Something I like when playing cards is space. At least enough where my drink isn’t dropping condensation on the next guy’s chips. I don’t want an empty table (because then there’s no money to be won, right?). Just enough room to not have to worry about brushing my teeth. Of course, craps is another beast. Craps is famous for packing as many loud, rowdy people around the table as possible. C’mon, you’ve seen the movies. Do you like being in the middle of that pack, or do you move on, hoping for quieter pastures at the craps tables?

No doubt you’ve been around tables that get completely crazy. It’s enough when you’ve been playing for years to get on your nerves and rattle you around a little, I can only imagine now what it’s like for someone new to the game. But I can guess – intimidating. Some people don’t care about having the buzz around them. They want a more relaxing atmosphere.

If you’re a beginner, it almost makes sense to avoid the crowded tables. You want a chance to get to know the game at a slower pace. You want to throw questions at the dealer without worrying about people looking at their watches (or worse, answering for you and then sighing as if you should know the answer already).

One of my pet peeves, and this is just me, is when the other players start talking strategy with me. I’m not a beginner, I don’t want your advice and I don’t want to hear your plan. Just keep it to yourself. You’re probably drunk, anyway. That said, I can handle a full table as long as it doesn’t turn into a mosh pit. Keep it civilized, folks, and I’ll be one of the guys.

And if I am invested in a table that continues to attract more people, it better be strong on the action. If I have to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a dozen other people who aren’t moving much, I’m heading right for the hotel room shower afterward.

The only real benefit (and it’s rare these days), is if you’re making a bunch of people money on big rolls, they might toss some tips your way. Of course, more happy people means more tips. But I can do with a sweaty “fiver” finding its way over to me if it means I don’t have to hear the life story of its former owner.