It’s common practice these days for players to learn poker playing on the internet, but then go on to play the live format in casinos. There are many differences between the online poker game and the live game and this is a brief guide into some of the things you should watch out for when making the transition.
Chip management
Online, a computer algorithm cleanly sorts your chips out and displays neat graphics and numbers to tell you your chip counts. In live poker, no one is there to look after your chips, so it is a good idea to keep your chips in neat, ordered stacks so you are always aware of your chip count and can make correct plays based on your stack.
Keeping your chips in order will mean you can make raises more easily and you won’t slow down the play.
Speed of play
Hands on the internet whiz along with much of the humdrum organisation of shuffling cards, sorting chips and other activities taken care of by computer processors. With a human element involved in live play, these mechanics take longer, and players at live tables have many distractions that tend to slow down their play compared to the internet.
Be aware you will play at 50% or less of the speed you are used to on the internet and don’t let this be a source of frustration for you.
Betting differences
This is a big area where players new to the live scene can fall foul. Online betting is as simple as clicking a button whereas in live poker you must count out your raises and calls and push them over the betting line.
Be aware that you should try and do this in one smooth motion. Making several trips back to your chip stack to make a raise in multiple stages is called a “string bet” and is disallowed in most casinos.
Watch the action
In live poker, there is no beeping noise to tell you its your turn to play. Don’t be the guy holding up play because you didn’t realise the action was on you. Pay attention and be sure to act promptly when it’s your turn.
Similarly, remember to put in your forced bets without the dealer having to tell you and slow down the game. Antes and blinds are your responsibility so be on top of this.
Protecting cards
It is your job to look after your cards so be careful they aren’t accidentally mucked as the dealer sweeps up dead cards. Placing a chip or card protector on top of your cards ensures the dealer knows these cards are in play.
Remember also, that you are playing with people around you, so don’t flash them a look at your holding, giving out free information.
Tells
We won’t go into the ins and outs of “tells” here, but face-to-face with people, there is other information you can use to make informed decisions about a player’s strength or weakness.
This can take many years to perfect, but there are some great books out there on tells such as Mike Caro’s “Book of Poker Tells.” Reading this and similar books will give you some insight into the things to look out for.
The only way to learn the ropes of live poker is to immerse yourself into the live world. It’s a very different experience to online so dive in and start to become a well-rounded player.