Playing Poker at the Casino

Whenever you get a chance to play at poker at a casino there are a few things you should take into account. In the casino’s poker room there will be both experienced and inexperienced players. The experienced players are easy to spot. These players usually know the dealers by name, have buddies playing with them, and have huge stacks in front of them. The inexperienced players will have small chip stacks, look nervous, and are usually drinking. When approaching a new game at the poker room you should take in all of these factors and build your strategy.

Big Stack

If the poker room is crowded chances are that you wont get to pick where you sit/play. This is a big disadvantage because you may get stuck at a table full of sharks with huge chip stacks. When you are shown your seat the first thing you should do is look to see how much money everyone has in front of them. If they all have a few hundred then you may want to consider buying in with a few hundred so that you are on a level playing field with your opponents. Don’t start with a short stack if you don’t have to.

Get in on the Action

Next you want to ease into the action. Wait a few hands before you make any serious moves to see how the players are betting. If a few of the players usually raise $30, then you know what kind of hand you will need to get in on the action. (One that is worth $30+). Feel it out and determine who are the loose players, tight players, beginners, experienced, etc. Figure out who you can bully and who you cannot.

Watch for Suckers

Remember that live games are much different than online games. Look out for people on tilt, this can be easy money. You may notice someone get bad beat for all his money only to rebuy another $700 and immediately start playing like a wild man. Take advantage of this. People usually come to the casino to gamble, not play poker. So you should know that most of the players at the room are going to be gamblers by nature.

Conclusion

Most importantly, play solid poker. More often than not you will come out on top as long as you play a solid game of poker. You may have a few setbacks but as long as you keep your game solid and make few mistakes you will be a winner.