Sitting Down at a Real Table for the First Time

With online poker becoming so prevalent, many players are exposed exclusively to it, never touching real felt and clay at a cardroom. Because many players are choosing to try out brick-and-mortar poker for the first time, I'd like to give you some tips that should make your playing experience more enjoyable and make you more comfortable.

Especially during peak hours, many tables at cardrooms are usually filled up when you get there. You can call ahead to the poker room before you arrive, if you wish, and find out what games they have going to give you an idea. Once you arrive, there will be a designated floorperson available to answer questions and help to direct you. Let them know your name, what table you'd like to play at, and that you'd like to join the waiting list if necessary. Ask them if you buy in your chips with them or at the table.

Once you get a seat at the table and have your chips in front of you, you will likely be a ball of nerves. That's okay and that's completely natural. You can even announce to the dealer and the rest of the table that it's your first time. They'll probably be pretty nice to you, and they'll probably call you down more when you bet. Use it to your advantage. Hopefully you'll be able to settle down once you've played a few hands. Remember to announce your betting actions out loud to avoid any confusion. Never play out of turn, either. Wait until it's your turn to act before betting or folding. This is very important.

You've seen them do it on TV, and you should probably do it, too. You need to keep a poker face. Don't give away your actions and don't exaggerate with any action. Unless you're experienced at trying to mislead your opponent, don't try it.
Play a solid game. You're new to the players at your table so you don't have much of a table image. Use that to your advantage and play the best poker you can. Let them try to bluff you when you're holding the nuts.

Enjoy your first game at a real cardroom, and hopefully you'll leave a winner and want to come back for another session. Because it's your first time, you especially may want to consider setting a stop-loss limit if things are not going your way.

About the Author

Joshua Heilpern is a contributor for several poker strategy websites. He also runs Online Poker Room Reviews - an original poker strategy and review site.