Went out for a conference last Tuesday. I’ve been playing online and in friends’ games for several years, but never played in a casino with etiquette and rules and all that. Don’t min admitting I was a little nervous about my first time. As I was unsure about my schedule for the week with work I decided to prioritize the rooms. With the reviews of the Venetian I wanted to try there first just to say I’d played there. I was only playing low limits, 1-2 and 1-3. Anyway I played for about 4 hours. Walked away with $75 more than I sat down with. Misplayed some hands but I don’t think I annoyed anybody. I asked some rookie questions, but nobody seemed to my mind. Left with confidence intact. Venetian is an incredible room by the way. I didn’t fully appreciate that until later in the trip. But beautiful room, beautiful waitresses, comfortable, classy,….etc.

Next night I went to Bellagio. This room was a lot more intimidating to me as a newbie. It was very open to the rest of the casino. Not that Venetian is not open because it is, but the Bellagio location right next to a theatre seems to make it feel more open, or “exposed.” Also the layout of the room doesn’t help. Very tight fit in certain seats. Room was very loud so I found it very hard to stay focused on the play at the table. I left about even, but just did not feel comfortable playing in that environment.

Night 3 went to Caesar’s. I loved that the room was secluded and not open to rest of the casino, as well as being right next to the sportsbook. I actually enjoyed playing here more than the other two. It was a very welcoming environment to a newbie. Dealers were professional yet friendly. Drink service was decent, but that’s a not a huge score for me because I don’t drink a lot anyway. Best part of this room was the Pussy Cat Doll dancers have to walk through the poker room to go between their dressing room and the floor. Always a good thing. Walked away from this room with $150 more than I sat down with. Like it enough to go back the next night.

Overall for the 4 nights I ended up about $300. I consider that a successful trip for me as I held my own for a long time, didn’t make any significant breaches of etiquette, didn’t seem to annoy any of the other players or anything. That was really my number one goal. To learn the flow of live play and blend in. Actually making money was just a bonus. Anyway it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. The dealers, in all rooms, really did a good job of controlling the game and making sure everybody stayed on-game. Their instructions were very easy to understand and they didn’t mind answering a couple questions. Also the players I played with at Venetian and Caesars were very friendly and din’t mind answering a couple questions from me either.

Anyway had a great time and can’t wait to go back. Unfortunately it will probably be a long time. This conference I go to rotates around every year. And with little kids at home my vacation time each year is usually devoted to family and I don’t think I’d feel comfortable bringing them out there just yet. Couldn’t believe how many people were wheeling crying babies through casinos out there. Not just on their way to the room, but through the middle of the pits and everything. I don’t want to be that guy. Maybe I can put together a guy’s weekend trip with my buddies or something in the fall. Thanks to all of y’all for the advice in other thread, and for the reviews y’all have posted. They were all helpful.