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Spirit Mountain Casino - Poker Room FAQ
What is "Poker"?
Poker is generally a game of short term luck and long term skill which is
played against other players. Spirit Mountain does not participate in the play.
The object of the game is to win money. Most often winning is accomplished by
having the best hand, however, unlike other casino games, "bluffing" is an
integral part of the game.
Why should I play poker at Spirit Mountain Casino?
Spirit Mountain Casino cares about all of our guests whether you are guest
who plays on a regular basis, or a first time visitor. We hope you enjoy your
experience and we'd appreciate your feedback on ways we can continue to improve
our gaming activities and service.
What are the rules for playing poker?
It is Spirit Mountain Casino's intention to conduct all games in a manner which
meets the very highest standard of fairness for all our patrons. With this in
mind the Spirit Mountain Poker Room has adopted certain rules and procedures
which govern the various games we offer to the public. All rules, regulations
and procedures are subject to change without notice. Click here for Rules Of Play.
Does the Dealer play?
No. Our dealers do not participate in any poker game while on shift and have no
interest in the outcome of any hand. Spirit Mountain makes money by taking a
"rake" on each hand. This rake is usually 10% up to $3.
How many decks of cards are used?
All poker games are played with one (1) standard 52 card deck.
How do I get into a game?
When you first arrive in the Poker Room there is a large player waiting list
board for all games. Simply tell the Poker Clerk at the board what type and
limit of the games you might be interested in. As vacancies occur in those
games, the clerk will call your name from the list. You can place your name on
different limit games but you are responsible for making sure your name has
been updated each time you are seated.
May I leave my seat?
You may leave at anytime and take a break, but you will be eliminated from the
game if you are absent too long. We eliminate players when they have received
three "missed blind" buttons. This could take approximately 15-30 minutes. To
be safe, players who need to be gone from the table for a period of time can
pick up their chips and place their name at the top of the "Dinner List". This
means that if they return within 1 ½ hours, they will be placed at the top of
the waiting list for the game they were playing previously.
How do I get chips (buy-in)?
We offer several convenient ways for players to get chips. Players may choose
to purchase chips from the Poker Room Cage or purchase them from the Dealer at
your table. Our Poker Clerks will also be happy to get chips for you.
How much is the "buy-in"?
A "buy-in" must be in chips and generally must be a minimum of ten (10) times
the minimum wager. In games with limits of higher than $10-20 the minimum
buy-in amount is ten (10) times the maximum wager.
What are "table stakes"?
All poker games offered are "table stakes". This means the amount you buy in
for, or win, must stay at the table until you leave the game. Once you are
finished playing that game, you may take all of your chips with you.
What if I run out of money?
You can add money to your "stack" at anytime in between hands. If you do not
have enough money to finish playing the hand, you can go "all in". This means
you can only win the amount you have invested in the pot. An additional pot
will be made by the dealer to include the bets made by other players left in
that hand. The "all in" player is not eligible for the side pot.
How do I make a bet?
When it is your turn to act, place the appropriate amount of chips inside the
betting area (usually about halfway between a player and the pot). The chips
will remain until all other players have acted. The Dealer will then collect
the wagers into the "pot".
What is "calling" a bet?
You call a bet when you match the total amount of the wagers to you.
How do I make a "raise"?
A raise may be made by placing the proper amount of chips into the betting
area, or by stating "RAISE". You cannot say "I call and I raise" This is
considered a string raise. Be aware that an incorrectly made raise made may be
disallowed.
What is a "check"?
You may "check" whenever you are first to act, or when the players acting
before you have checked. "Check" is simply choosing not to bet, but reserving
the option of remaining in the action if other players do bet.
Is "check and raise" permitted?
Yes. Checking early in a betting round and then later raising after a bet has
been made by another player is a common strategy.
How many raises are allowed?
Generally the "cap" or maximum is three (3) raises per betting round. However,
if action becomes "heads-up" (only two (2) active players remaining) before a
third raise is made, there is no limit to the number of raises that can be made
between the "heads up" players.
What is a "string bet"?
A string bet is when a player tries to raise in two motions. For example…a
player calls by placing out the bet and then says "I raise". You must say
"raise" or put all chips out in one motion.
