A gentleman's Casino Royale: The poker experience at Resorts World Sentosa

STYLO x GC Gentlemen's Weekend 2020.

The Etiquette

But dressing the part is merely the opening ante. To truly embody the spirit of a gentleman in this high-stakes arena, one must master the nuanced etiquette of the poker room. In the words of Bond, "In poker you never play your hand. You play the man across from you." This wisdom is the cornerstone of poker room conduct. Observe more, speak less – let your chips and your play do the talking. Timing, too, is everything. Act in turn, always. Premature actions are the telltale signs of an amateur, a cardinal sin in these hallowed halls.

Your chip management speaks volumes about your experience and class. Stack them neatly, with higher denominations in front. It's not just courteous; it's strategic, sending a silent message of confidence to your opponents. And when fortune smiles upon you, share the wealth. Tipping the dealer after a big win is a mark of class, a gesture that separates the gentlemen from the mere players.

Perhaps the most crucial element of poker room etiquette is maintaining your composure in the face of victory or defeat. Whether you've just won a pot that would make Le Chiffre sweat or lost a hand that would drive lesser men to tears, the true gentleman maintains his poise. A slight smile, a gracious nod – these are the hallmarks of a player who understands that in the grand game of poker, today's defeat may be tomorrow's victory.

Inside the Casino.

Photo courtesy of Resorts World™ Sentosa.

The Pre-Game Briefing

But before one can enter this arena of high stakes and higher class, there's a crucial step that even James Bond would have to undergo – the pre-game briefing. This isn't just a formality; it's your mission briefing, as essential as any dossier M might hand to 007. The rules laid out here are the laws that govern this high-stakes world, and knowing them is the difference between a gentleman and a mere player.

As we settled into the briefing room, the atmosphere tense with anticipation, the dealer – our Q, if you will – began to outline the intricacies of the game. First and foremost, the sanctity of the showdown. "Do not show your hands," he emphasized, "even if it obviously went check-check, before the dealer flips over the YELLOW button that says SHOWDOWN." The penalty for such a premature reveal? Your hand is dead, as surely as if it had been caught in the crossfire of one of Bond's more explosive missions.

Next came a rule that would make even the most silver-tongued agent pause. "Verbal does not count," our dealer stated flatly. You can declare "all in" with all the bravado of Bond facing down Le Chiffre, but if you only drop in one chip, that's all that counts. It's a world where actions speak louder than words, where a single misplaced chip can be as costly as a misplaced trust.

The intricacies of betting were laid out with the precision of a well-planned covert operation. "One chip is not a call," we were told. If someone bets 80, and you casually toss in a 100 chip, you've just raised the stakes, whether you intended to or not. The minimum raise, we learned, can be as little as 20 – a detail that could turn the tide of a hand as surely as a hidden ace up one's sleeve.

Perhaps the most crucial rule, the one that separates the amateurs from the pros, came last. "If someone bets 180, and you want to call using two 100 chips, you better drop them one at a time," our dealer warned, "otherwise you might be forced to raise it to 200." It's a world where every movement is scrutinized, where the simple act of placing your chips can betray your intentions as surely as a tell in your poker face.

As the briefing concluded, I couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for the complexity of the game we were about to enter. These weren't just rules; they were the code by which gentlemen conduct themselves in the high-stakes world of RWS poker. Mastering them is as essential as mastering one's poker face or perfecting one's martini order.

Photo courtesy of Resorts World™ Sentosa.

The Unspoken Codes

Beyond these visible rules of engagement lie the unspoken codes that govern the world of high-stakes poker at RWS. Arriving early to select your table is not just about comfort – it's a strategic decision that can set the tone for your entire session. Look for a mix of players that suits your style and skill level, remembering that in poker, as in espionage, choosing your battles wisely is half the victory.

Respect for the regulars is paramount. RWS has its share of local pros, and treating them with respect is not just good manners – it's good strategy. Today's opponent might be tomorrow's valuable contact, a source of insights or opportunities in the ever-shifting world of high-stakes poker.

As you settle into your chosen seat, be acutely aware of your position at the table. Late position is golden, a vantage point from which to gather intelligence and control the flow of the game. Use it wisely, as Bond would use every advantage in a high-stakes mission.

