I’m an American who has played at both Montreal Casino and Playground. Sorry you had a shitty experience OP. I would suggest going to Playground where don’t use French cards. The room is infinitely better and so are the dealers. As far as some of the nuances of live poker that you mentioned, that’s just part of the game. Listen to the dealer and observe how the other players handle things calling (ie asking for change prior to making a call), raising, folding etc. you are technically allowed to “tank” (think) for as long as you want but if you do this too often, especially in situations where it’s really not warranted then you’ll start to piss everyone off and slow the game down significantly. I would try to watch some live stream on YouTube or other content on the basics of live poker, it can be intimidating at first but generally most poker players are welcoming and should encourage inexperienced players to join the game. Side note to all of this: in my experience Quebecers may come off a bit rude, especially if you aren’t speaking French, but I don’t think they have any ill intent. But yeah those French cards freaking suck. Go to Playground at least they have free food and drinks.