A Guide to the Best Las Vegas Texas Hold'Em Rooms for the First Time Poker Player

Planning a trip to Las Vegas soon? Are you one of the thousands of people who have been swept up watching poker on TV and now want to try your luck in Vegas? There's nothing like playing Texas Hold'Em in the town where the biggest games of all time happen almost nightly (but you may want to stay away from that game on your initial visit.) But not every poker room is the same. So here are some tips on where to play low stakes poker so you can have a great time on your first foray into the fun and exciting poker scene (and maybe win some money!)

Every Vegas poker rookie's adventure should begin at the Excalibur. Yes, your first poker experience should be in a castle, but this poker room is far from regal, and it's not really a room, either. It's a sectioned off area of the casino floor near the sports book so it's smoky and loud, but this stop ain't about seeing something pretty. It's about getting used to the live poker action in a friendly environment. Most of the people playing Texas Hold'Em here are novice tourists just like you. So if you have any questions or make a mistake the dealers and other players will pleasantly help you out. Another reason the Excalibur is a good place to start is because it's across the street from your second stop.

The MGM Grand is one of the most popular poker rooms in Las Vegas because it's a great place to play for the person who talks about hitting two-outers and those that still wonder what's the flop. Expect to see all 23 tables in full swing on a weekend night, but the management is pretty good about getting people in games as quickly as possible. This isn't a traditional room, either. Instead, a large section of the casino floor is dedicated to poker set far away from the casino's slots and table games. There's plenty of space between tables and there's even a balcony viewing area to check out the action from above. Once you do get in a low limit Texas Hold'Em game your inexperience will fit in along with most of the others at your table. While these players might be savvier than the ones at the Excalibur this is still a good place to learn the nuances of the game while checking out a pretty cool place without being surrounded by sharks.

Now that you know a little more about how Vegas Texas Hold'Em is done it's time to check out the big boys. The Belliago poker room has always reminded me of New York: It's hustling, crowded, has a lot of surly people (mainly the room managers,) and you may spot a few celebrities. It's also has Bobby's Room which is home to games where people win (and lose) millions of dollars almost every night. You may want to steer clear of this room, though. The cheapest games are filled with people who just want to say they've had a Belliago poker experience, and because of that there's usually a wait to play. This is a real room, and an elegant one at that. The railing around the room is a white marble and inside the place is decorated like a 19th century parlor. The chairs are comfy, the drink service is adequate and dealers are real pros (but, again, not the nicest.) This is spot even the casual player can appreciate.

A little bit further up Las Vegas Boulevard is the Venetian, and this newer poker room sets the standard for luxury and poker. There are a whopping 39 tables, but spaced out so you'll never feel cramped. Because there are so many Texas Hold'Em games going so you won't have to wait long to get in on the action, and should there be a waiting list you can relax in a comfy lounge with plush leather chairs before your name is called. Again, not really a room, but it is far enough away from the main casino floor so smoke or the endless dinging of the slot machines won't bother you. The only problem here is with the management. Similar to the Belliago they're not friendly or helpful. It's still a place that you'll have a lot of fun on your first Vegas poker adventure, but there are some places you should avoid.

When crabby, low-limit Vegas Texas Hold'Em poker players die they play their final few hands at the Orleans. This place attracts locals who are more than happy to take your money a few dollars at a time, and they'll be jerks about it, too. The Mirage is another local's magnet. These players are nicer than the ones at the Orleans, but that just means they'll smile while taking your last dime. Also anywhere downtown should be avoided. Especially Binions and The Golden Nugget. Binions is where the World Series of Poker began and attracts a lot of serious players. The Nugget has a no maximum $1-$2 no-limit Texas Hold'Em game. These are neat places to check out if you like the history of the game, but don't expect to hold on to your chips very long if you decide to get in on the action.

The main idea through all of this is to have fun, but realizing you can have a much better time winning money than losing it. If you stick to the tourist friendly poker rooms and play the low limit games you'll have great time on your first Las Vegas Texas Hold'Em adventure!