My grandpa and I are going to Vegas to play cash for my 21st birthday. Just wondering what the best poker rooms are for first time players and what are the first steps in getting into a game when I get to the casino? Also any cool spots that should be checked out while in Vegas and any tips that would be beneficial to staying in Vegas cheap?

Thanks

Is he a "bad grandpa"?

Lol nah just trying to play cash in vegas and find some cool spots.

Go to the smaller rooms and avoid big ones like Aria, Bellagio, etc. The one exception might be the Orleans, which is a big room but doesn't have a ton of Hoody McSunglasses types. You can also try 2/4 LHE and buy in for $60 just to get used to handling chips and cards. Half the geriatrics will be grumpy because you're slow, the other half will be glad to see a rookie. The old Gold Coast room would have been good. Maybe try South Point. Avoid TI, mostly grumpy promo grinders there.

Be aware that you will run hotter than the sun, most new players do. Try not to smile and laugh too much while you're raking in the other players' chips.

Good advice. Remember to have fun !!

OP... do you have any live cash game experience? What is your game of choice?

My advice is the opposite of this. This is your first trip to vegas, and a chance to create some precious memories with your grandpa. Hit the big rooms (Bellagio, Wynn, Aria, Venetian). Play at Bellagio. Peer on Bobbie's Room and get a glimpse of some poker legends. The last thing I'd be doing is slumming it at Bally's or the Orleans. Oh, and if your trip falls during the WSOP make sure you get out to the Rio at least just to see it. It is quite a spectacle.

Getting in the game? sign in at the podium. take your seat when your called. put some $ on the table--they'll call for chips for you (or give you some). Study the flow and the action for an orbit or two and watch what the other players are doing. You'll be fine.

100% this!

The notion of spending your first time in Vegas at a dump like the Orleans is lol - absolutely get in a small game at Aria or the B, enjoy the feeling of being in a nice casino, and get a decent meal. Have fun.

I have played 10-15 , 5-6 hour sessions of 1/2 NLHE in a home game and have done quite well. And a few hours of micro steaks at college, since I'm in college it's harder to get a full 1/2 game going. But definitely game of choice is NLHE

Well you'll be in Vegas so definitely don't order the micro steak.

As for poker, just play low limits anywhere (but don't go to the Orleans- really). Hit the big places on the strip, watch a table for a bit to get a feel for what the customs are, sign in and go. If you feel like it's too much pressure in a big and busy room, start in a smaller room (so, not Aria/Venetian/Bellagio/Wynn). But still- and most importantly- don't go to the Orleans.

Agreed, absolutely take the opportunity to check out the nice rooms.

Do both, play in a dumpy room like the Flamingo for a bit, then walk across the street to Bellagio and gawk at Bobby's room.

As far as the games, be very patient and observe how people act (and how to exploit their bad loose passive play, obv).

But mostly just relax, and literally, take a moment at the table to recognize and appreciate the opportunity to do this.
Gratitude makes everything better. Thanks, grandpa!

Play as many as you can for the experience then stay at the one you like the most.

You want cheap? 1/2 at the Golden Nugget downtown. Go eat at the El Cortez, cheap prime rib dinner.

Eye Candy? Planet Hollywood in the evening.

The Orleans is fine for LHE. Bad news is low LHE sucks.

Venetian, Bellagio, Aria are the top of the line.

Hit, run and have fun.

My first time playing in Vegas was at Bally's, it was a bit loud and i had a hard time concentrating, lost 300 and didn't win a hand.

Next day i shipped the Bellagio Daily 100.

Id say if you are new, try to play at Mirage or the Venetian, rooms are pretty quiet and its easy to concentrate

Agree with checking out the big rooms to have at least visited them on your first trip. If string-betting is allowed in your home games, many casino first-timers don't know that it's not allowed in casino poker games. So gather up your bet close to your chip stack and put it forward all in one motion when betting. Alternatively you can announce what you want your bet to be, then place your bet and you're able to reach back for more chips if your chip bet is short of your announced bet amount. Another rule many casino first timers don't know about is if the action happens to pass you by and you didn't get a chance to act, you have to speak up asap and tell the dealer you haven't acted yet, otherwise if a few players have already acted after the action passed you by, then you lose your option to act. Have fun!

Just have fun and don't worry about playing at one of the big rooms. If you wind up there, fine. If not, that's fine too. There are a ton of things to take in, so take them in as you come upon them. Generally don't make many plans, except maybe with Grandpa. Just take what comes and enjoy the experience. Being picky about which poker rooms, hotels, restaurants, etc., is something for future trips or when with a significant other. Have fun!

As far as getting in a game, when you approach a poker room, the "brush" should approach you and ask what games you're interested in and either put you in a game (and get you chips), or put you on the list. The bigger rooms will probably have lists, especially during the World Series.

OP, just try a couple of different rooms and see what you like. It is Vegas, so if you don't like the vibe of a room just get up and go on to the next one.

Also, it looks like you are from Cincinnati based on your location. I play regularly at Jack's, if you turn 21 prior to your Vegas trip I would suggest going on a test run down there just to get used to the experience of a casino.

If you have any questions about Jack's feel free to PM me.