Live vs. Online Poker: How Does the Stress Differ Between the Two?

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Silentlivep1

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For those who have played both live and online poker, do you find that playing at a real table is more stressful than playing online? I’m thinking of trying a live game for the first time.
 
Marcwantstowin

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I would say no. I played at the wsop last year, 1st time, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was looking forward to it, and I played about 5/6 live tournaments. It was amazing to see other people and their "tells" if they appeared stressed, and how they acted/ interacted with the other players at the tables.

I felt it was important to take my time, concentrate on my play, but once I got into a rhythm, that let any stress I had flow out of the top of my head.
 
hilary antonik filho

hilary antonik filho

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I like playing live more, for several reasons, interacting, commenting (before and after) on your experiences, looking at people, seeing their reactions, attitudes, moving the chips, building their stacks.
 
amonlima

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Playing online is definitely more stressful, because you play more hands, more tournaments, which naturally makes you more stressed, and not to mention that no one is watching you to judge you, meaning you tilt more easily.
 
TeUnit

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I get much more tired playing live than online. You just have so much more information to process.

Also live you have to focus on not giving off tells, so you need to do things the same way every time.

Live you also have the additional burden of figuring out effective chip stacks.
 
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Viking26

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Live If You cant hide your emotions is harder..online is a bit harder to read players ..but not that big off difference If your a good player
 
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888NOX888

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It's probably just a matter of habit, everything new always causes a little stress, excitement, but then you get used to it and feel more confident.
 
Toruk Makto

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I'll stick with the online one for now! ♡
 
istbno

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The stress of live and online poker differs significantly due to the environment, pace, and psychological dynamics involved. Live poker tends to be slower, giving players more time to think, read opponents, and feel social pressure, which can create stress through face-to-face interactions and the need to manage physical tells. Online poker, on the other hand, is much faster-paced, often with players multi-tabling, which can lead to mental fatigue and decision overload. Additionally, the anonymity of online play can increase tilt due to bad beats or aggressive opponents, while live games may add emotional pressure through public scrutiny. Each format tests a different kind of mental endurance and emotional control.
 
Sunz of Beaches

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The stress of live and online poker differs significantly due to the environment, pace, and psychological dynamics involved. Live poker tends to be slower, giving players more time to think, read opponents, and feel social pressure, which can create stress through face-to-face interactions and the need to manage physical tells. Online poker, on the other hand, is much faster-paced, often with players multi-tabling, which can lead to mental fatigue and decision overload. Additionally, the anonymity of online play can increase tilt due to bad beats or aggressive opponents, while live games may add emotional pressure through public scrutiny. Each format tests a different kind of mental endurance and emotional control.
Thanks chatgpt 😍
 
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hajaehyun

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I think there's more stress online. Live shows aren't stressful, they're fun.
 
CaioRJ

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Live = Slow and Boring
Online = Fast, but with more bad bet
 
rdwr33

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certainly the stress of live poker is very intense
 
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