How to Learn Poker Inside a Casino
May 19th, 2010 | Published in Casino Tips
Many people looking to learn the skills of poker, look towards resources outside the casino. They read books written by professional poker players, check out blogs written on their favorite poker game, or watch the many televised poker tournaments and poker shows. While these are great resources for improving your poker game, there is a lot you can learn inside the casino itself. The key to great poker playing is to learn everything you can from any resource you can get, so take advantage of what the casino has to teach you.
Poker Classes Hosted by the Casino
Several large casinos hosts classes on various games played at the casino. These classes are almost always free to join. The class is often taught by a dealer, a professional poker player, or a member of the casino staff. Many people shy away from these classes simply because they think the casino will only teach them in a way that causes them to loose. On the outside that makes sense, after all, why would a casino want to create people to take all of their money? However, casinos thrive much better on repeat business then they do on sore losers who never return. These classes have valuable information. Best of all, most of the classes offer promotional items, such as free play.
Learn from the Dealer
Many dealers are happy to share their knowledge of the game, especially during slow times. Dealers can be very insightful. After all, they had to know a great deal about the game to get the job in the first place and they spend the majority of their time watching it be played. The next time you are at the casino, look for a dealer with a small table. Chances are he or she will be happy to answer your questions. Some casinos even have poker tables specifically meant for beginners. Dealers at these tables help to teach the game while it is being played live.
Learn From the Other Players
Most people, especially new poker players, shy away from other players. In reality, there is a lot you can learn from your opponents. Most poker players love to talk, so why not ask someone you respected at the table a question or two after the game? Chances are they will be more then happy to give you some advice.