Poker Tounaments

[Digger]

Thinking of trying one of the daily Hold-em FreezeOut Poker Tournaments at either the Mandalay Bay ($30 in) or the Luxor ($25 in). I have never played a poker tournament. I like the idea, being a beginner, of having a "fixed" amount that I can lose. Quetions:

1) The tournaments are at 10am and noon respectively. Can you reserve your slot ahead of time or do you have to show up early the same day to get a seat? If so, how earlier will I need to be there?
2) Does anyone know how many chips they issue you?
3) Are there any published "rules" (including betting)?
4) Anything else I should know.

Thanks much!

[puttputtfc]

1) Same day. I showed up two hours before the tourney and got a seat, no problem. I have played in both before.

2) I believe you get $300 in chips but they are not rel value obviously. For $3 more you get an extra $75 in chips and the money goes straight to the dealers.

3) Both tourneys are limit for the first hour and then they go no limit. The blind and betting minimums move fast so if you have a great hand play it aggressively. The blinds start at 15-30.

4) These are safe tourneys to enter as the play is not as good as Orleans, Mirage, or Bellagio tourneys. The dealers will make some mistakes so keep your eyes out. If you do good in the tourney they are more than happy to hand out a buffet or coffee shop comp. That's a good thing as Raffles is way above most coffee shops.

One final bit of advice. You are playing so you will lose a "fixed" amount. That's BS and don't bother playing with that attitude. If I can win the first public tourney I entered (at Luxor), I know you can as well. Take it to them Digger, I'll be rooting for you.