Before you sit down

How Texas card rooms work, what a first visit looks like, and how to act at the table.

• How Texas social clubs work Why you pay a membership and seat time instead of a rake — and why these aren’t casinos. →
• First time in a card room Check in, get on the list, buy chips, take a seat, cash out. →
• Live poker etiquette Act in turn, don’t splash, don’t coach, phones down, rail back. →