Turtleman
VIP Whale
Just to share: last night, at the tender young age of 69, I finally had my poker deflowering at "play for fun" Texas Hold'em at a local sports bar. Up until then, I had NEVER played live poker – not for nickels and dimes, M&M's, or even matchsticks. Looking back, I don't have a clue what took me so long, especially after "discovering" casino gambling 32 years ago, playing poker-based games, and watching poker on TV. Nor do I know what possessed me to finally give it a go last night.
The sports bar had two tables in action with about a dozen players, and it appeared that everyone knew everyone else. I didn't know anyone. At least I had enough sense not to start with real money, which is one reason why I never considered playing in Vegas. In fact, when I put a $5 bill on the table for another beer I had ordered, I was instantly pounced upon for committing an illegal act! "Keep it in your pocket" I was told, "it can't appear we're playing for money!" Amazingly, I got off to a terrific start with a full house, but probably committed every sin in the book and probably some that aren't. The mechanics and etiquette took some getting used to; I lost all my chips after about an hour and a half, and was glad to escape!
As I suspected, actually playing is an entirely different animal from watching poker on TV and YouTube. It seems so much more involved than any of the casino games I'm used to; and with a little (make that a lot) more practice and study, I think I may eventually get the hang of it. In fact, I just signed up to play Texas Hold'em at another bar on Thursday! I guess this all falls under the general heading of "better late than never." I doubt I'll be ready to join a real game in Vegas next month, but maybe before too much longer.
The sports bar had two tables in action with about a dozen players, and it appeared that everyone knew everyone else. I didn't know anyone. At least I had enough sense not to start with real money, which is one reason why I never considered playing in Vegas. In fact, when I put a $5 bill on the table for another beer I had ordered, I was instantly pounced upon for committing an illegal act! "Keep it in your pocket" I was told, "it can't appear we're playing for money!" Amazingly, I got off to a terrific start with a full house, but probably committed every sin in the book and probably some that aren't. The mechanics and etiquette took some getting used to; I lost all my chips after about an hour and a half, and was glad to escape!
As I suspected, actually playing is an entirely different animal from watching poker on TV and YouTube. It seems so much more involved than any of the casino games I'm used to; and with a little (make that a lot) more practice and study, I think I may eventually get the hang of it. In fact, I just signed up to play Texas Hold'em at another bar on Thursday! I guess this all falls under the general heading of "better late than never." I doubt I'll be ready to join a real game in Vegas next month, but maybe before too much longer.