Casino poker ettiquette?

Question

I've been playing a lot of hold 'em online and have become quite familiar with the game. I'd like to play in a casino now, and I don't want to make a fool of myself. Since I've only played online and in casual games at friends houses, I'm not familiar with table etiquette at a casino.

When you bet or raise, do you announce what you're doing or just do it? In blackjack the dealers prefer you motion for a card rather than saying "hit" or slide your cards under your chips rather than saying "stand". Do poker dealers frown on unnecessary talking as well?

Will the dealer prompt a player as to when it's his turn to post a blind and how much the blind needs to be?

To fold a hand do you place your cards face down in front of you or do you toss them toward the dealer?

Finally, if you win a pot do you reach out and gather up the chips like in the movies, or does the dealer gather it and hand it to you?

Knowing ahead of time will make me more confident to play for my first time.

Answer 1

Make it clear especially if you are going to raise.. If you call someones bet then go back to your stack for the raise without saying "raise" it's called a string bet and is not allowed. Best thing to do is have all the chips (call and raise) in your hand and do it in one motion. Most casino's now require you to motion for a hit or stay.. This is for the cameras in case of a dispute. Not many black jack tables let you touch the cards anymore. Poker dealers don't mind chatter at the table.. as long as it's not holding up the game. The casino makes their money on hands per hour. They want every one to have a good time. The blinds are same as the Internet.. the dealer is always on this.. can't deal the next hand till the blinds are out there. When folding toss them towards the dealer (into the MUK) don't make dealers reach to the far ends of the table for your cards. And remember when playing a hand.. put a chip (protector) on your cards.. If someone Else's cards happen to hit yours.. unprotected.. your hand is dead. When you win a hand the dealer will put the chips in spot all together in front of you.. easy to get. You might want to just stand back by a table (within listening distance) and watch for a spell.   Good LUK....

Answer 2

Rooms can be different so I'd strongly suggest watching some action first but here's some general advice:

1.  Announce your raise and announce the amount.

2.  Doesn't matter, saying hit is best

3.  The dealer will get annoyed with you if he always has to tell you to post your blinds.  Just do it in turn.

4.  You'll need to do more than put your cards down to fold as that's where they normally go so yeah you have to make a move to fold which means tossing them ahead on the table.

5.  The dealer will handle the chips in the pot - don't try just grabbing them :)

King Cobra Poker

Answer 3

just observe the other players and play fast (take you time if you are not sure what you want to do with the hand, of course, but generally play fast).

stick with a limit you are comfortable with, small limit poker until you are confident you can beat the other games.

tight play wins in the small limits because the antes are so small, so generall play tight if you are a new player.

Answer 4

First off, don't worry!  There are thousands of people playing for the first time, and it's not that bad once you get the hang of it.

Consider trying a local pub poker league for some practice.

As for your questions:

Always announce what you want to do before you move any chips or do anything.  "Call."  "Raise to $40" "Check" etc.  Don't worry about announcing fold, just push your cards towards the dealer.

In casinos you can get caught out by things like string betting, and just calling when you intended to raise.  But if you announce your intention verbally before you do anything, this is binding.  So even if you push the wrong amount of chips out, your verbal declaration is what counts.  Sometimes even experienced players get caught out by not properly signaling intent before acting.  So that's how I'd suggest you be thinking.  Declare, act.  Unless you are folding.

You asked about folding.  Just push your cards towards the dealer.  He will be looking at you when it is your turn, so it is pretty obvious what you are doing to him.  Don't toss the cards too far, but equally don't just push them an inch forwards, because that's annoying.

Regarding the blinds, that's pretty easy.  The dealer will usually start each hand by moving the button (or asking a player to pass it).  He will then typically gesture to the small blind and then big blind and request that they post.  So it is pretty obvious.

When you win a pot, the dealer will gather it up and push it to you.  Do not reach out and grab the pot!  Wait until it is pushed towards you.

Most casino poker rooms are staffed with helpful staff.  They want to be friendly and not intimidating.  They work on tips.  So when you go to the room, ask one of the reception people to help you.  Ask them the rules of the room, ask any questions you have.  Then reserve yourself a seat and have fun.

Once you sit down, feel free to fold everything but aces and kings for the first 20 minutes or so.  Sure, it will cost you a few blinds, but you will get comfortable at the table.  You'll feel how the game is played.  Observe the rules.  Pay close attention to the players, even when you are folding almost every hand.  See if you can guess their hand (in your head).  Get comfortable.  Then when you finally play, you will have established an ultra tight image, and your bets and raises will be respected a little more.

Like I said.  It's not that scary.  Enjoy.