Four college roommates in Charleston, S.C. where I live learned that I write for an international gambling website. They met me at a favorite coffee shop where I hang out in downtown Charleston and came right to the point.
'We're planning to take a break from our studies and spend a weekend in Las Vegas,' said Renee, who is studying pre-law. 'None of us have ever been there before. We know a little about poker and we're going to try to plan it. Can you give us any advice?'
I invited them to sit down at my table and we all ordered coffee.
The girls were in their early 20s. None of them had ever gambled in a casino before although they had played poker in their college dorm.
Here is what I told them.
Don't be intimidated by the other players.
Talk to the poker room supervisor of whatever casino you choose and tell him you are beginners and would like to find a low-limit game to practice playing poker.
Some casinos will be willing to set up a table just for the four of you and set the buy-in and wagers according to your bankroll. Others will integrate you into a game already in progress.
Above all, relax and have fun, I told them. Treat poker like a recreation, not a money-making experience.
My recommended casinos were The Orleans, Wynn's Las Vegas or any other casino on the Strip near where they were staying.
I told them to budget their money and to not wager more than they could afford.
'Make your Las Vegas trip an adventure,' I said. 'Visit Hoover Dam, Circus Circus and the Mt. Charleston Inn. Have fun.'
Las Vegas can be intimidating to first-time visitors. It's like going to a circus. Things are happening in every direction and you don't know what to feast your eyes on.
I advised them to limit their play to three or four hours. The poker room will compensate them for each hour of play and I told them to use that money toward their meals.
'If you have any problems at your table, be sure to notify one of the floor men,' I said. 'They should be able to take care of it.'
If they should get lucky and hit a bad beat jackpot, I recommended a cruise to the Caribbean or South Pacific.
'Take me along,' I added, smiling. 'I'm available.'
Author: Geno Lawrenzi Jr.
(Geno Lawrenzi Jr. is an international journalist, magazine author and ghostwriter and poker player who lives in Phoenx, AZ. He has published 2,000 articles in 50 magazines and 125 newspapers. If you want to share a gambling story or book idea with him, send an email to glawrenzi@gmail.com ).
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