Before you're ready to sit down at the tables, it's wise to get yourself oriented regarding the poker area and its rules. If it's a non-smoking poker room, you'll probably see a gaggle of players power-puffing outside the door. This smoking area may be a separate room or simply a standing area flanked by ashtrays. Also check to see whether food is allowed at the tables or even in the room. Another thing: Some poker rooms are strictly players-only, which is meant to discourage onlookers from hovering over the tables, especially in high-limit areas. It's better to recognize this from the outset, to avoid having a staff member point out that your cigarette, your Reuben sandwich, or your buddies are not welcome.
Once you're inside, find out what games are available. At the entrance to the poker room, or in a central area, you'll find the brush. This is the person who controls the seating of players. He will be armed with a black marking pen and an erasable board behind him, or sometimes just a pen and a list at his desk or podium. The brush will tell you exactly what games are open, give him your first name and last initial, and he will add your name to the list, calling each person in order. Sometimes the list may be lengthy, but the brush should give you some idea of how long you'll have to wait. If the room is large, he might utilize a microphone to direct players. If the poker room is within a casino, make sure to check the range of the announcement, will you hear it in the restaurant, restroom, or lobby when your name is called, or do you have to be present in the room?
Poker rules should be posted in plain view inside the room, although the nuances may require some specific questions. A typical cardroom will have cage personnel, supervisors, and a manager present at all times. Cage personnel handle buy-ins, cash-outs, and credit card advances. Supervisors have many duties depending on the set-up of the room: They may be running chips and cash to and from the cage, changing set-ups (cards), or handling situations on the table. The manager is the overseer of the domain and will always be able to help you with any concerns.
The limits you play will determine the rake or session fee of the game, which is how the house collects its piece of the pie. In lower-limit games, the rake is usually 5% or 10% of the pot up to a certain maximum, taken automatically by the dealer each hand. In higher-limit games, a session fee or time fee is collected every half hour. If you are seated between collection times, it is wise to find out when you are exempt from paying. It may be 10 minutes, 15 minutes, or at the discretion of the supervisor. Being in the know could save you money.
As with all casino games, you begin by changing your cash into gaming chips either from the cage or from the dealer's tray. In poker, time is money; so don't bring your laundry stash in a sack for your buy-in. The type of game and limits are posted on a table placard, but you should know the table minimums regarding initial buy-ins and re-buys. The dealer or even other players will tell you how much is collected for the session fee or rake.
Most tables require you to post the big blind before you are dealt cards, if they do not, you can get cards the moment you're seated. If you must post, it's best that it's in the most advantageous position, which is behind the puck or button. Ask the dealer if you must also surrender a small blind if you sit down and wait for the button to pass.
Bear in mind that there are no stupid questions, however, the more questions you can get answered before you sit down, the less likely you will give away that you are a rookie and if possible, observe the players at the table before you sit down. Who's tight, loose, aggressive, passive, etc.
Remember, it takes time to adjust or feel comfortable in a cardroom you've never entered. Helpful staff and a friendly atmosphere will aid your acclimation, and before long, you'll have a swagger you didn't have before. The mystery is gone, but the afterglow remains, and while your first time may not be the best or last the longest, it will be your first time only once.
