Check out http://www.allvegaspoker.com/ for reviews of the various poker rooms in Vegas.
Some live game tidbits that come to mind:
-Read the posted rules of the cardroom before sitting down.
-If a procedure or rule is unclear or if you feel there has been a violation of the rules, speak up to the dealer. If you are dissatisfied with the dealer’s response or resolution, ask that the floorman/room manager be brought over. Don’t endlessly debate with the floorman/room manager; his decision is final and continuing to argue holds up the game.
-Don’t throw chips into the main pot. Place your bets in front of you where they can easily be counted. The dealer will sweep the bets into the pot after each betting round.
-Be careful when mucking your cards. Try to avoid exposing your cards when folding.
-Try to avoid exposing your cards improperly in general.
-Don’t string bet. If you intend to raise, move the appropriate number of chips forward in one hand motion. Alternatively, announce “Raise”. Verbal announcements are binding so after announcing raise, you can make as many forward motions as necessary to count up your chips and get the proper number of chips in.
-Don’t be a jerk, get very upset when you lose, throw tantrums, and the like. At lower limits, most of the people are there just to have fun and grumpy players spoil the fun.
-At showdown, players are permitted to muck losing hands, but other players are also permitted to request to see the mucked hands anyway. Do not ask to see mucked showdown hands. Asking to see mucked showdown hands indicates you suspect cheating; the privilege is not to be used as an information gathering tool. If you really want to know, ask the player what his hand was. He may or may not tell you but that’s his choice. Of course, the answer you get may not be reliable. For instance, I do not like revealing my mucked hands. If an opponent continually pesters me though, I’ll lie just to keep the game moving while giving the appearance of keeping things friendly.
-Tip the decent and good dealers. Dealers earn low wages and rely heavily on tips. A typical game sees 20-30 deals an hour. You can decide for yourself how much you think the dealers deserve to make each hour. If you win a small pot, it’s usually okay to avoid tipping. Tip the waitresses a dollar if you order a drink.
-Have fun!