What is an "ante"?
An "ante" is a stipulated amount which must be posted by each player before
cards are dealt.
What is a "force bet"?
A "force bet" is a mandatory predetermined wager used to stimulate action. It
is usually the player with the lowest card (Aces are considered high). In
determining the lowest, suits will be used to break ties with the value of the
suits increasing from clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades.
What is a "Dealer Button"?
This is a small round disk which is used in most games to indicate the location
of the theoretical "dealer". All cards are dealt, and betting action begins
after this position.
What is a "blind"?
A "blind" is a mandatory bet posted before the cards are dealt used to
stimulate the action on the first betting round. Usually there is a big blind
and a small blind, both must be posted before the start of the hand. Each
player takes a turn posting blinds.
What is a "straddle"?
A straddle is a blind wager made in a board game which raises the "big blind".
Because it is made blindly, (prior to receiving any cards), the straddle has
the right of last action if there has been no subsequent raise.
What is a "kill"?
A "kill" is a blind wager which is placed prior to receiving any cards. When a
"kill" is posted the wagering structure for that hand is then double the
standard limits for the remainder of the hand. Some games are played with "half
kills" which raise the limits half again as large as standard limits.
What is a "structured limit"?
Structured limit games are those where the wagering limits are clearly defined
for each betting round. For example, in a $1-2 game, the initial betting rounds
would have all the action taking place in $1 increments while the later rounds
would be in $2 increments.
What is a "spread limit"?
In a spread limit game, (for example, $1-5), players may wager any amount
between $1 and $5 at any time. Any raise must also be within the limits, with
the additional requirements that a raise must be at least double the previous
bet or raise amount.
What is a "pot-limit" game?
Pot limit and No-Limit games offer the more experienced player an opportunity
to make much larger wagers when they have a powerful hand. Also known as "big
bet" poker, there is usually a predetermined minimum wager, and the maximum
wager is the size of the existing pot.
What is a "no-limit" game?
This wagering limit is clearly one of the most exciting games available. Along
with Pot Limit, this form of "big bet" poker is not for the inexperienced.
While there is usually a predetermined minimum wager, the maximum wager is in
fact all of your remaining table stake.
What is a "burn" card?
A burn card is a method of providing an additional protective measure in the
case of a marked or damaged card. After each betting round, the Dealer will
deal the top card off the deck and place it under the pot.
How do I know what wins?
At "showdown" (after all wagering is completed), the best poker hand according
to the "Rank of Hands" is determined, and the pot is awarded by the Dealer.
Do I have to show my cards?
If you feel you have the winning hand, you should expose all of your cards, and
declare the value of the hand. Before you relinquish your cards: Please make
sure that you are either the winner or your hand has been beaten by another
player.
Can I use my "Coyote Club Card" in Poker?
Yes! Be sure to present your Coyote Card when you are seated in a game to earn
valuable points that can be used toward meals, lodging, merchandise, and
entertainment attractions. At Spirit Mountain Poker Room, if you use your
Coyote Card to sign up for a tournament, you will receive 100 extra tournament
chips. If you do not already have a Coyote Club Card, simply talk to one of our
clerks and you can acquire one instantly with a valid ID.
How do I redeem my chips?
Dealers cannot redeem chips for cash. You must go to a cashier's cage to redeem
your chips for currency. Depending on the table's chip inventory, the Dealer
may be able to "color up" your chips (exchanging smaller-value chips for larger
denominations) which makes them easier to transport to the cashier's cage.
Can I tip the staff?
If you wish to present a "toke" (token of your appreciation) to a Dealer, Chip
Runner or Clerk, you may do so at any time during your visit. However employees
may only accept tips in the form of cash or chips. Please make the employee
aware of any gratuity by noting it as such when you present it. All of Spirit
Mountain Casino employees strive to provide the utmost in courtesy and
professional service, and sincerely appreciate each and every toke received.
What if I still have questions?
Our professional gaming staff will be happy to answer your questions related to
particular games. In fact, we encourage you to ask. After all, the more you
know, the more you can enjoy your gaming experience. You may also contact us
with your questions at any time.
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