Stepping Up To The Table

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Okay, you've taken the first step. You're standing by the podium and the brush informs you that a seat is available in the $1-3 7-card stud. Here's what you have to know in general.

1. You'll need a minimum amount of money to start (called your buy-in), usually $20 at this limit.

2. All games are table stakes. That means if you run out of money in the middle of a hand, you can't reach into your wallet for more. (You aren't excluded from action, however, as the dealer will create a side pot. You will still qualify to win the first pot ­ the one that has your money in it.)

It's a good rule of thumb to keep an eye on your chips. If you plan to keep playing and your stack is dwindling, tuck $20 under your chips. This way, if you do get involved in a pot and run out of chips, the cash (almost always) counts as playable.

3. Somebody always has to start the action with a bet. This bet will either be an ante, a low-card forced bet, a high-card forced bet, or a blind, and sometimes two blinds (see the articles on Texas Hold'em and Omaha for further definition of "blinds.")

4. Players can check, (elect not to bet if no one else has bet) bet, (initiate the betting) call (bet an amount equal to the last amount bet in the round), raise, (bet twice as much as somebody else bet), reraise (bet twice as much as somebody who bet twice as much as someone else). check-raise (raise after you've checked and someone else has bet), or fold (give up and throw your hand away).

No matter which of these moves you make, they should all be done in turn -- that is, you don't do anything until the player to your right is finished acting.

5. Always protect your hand. Use one of your chips, a lucky charm, your ring or watch, anything that won't obstruct the game. Put it on top of your cards. The last thing you want is the dealer scooping up your hand accidentally and tossing it away. You're particularly vulnerable to this kind of hazard if you're seated next to the dealer (hey, nobody's perfect.)

6. It's unethical to discuss your hand during play ­ even if you folded. It's also unethical to speak any language but English.

7. Cards speak -- or at least they should. The general rule in casino poker rooms is that when all betting has been completed, active players turn over their cards for all to see. You'll want to do this even if you think you've lost.

Why? Well, first of all, another player might try to fool you into throwing away a winning hand by saying something as simple as "I've got aces up." He might not. And if you have queens and deuces, you figure you're beat. Don't fall for it. Let the cards speak. Also, because of all the action going on, you might not realize you have the winning hand.

So, when the betting stops, spread your cards out, put your fingers on them, wait for the dealer to call the winning hand, then double check to make sure he's right.

8. There's no string betting allowed. In the movies and on television, you might see a guy call a bet ("I call that bet.") then reach back for additional chips and say something like, "and I raise." That's a big no-no. State your intentions immediately, loud enough for the dealer to hear, and put the entire bet in the pot at once. (It's okay to put too much in the pot to be safe, but make sure you get change.)

9. The floorman has the final decision in any dispute. This is important to remember because mistakes happen. The dealer mucks your cards by accident; a player tosses his cards into your cards, thus muddying up the works; there's some kind of misdeal. In all cases, if you have a complaint, ask the dealer to call the floorman for a decision. If he doesn't respond to your request, call the floorman yourself.

Now, when there's a dispute, everybody and his brother and sister, even those not in the pot (and sometimes even spectators) try to interpret what happened to cause your problem. Assert yourself by requesting that you be allowed to speak up without interruption.

And, if you don't get a satisfactory ruling because of bystander interruption, pick up your chips, cash them in and go to another casino ­ but not before registering a formal complaint with the poker room manager or the casino manager.

For some reason or another, poker players are more surly and aggressive than other game players so you have to stand your ground. (Note: These things don't happen often but if they do, you want to be prepared.)

10. Don't lose your temper, toss cards, "splash" the pot (throw your bet carelessly), or otherwise act like a fool. You can and should be aggressive without being obnoxious.

And that's about it. You're ready to pick a game and get into the action. Just remember, all the people you'll be playing against were at one time, newcomers to casino poker. None of them ­ man or woman -- were born at the table, so don't be afraid to get in there and mix it up with them.