To truly thrive in the RWS poker scene, one must go beyond the felt and embrace the full spectrum of experiences on offer. The Genting Rewards program is your Aston Martin in this world – sleek, exclusive, and offering advantages at every turn. It's your ticket to exclusive events and higher stakes games, the key to doors that remain closed to the average player.

The international nature of RWS's clientele offers a unique challenge and opportunity. Players from across Asia and beyond bring their own styles and strategies to the table. Study them, adapt to them, and use this knowledge to your advantage. It's a microcosm of global poker, all within the confines of this luxurious casino.

For those with the bankroll of a MI6 expense account, the high roller experiences at RWS are the stuff of legend. Private games, often by invitation only, offer stakes that would make even the most jaded player's heart race. These are the games where reputations are made and broken, where a single hand can change fortunes.

As the night wears on and the stakes climb higher, you'll feel it – those mercurial moments where fortunes can change with the turn of a card. It's in these moments, with your heart pounding and your mind racing, that you'll truly understand the allure of high-stakes poker at RWS. I've seen players rise from the ashes of near bankruptcy to walk away with life-changing sums. I've watched seasoned pros crumble under the pressure of a perfectly executed bluff by an underestimated opponent. These are the moments that define the RWS experience – where legends are born and myths are shattered.

'Casino Royale'.

Everett Collection

The Strategy

To increase your odds of success in this high-stakes environment, one must be ever vigilant and adaptive. The dynamics at RWS change throughout the day – late-night games often feature a more recreational crowd, while daytime sessions might see more sharks circling the tables. Reading the room and adjusting your strategy accordingly is crucial.

Many players at RWS are tourists looking for a thrill, often playing looser and more prone to bluffs than seasoned pros. Recognizing and exploiting these tendencies can be the difference between a good night and a great one. But remember, even as you seek to capitalize on others' weaknesses, a gentleman always plays with integrity.

Mastery of multiple poker variants can give you a significant edge at RWS. While Texas Hold'em may be your bread and butter, proficiency in games like Omaha or Seven-Card Stud can open up new opportunities and keep your skills sharp.

Perhaps the most important strategy, one that even James Bond would adhere to, is strict bankroll management. Set limits for yourself and stick to them, no matter how tempting the action looks. Remember, the goal is to leave the casino on your own terms, preferably with more than you came with.

Finally, don't underestimate the power of strategic breaks. RWS offers world-class amenities beyond the poker room. A quick visit to one of its fine restaurants or a moment of relaxation at the spa can refresh your mind and sharpen your focus for the next session. Treat these moments as Bond would treat a briefing with M – a chance to regroup, refocus, and return to the mission at hand with renewed vigor.

'Happy Ending'

As you leave the poker room, whether with pockets full of winnings or lessons learned, know that you've participated in something truly special. The RWS poker experience is more than just a game – it's a test of skill, nerve, and character. Your conduct at the tables reflects not just on you, but on the gentlemanly art of poker itself.

In the immortal words of Ian Fleming, "The bitch is dead now." May your lesser poker skills die here at RWS, reborn as those of a true gentleman of the felt. For in this Casino Royale of the East, every hand played is a chance to prove your mettle, every chip wagered a step towards legendary status.

Welcome to Resorts World Sentosa, where the game is always afoot, and the gentlemen always play for high stakes.

Note

The historical opening of the Resorts World Sentosa Casino in February 2010 saw Singapore's 40-year ban on gaming come to an end. This 24-hour luxury casino features more than 500 gaming tables, including Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Roulette and Pontoon. More than 2,400 slot machines and electronic table games are also on offer including electronic Roulette, electronic Sic Bo and Rapid Baccarat. Entry to the Casino is strictly for Over-21s. Singaporeans and Permanent Resident are required to pay a $100 entry fee, although this fee is not extended to foreigners. Note that Smart Casual wear is required to enter the casino – no beach wear, flip flops, shorts or sleeveless shirts are allowed.

Address:

Resorts World Sentosa
Singapore, 098269

Phone:

(+65) 6577 8888

Website:

rwsentosa.com