How poker differs
In a poker room you play against other players, not the house. The casino earns a rake from each pot or an hourly seat fee, so skill genuinely matters over time.
How a hand plays
- Blinds: the two players left of the dealer button post the small and big blind
- Pre-flop: everyone gets two private cards and can fold, call or raise
- Flop: three community cards, then a betting round
- Turn: a fourth card and more betting
- River: the fifth card and the final round
- Showdown: best five-card hand from your two cards plus the five on the board
Hand rankings, high to low
- Royal flush: A-K-Q-J-10 suited
- Straight flush: five in sequence, same suit
- Four of a kind
- Full house: three of a kind plus a pair
- Flush: five of one suit
- Straight: five in sequence
- Three of a kind
- Two pair
- One pair
- High card
Poker room etiquette
- Join the list at the desk: name the game and stakes, e.g. "NLH 25/50"
- Declare verbally: say "raise" before moving chips to avoid a string bet
- Act in turn: don't fold or react before it's your turn
- No talk about live hands and no phone during a hand
- Tip the dealer when you win a pot — customary in Las Vegas
Where to play
Las Vegas is the world capital — Bellagio, Wynn and The Venetian. In Asia, Manila (Okada, Solaire) and selected Macau resorts run poker rooms, while Korea and Singapore lean towards other formats or electronic games. Check with the casino before you travel.
Beginners should start at the lowest stakes or cheap tournaments and set a firm loss limit.
Questions, reviews and travel buddies for casino-resort trips — from fellow travellers.
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