a silly mistake. After this, you'll have no problem sitting in on a regular game.

Good luck and have fun.

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February 13 2009 03:38 pm | texas hold em

9 Responses to “How can I play Texas Hold 'Em at the casino without making a fool out of myself?”

  1. agentmuffinman Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    This happened to me, the trick is to start at small stakes tables. Remember that not everyone at the casino is a professional. All the professionals hang out at the high stakes table. You just need to start at the low amounts and eventually work yourself up.
    References :

  2. sincity usa Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    I can tell you that i am the most shy person you will ever see, but i deal poker for a living and i play at the tables as much as i can. I do this because it is good to get out and get over your fears in life. I know when i first started i thought i could not stand being around so many people who were so much better then me, and who had more time at the tables then me. I then realized that i was a better player then most of these guys, and i quickly got over my fear of them. So just do your best and go for it, don't ever let fear hold you back, ever. good luck.
    References :

  3. Vegas Matt Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 9:42 pm

    There's a very simple answer to this:

    Find a casino that gives lessons. If you're coming to Vegas, many of the casinos offer free lessons, and I'm sure other casinos around the country offer them as well. Most lessons end with a small stakes game for all the people who sat in on them. Everyone at the table will either be a beginning player, or a beginner to live casino play, so you will have nothing to be embarrassed about if you make a silly mistake. After this, you'll have no problem sitting in on a regular game.

    Good luck and have fun.
    References :

  4. ownabeaner Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 10:11 pm

    by not asking questions like this on the internet
    References :

  5. pokercoach Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 10:46 pm

    Don't be intimidated, just play the game. The chance are, you might not be the only one at the table who feel that way. Enjoy your time at the table, focus an your game, and play your best. You won't make a fool out of yourself, you don't have to prove anything to the other players, like I said enjoy, play good, and if make a mistake….So what! It's your money on the table, you can act the way you want, and just because of that I personally give respect to anybody who sit at the poker table.

    Take care, have fun and good luck.

    For few tips log on to my site.
    References :
    http://pokercoach.tripod.com/

  6. foofoo Says:
    February 13th, 2009 at 11:20 pm

    Save your money. Play online at the free sites like Yahoo Games. The games are generally bad ones because you have to pay an anti and you have to pay a hefty percentage of the pots that you win also.
    References :

  7. Tank 64 Says:
    February 14th, 2009 at 12:00 am

    Try to find a local game first.

    Lots of small town VFW halls and Lion's Clubs will put on inexpensive tourneys; it's a good way to expand your game a little without putting your bankroll at risk.

    Then, once you have the feel of playing against people you don't borrow lawn care equipment (or beer money) from, you'll be ready to try the small stakes tables (or medium stakes tournaments) at a casino!
    References :

  8. Steve B Says:
    February 14th, 2009 at 12:45 am

    If you know the rules, you will absolutely not make a fool of yourself. It may be a little nerve-racking at first, but you'll get over that in about 5 minutes. If you play small stakes (4-8 limit or below, 1-2 no limit), no one should make you nervous. If for some reason they berate you, they are way out of line because the stakes are small and that level game is intended to be fun.

    Bottom line, just jump in there. You can always get up and leave if you don't like it. There is no obligation to play for a certain amount of time.
    References :

  9. jamie B Says:
    February 14th, 2009 at 1:01 am

    Just jump in! Find a limit or low buy-in tourney that you are comfortable with and give it a try. Ask lots of questions at the check in desk, it's what they're there for. Ask the dealer lots of questions. Don't be afraid to make a fool out of yourself! There are two good reasons for this:

    1. There is probably somebody else at the table who is wondering the same thing,

    2. If everybody at the table thinks you have no idea what you're doing you have them right where you want them.

    Good luck!
    References :

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