Gulf Coast Poker Forums

I thought it would be fun if we all took a stroll down memory lane and thought about our first experience playing poker in a casino. I'll start---

A person my wife worked with got me interested in Texas Hold em (it was Jack, the maintenance before Derek, in case you were wondering Kevin). Well, after just a few weeks of playing for play money on-line, we headed on down to the Grand Casino in Gulfport (which is now the Island View). It was the first time I had actually played anything but slots in a casino, so I was a little nervous.

So we sat down at a 1-4-8-8 table and I threw down my money. Probably my 4th or 5th hand (I had folded up to then) I looked down at pocket rockets I didn't know much about pre-flop betting then, so I just called the big blind. Then the flop comes A blank A So my heart starts beating REALLY fast. I look at the dealer and in the least-cool newb voice stammer, "How much can I bet?" He says $4 so with shaking hands, I picked up 4 chips and put them in the pot, and actually had some callers!! I don't even remember the turn or the river, I just remember betting the max each time and having one guy call me all the way down. After he called me on the river, I flipped over my pockets aces and said, "I'm not sure what you have, but I think I win."

I don't remember anything else about that trip except I knew I came out ahead. That was my first time playing poker, and I was hooked.

Anyone else have a memorable first-time poker experience? Let's hear about it!!

Good topic! I wish our first couple of times were that cool. On the contrary, the first few times playing casino poker I was the biggest donk ever!

The first time we had the opportunity to play was at the Grand Gulfport. Charlene and I both wanted to play, but were way nervous. I ended up letting her sit down while I stood behind watching. How crazy is that?! I remember her showing me hands and I was trying to tell her to call, bet, etc. I got yelled at by the dealer "One person per hand sir!" Obv. I didn't understand all the casino rules at that point.

The next time we both sat down and played at separate tables. We both bought in for just the minimum (a big no-no). I don't remember any hands I played. All I remember was the adrenaline rush and then busting out in less than half an hour Then it was back over to watch Char play.

I think I had the most embarrassing first couple of casino poker experiences. Can anyone prove me wrong?

first time i ever played i blew $600 in a 3-6 limit game. too many beers and didnt have a clue what was going on. i think i remember alot of suckouts though.