Tips for the Amateur

Table selection for the novice

The mistakes

Choosing a table where at least one player is playing big money. Never, never do this. This is a serious game where the dealer doesn’t have the time to help the new gambler with the rules of the game. Generally, the other players won’t have much patience with you.

What to do

Choose a table where players are betting small and the dealer has a smile on his/her face. These tables should give you a good first experience. The dealer who smiles is more likely to explain what you need to do, and if there are no large bets, chances are they will be able to explain more of the basics of the game.

Informing the dealer.

The mistake

Not telling the dealer you are new to the game. This is a very common error, which can cause problems.

What to do

Always inform the dealer you are new. Why? If the dealer is aware that you haven’t played before, he/she will be aware of many possible mistakes you make and will attempt to diffuse them before they happen.

Example: if you put a hundred dollar bill into the betting circle, the dealer will probably ask you if you want change, but if you’re trying to look experienced they may assume you want to bet the entire $100 on one hand.

Tipping advice for the novice

The mistake

Not tipping at all. No, this is not for my benefit, but for yours.

What to do

Make a very small wager for the dealer occasionally when you win more than your original wager. For instance, when you get a blackjack or a winning double down. This can be done by placing the dealer’s bet in front of yours on the betting circle. You could also just push a small token of your appreciation out to the dealers telling them it is for them.

Why? First of all, it is money you didn’t expect to win when you made your initial wager and second, this will make the dealer more likely to point out ways to improve your play. They will want to see you win.

Another option

If the dealer is helpful and friendly you could tip when you leave the table, but bear in mind, while you are there, they won’t know that their efforts will be rewarded and may not be as anxious to help.

GAMBLING
THE ULTIMATE ADHESIVE

If you doubt the potent lure of gambling, consider these true stories:

ITEM: A fire burned through part of a large Las Vegas hotel. Even as smoke curled through the casino, gamblers were reluctant to leave. The slot players were a particular problem. One woman steadfastly refused to vacate her machine, and she had to be carried bodily from the burning building.

ITEM: Years ago there was a flash flood that roared through the streets of Las Vegas. Water surged into the casino at Caesars Palace and stood several feet deep in places. It didn’t stop the gamblers. They just rolled up their pants and kept on playing.

ITEM: A man was shooting dice. He had been playing for several hours when he felt the urge to visit the bathroom. Just then the dice turned hot. They stayed that way. My friend had a choice: stay on the hot roll and defecate in his pants: or go to the bathroom and interrupt his winning streak. It was no contest. He did the needful in his pants.

ITEM: A man collapsed while shooting craps. He was laid out on the casino carpet, in full view of the other players, to await assistance. The game never stopped for a moment. When the player was revived, his first words were: “Did I make my point?”