An all-you-can-eat buffet is one of the best deals in dining — if you play it right. The goal isn't to eat until you hurt; it's to taste widely, enjoy the things you actually love, and walk out happy rather than uncomfortable. These eight tips will help you get the most out of your next buffet visit.

1. Do a lap before you grab a plate

Walk the whole line first. Knowing what's on offer — the carving station, the sushi bar, the hot dishes, dessert — lets you plan instead of filling up on the first thing you see.

2. Start small and sample

Take modest portions of several dishes on your first plate. It's a buffet — you can always go back for more of the winners. Small samples mean you discover favorites without committing a full plate to something you don't love.

3. Prioritize the made-to-order stations

Freshly cooked beats steam-tray every time. Mongolian BBQ, teppanyaki and carving stations are cooked to order, so they're at their best. Build your meal around them.

4. Save sushi and seafood for when it's fresh

Go for the seafood and sushi when the trays look full and busy — high turnover means fresh. If a tray looks picked-over, wait for a refill.

5. Don't fill up on bread, rice and noodles

Starches are cheap and filling — exactly what you don't want to load up on at a buffet. Use them as a small base, not the main event.

6. Pace yourself

Give your stomach time between plates. A few minutes of conversation between trips helps you register when you're satisfied, so you eat better without overdoing it.

7. Leave room for dessert

The dessert bar is part of the deal. Cakes, fresh fruit, soft-serve and pastries are a fitting finish — budget a little appetite for it.

8. Go at the right time

Just after opening or at the start of the dinner rush usually means the freshest, fullest trays. Lunch is also typically the better value if price matters.

Put it to the test

Want to practice? Paradise Buffet in Montclair runs six all-you-can-eat stations — Mongolian BBQ, sushi & teppanyaki, American carving, seafood, a salad bar and dessert. See the current prices and hours, then come hungry. 9059 Central Avenue, open daily from 11am.