Getting a seat in a casino poker room: waiting lists and table changes

Walking into a busy poker room for the first time can be confusing. Here’s how seating usually works — details vary by casino, so the floor staff or the desk are always the people to ask.

The waiting list

Go to the poker desk (or use the room’s app or screen if it has one).
Say which game and stakes you want, e.g. “€1/€2 No-Limit Hold’em”.
Give your name or initials. When a seat opens, they’ll call you.
You usually need to respond quickly, or they’ll call the next name.

Some rooms let you put your name on several lists at once.

Must-move tables

When a game is busy, the room may open a must-move table: players there are moved to the main game as seats open there, in order. It keeps the main table full.

Seat changes and table changes

Seat change: ask the dealer for a different seat at the same table. You’ll get it when that seat opens.
Table change: ask the floor to move you to another table of the same game.

Why change? To sit to the left of loose, aggressive players (so you act after them) or away from a player you don’t want to face. See table selection.

Buying in

Once seated, buy chips at the table or the cage, within the game’s minimum and maximum. See buy-in and top-up.

Tips

Visit at busy times (evenings, weekends) for more games — but expect longer waits.
Check whether you’ll be dealt in immediately or must wait for the big blind. See sitting out and missed blinds.

See also casino poker room and poker etiquette.

FAQ

How do I get a seat in a casino poker room?

Put your name on the waiting list at the poker desk for the game and stakes you want, then wait to be called.

What is a must-move table?

A secondary table whose players are moved into the main game as seats open.

Can I change seats in live poker?

Yes. Ask the dealer for a seat change or the floor for a table change.

Where is the best seat at a poker table?

Usually to the left of loose, aggressive players, so you act after them.