Create a polygon tool

1. Select Mesh > Create Polygon Tool.
2. Click the left mouse button to place the first point(or vertex) in the front view.
Maya places vertices on the ground place unless you snap them to existing geometry.
i just officially bought Maya 2008 so expect some very noob questions.
3. Click to place the next vertex. Maya creates an edge between the first point and the last point you placed.
4. Place the third vertex. A dashed edge connects the three vertices.
5. Place the fourth vertex. A dashed edge connects the four vertices again.
6. To close the polygon, place the last vertex. A dashed edge connects the five vertices again.
7. To complete the new polygon, press Enter.
It cannot form a plane this time.

    Press Delete to delete the last point you placed.
    Press y to start a new polygon.
    To switch to editing vertices, press Insert.
http://caad.arch.ethz.ch/info/maya/manual/UserGuide/ModelingPoly/PolyBasics.fm.html