Table Games Table newbie

So I've lost track of how many time I've gone to Vegas. And every time I go, I tell myself I'm going to play blackjack. Or roulette.

then I chicken out and play slots the whole time. I'm intimidated to play tables! I'm a 30 something female, who looks totally out of place and I'm too scared to sit down out of fear of slowing down the game or having some angry gambler on a losing streak wig out on me for making the wrong move (happened once at my local casino).

Do you have any suggestions? What kinds of tables should I be looking for that would help first time players? I don't mean the tutorials the casinos offers, I just want to play.

 

I suggest you sit down and play, everyone is nervous the first time, after a 1/2 hour most of that will be gone forever. You can certainly mention to the dealer that you are new and may need help - most will be happy to explain doubling splitting , etc as the options come up,

 

Is there a "slow" time for tables? I'm guessing mornings and afternoons like everything else. I know enough to look for a 3:2 table instead of a 6:5 but other than that, I don't know which tables are better than others.

 

i dont do blackjack as I cant seem to do much with it win or lose wise so I dont play that...but I understand in that game people do get upset if you hit wrong or dont ect...my reply to them if they get mad is "its my money to do what I want, mind your damn business"

I play roulette and basically I learned by going to the table and loosing money learning the game instead of observing or reading online about it...I was nervous but it goes away quick

most people at the tables are really friendly "except the older asians" not sure why though but I always help out people who want to learn or dont know everything about it

last week this guy came to the table and was talking about wanting to learn, said the slots were killing him and he wanted something new, so as I was playing I explained damn near everything you could about the game and shortly after he was playing, he shook my hand and said thanks for all the help

 

Look for a table with a dealer that you think will make you feel comfortable and a table minimum you want to play at. Best is to find a table maybe halfway or more through the shoe (Half the cards have been used already sitting in the discard box on the dealers right). Sit down and say I will wait for a new shoe, which means you will watch about 10 or so hands of everyone else playing

 

I think Roulette is a easier table game to approach compare to blackjack as your choice does not affect other players. Also, Pai-gow Poker is a really fun and slow pace game to play as well. Like roulette your decisions won't affect other player, so no angry players to deal with

 

Its always intimidating the first time you play at a table. Find a slow time to start is a good idea. I would suggest finding a table first thing in the morning, preferably a weekday if that coincides with your trip. Determine which game you want to try and see if you can find a table with nobody else playing. otherwise, look for a table will the crowd is cheering and happy 9so they will be more friendly). Then smile at the dealer, place your money on the felt and tell him or her its first time playing and don't be afraid to ask for help. The smiles and friendliness go a long way in making the dealer and everyone else feel comfortable. Have fun. You will enjoy it

 

Will you be out in July? haha. This is what I hope happens. I do the same thing on slots for people who look totally confused at the buttons. Gambling is supposed to be fun, but there are just so many people who ruin it.

Thanks all. I will get some liquid courage and try it out this time. if I can find a $5 table to start, that will be the hardest part.

 

If you're really anxious about tables, go downtown during the day. The tables are pretty quiet and it's very laid back at the $5 tables at Golden Gate.

 

I hardly ever play blackjack and because of that I've never bothered to really learn basic strategy.

But occasionally I get the urge, and when I do, I look for a table that doesn't look like a bunch of tight-lipped guys hanging on every card. Look for a table where there's a couple playing, or a solo woman.

Sidle in and when you buy in, look around and ask one of the players on either side of you if they'll coach you, basically tell you what to do. Along the way, they'll probably explain why.

I try to find a table with a woman, then watch to see if she's playing seriously, then buy in, slide her a green chip and ask her to be my coach. I never manage to retain the lesson though.

 

You're probably right. Downtown is a good idea for this. I'm just used to strip crowds and forget Freemont exists sometimes.

 

My first time, I was fortunate to find a good dealer that was extremely helpful.

As Uk says early morning /afternoon.
If you are not sure of a particular play just ask the dealer "what does the book say to do ?"
A good dealer will mention to any new players sitting down after you that you are a beginner.

At the end of the day it's your money!

 

I was in the same position you find yourself in except I wanted to find out what the fuss is about Craps which I think is a lot easier than blackjack. So, I bought a book or two and an app so I could get a basic understanding and feel for the game. I then went to a $5 table and took a spot next to one of the dealers and told her it was my first time. She promised to gentle and she kept her promise. After and hour or so, I was up $170 plus tips.

 

Actually, whichever trip you're planning to do this, you may want to send out a meetup request. I'm sure there are plenty of VMBers that would be happy to help show you the ropes. Through the years, I have shown several friends and a few VMBers how to play certain games. Might make it easier for you

 

Who cares what other people at the table say. Play what you want.
If you play something where your cards are always going to be YOUR cards, why should anyone say anything. Play 3 card poker or Pai Gow.
The dealer will help you set your cards if you like.

 

Well to be fair BJ Is a community game (we all want to leave the bust cards for the dealer)
But on a 6 deck shoe game?... anyone who gets mad at another player who isn"t drunk and splitting kings
Constantly...needs a nice hot cup of STFU


Look I go about every 6 weeks, as July gets closer? I'd be happy to take you to the $5 6:5 twbles at Monte Carlo
Because if you're buying in for $50-100 just to get your feet wet? 3:2 v. 6:5 isn't going to really be significant

 

i wish I would be out there in july, would be glad to help out, or if your ever in new orleans let me know...my trips to vegas for 2016 will include end of march, beginning of may, october and first week of november

 

I had a blast at the $3 bj table at the Cal.

 

If you want a game where you can feel comfortable, try Let It Ride. Very simple strategy (read up on it on the net) and also learn something about table rules (can read that here). People seem to root for each other and you are not playing against them or the dealer. Expect to lose many bets but when you hit a good payer, the money comes back quick. I have had many good sessions and met interesting people doing this game. I intend to introduce my wife to it a week or so from now as she is like you when it comes to table games.

 

If your looking to the feel of a table game, the easiest is baccarat. Find a mini table with a low min. bet. You place the bet on Banker or player, that's all you have to do. If its blackjack you want look for a low min. table where the dealer is just standing waiting for players and take a seat, tell him your a new player. If you do sit at a bj table with players try to get the first seat. Just about all bj players play with basic strategy, they play against the dealers up card not at what you do. So you in the first seat and you hit or don't the other players do what they do. Don't sit in the last seat, that player sometimes gets a dirty look from other players if the dealer doesn't bust. Good luck