So I'll be turning 18 in a few months and I'm hoping to get started playing poker right away. But since I'm still 17 I've never had experience entering a poker room or table. How does this work? Do I just go in and sit down? When can I start playing? Should I wait for the big blind?

If you're talking about Internet poker, that's pretty much it. Choose a table from the lobby and buy-in for whatever amount.

If you're talking about a casino, you go to the Cashier, give them your intials and buy-in for whatever amount. Wait, and when there is an opening, you go and sit down. So I have been told about casino play. I'm 19 and have yet to be in a casino :-)

Originally Posted by Rakinimb

So I'll be turning 18 in a few months and I'm hoping to get started playing poker right away. But since I'm still 17 I've never had experience entering a poker room or table. How does this work? Do I just go in and sit down? When can I start playing? Should I wait for the big blind?

First time at a poker room is always intimidating. You will slowly learn that game selection is probably the most important part of your game.

But all you have to do is find a poker floorman and request a seat at your limit, 1-2 NL, for example. They'll seat you if there's a table open. If not, get on the waiting list.

You should go into the room with the expectation of losing, so don't bring much..I would advise against 12-24 hour marathons right off the gun too.

If you're experienced with online games, the live games generally are much softer; raising amounts are larger but less frequent. This is maybe too large of a blanket statement though. For instance at a 1-2 NL online game, typical preflop raise would be in the $5-7 range. Live game, the raising can be $10 and up easily.

I've played many years in cardrooms and it's such a fun experience....usually lol. Good luck!