cogitate

As DenverBrian posted, it would appear that the OP is seeking limit holdem, but many responses in this forum have been about NL and NL tournaments.

I have found MGM and Monte Carlo to be excellent for low limit (2-4) holdem. Waiting times have typically been zero to 15 minutes. Regarding "tipsy college students" note that *MANY* college students go to Vegas during Spring Break which is in mid-March but the exact dates vary from school to school. Last year I had a great time playing 2-4 limit at a table at MGM with friendly kids from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Although I did win some money off them, it was modest (remember this is a 2-4 limit game), and everyone seemed to have a good time. The only thing I didn't like was that in my late fifties I was the oldest person at the table!

peachfront

I would just point out that you don't have an advantage over low limit hold 'em because of the rake. If you are beating online limit poker, you shouldn't be playing low limit live. You can beat medium limit 8/16 or 15/30, just fine. Bellagio or Wynn. My preference is Bellagio. Yeah, the waiting list. If it's too bad, try Wynn. And don't be afraid to step up. 8/16 is probably actually tighter than 15/30. Have you ever played live poker at all before? You can PM me. I'm no Ed Miller but I can offer what inputs I do have. 8/16 live in Vegas is about like 1/2 online.

peachfront

If he can beat 1/2 limit online, he'll kick you-know-what live. The highly motivated online player is in a difference universe from the drunk old live player who hasn't read a book since 1928 if he ever read a book. That's the difference between limit and no limit. A no limit player with no live experience is in trouble. A limit player with no experience -- you tell 'em you're a noob and they think it's an act. In my first live game, not only was I ribbed all night for trying to fool these wise old men with my "act," I got a straight flush. Ain't gonna happen at NL where it's all psychology and you don't get odds to draw out. But to each his own. The true nerd's first live game should be limit, and he's the favorite to win.

bocastephen

Thanks for the advise, everyone. I just got back, but unfortunately I was unable to play due to some scheduling conflicts. However, I think the advise in this thread is great and I will be better prepped when I go back out there. When I did have a chance to play, I went to the Aladdin poker room - well not a room per se, but a bunch of tables they cobbled together in an alcove upstairs from the casino - but the low dollar games running were all no limit, and I missed the tournament start time, so I decided to wait until next time.

The plan is to crunch my teeth on some live low limit dog-track games here in Florida to get the mechanics of things down pat - it's easy when you're playing online and the software automatically posts the blinds for you and tells you when the raise is to you or you can check, etc. I'm sure my first live games will be quite stressful trying to keep the mechanics in order while playing the proper strategy at the same time.