Poker for the extreme novice

[boxcars]

OK everyone... I need some advice.

My handle is "boxcars" as you know. This is because craps is my favorite game. Second is Pai Gow, followed by Black Jack, then Baccarat.

Now it's time to explore other options.

I want to break into poker but I am timid about it. Quite frankly... feel I could be a total idiot in front of those who know how to play.

I'm staying downtown for five nights at the end of the month, and will have lots of free time. I want to sit down and play poker.

Questions:

1. Are there poker lessons downtown?

2. What game is best for me? No-limit or limit? ...I don't want to get wiped out. I'm not a big roller by any means, but like to have enough to play with too.

3. Do I play with my own chips, or do they give you a set amount of chips for a buy-in?

I know... dumb questions! But... If you can help me, I'd sure appreciate it!

-boxcars

[RossW]

I remembered seeing something about poker lessons at the Palms.

http://www.palms.com/html/images/promotions/promotion12.jpg

check the What New link and then click Promotions

RossW

[HurricaneMikey]

Boxcars...start with limit poker. You'll get wiped out in no-limit in no-time. I believe that the Nugget offers lessons in their room, as does the Praza. Of course, the lessons are generally early in the day when they have open tables.

Mikey

[CAP]

Boxcars, I would go to the Excalibur and take their free poker lesson. MY wife did this last year and she enjoyed it but it was probably a little too simple for her. She already knew the basics, but felt a little uncomfortable in a live setting as opposed to online. They go over the very basics of the game, so this may be exactly what your looking for.

After the lesson they let everyone play a few hands of low stakes poker with your fellow students. But be warned,after the lesson they open up the table to anyone and I literally saw people lining up to get a shot at the newbies. They reminded me of a bunch of vultures circling over a dead animal.

I think the lesson starts at 2PM but you may want to double check that.

[ January 11, 2005, 10:43 AM: Message edited by: CAP ]

[boxcars]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I'm looking forward to checking it out. I may have to check out the Palms and Excalibur, and of course lessons downtown.

Guess I'll stick to "low-limit" and stay away from no-limit!

[blackjack]

Orleans & Monte Carlo have 2/4 hold'em & Mirage starts at 3/6. We played at Orleans last year & had fun. 3 of us got on the same table & bought in for $100.00 each. We all played about 4 hours on the 100. Friends lost their Ben & I broke even thanks to a great start. It was a mix of tourists & locals but I didn't feel any pressure or anxiety (it was my 1st time playing in a poker room). The drink service was excellent (a little too good ;) ). After a couple of hours, I was staying in hands that I had no business staying in. Good thing I got off to a good start cause I was a fool after a dozen or so Dos Equis. Live & learn smile.gif .

[HurricaneMikey]

Follow this link (http://lvtalk.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=130&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=) for a complete rundown of everything you need to know before you play live poker in a casino.

Mikey

[kitson]

wow, that is a fantastic link, thanks!

[boxcars]

Mikey, Excellent link. Thanks a lot!

[Jer]

Wow, what a link....

Excellent advice so far for you as well!