1. Understand your environment. This old rule may not always apply to the rest of Las Vegas, but at buffets, you definitely get what you pay for. If you’re not in a first-class resort, it’s probably a second- or third-rate buffet; If the hotel has several great restaurants, the buffet isn’t gonna suck. Eat accordingly.

2. Focus on flavor. You can eat as much of whatever you like, so shed the idea that you absolutely must house as much snow crab and prime rib as you can in order to get your money’s worth. Keep your plate stacked with food you love, but ...

3. Skip the obvious. Loading up on mashed potatoes, mac-and-cheese and pizza? Come on. You can eat that stuff any time. Aria’s buffet has knockout Indian food. Wynn’s has ramen and charcuterie, and Caesars’ has great dim sum. Live a little.

4. Be afraid of commitment. Eat as adventurously as you feel, but don’t scoop out a mountain of wheat berry salad or curry salmon or anything else you’ve never tried before. Try a little taste. If you love it, go back for more. The small portion model pioneered by Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon works well for wise eaters who cherish quality over quantity and want to try as many different dishes as possible.

5. Go early. We’re not talking about paying in right before the lunch-to-dinner price switch (although you can still pull that sneaky move at some buffets). We’re talking breakfast, when prices are lowest. But always refer back to Rule No. 1—the worst buffets will be real bad at breakfast, but the best ones, like Bacchanal, offer some of the greatest morning meals in the city.

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