aaitas1992
Rising Star
Bronze Level
How does one adjust to live poker after only playing online since forever?
dreamer13
Legend
Loyaler
Sometimes you will be attacked directly or indirectly at the poker table. You will be bluffed, run over, or just verbally scolded for your actions, don't take it personally.Remember that you are playing against real people, not just income sources. Treat your opponents with respect and they will be more willing to play with you!
Zennnyy
Enthusiast
Silver Level
I'm on the opposite side of the road you are walking, transitioning to online from live.
My number 1 recommendation is to try find a local club game that happens once a week, get comfortable with playing live, pressure is different when you have eye's on you, a lot of stuff will obviously transfer over but table etiquette and composure is something you'll get used to, it's also a lot easier to lose focus at live games and learning how to keep your mind switched on is key, don't allow yourself to become groggy and tired, get up and walk around etc
Consistently going to live games and getting in really tough spots trains your nerves and you become used to it like second nature....although not to get to comfortable at the same time where you are taking risks more often etc
but yeah, find a club!
My number 1 recommendation is to try find a local club game that happens once a week, get comfortable with playing live, pressure is different when you have eye's on you, a lot of stuff will obviously transfer over but table etiquette and composure is something you'll get used to, it's also a lot easier to lose focus at live games and learning how to keep your mind switched on is key, don't allow yourself to become groggy and tired, get up and walk around etc
Consistently going to live games and getting in really tough spots trains your nerves and you become used to it like second nature....although not to get to comfortable at the same time where you are taking risks more often etc
but yeah, find a club!
Claudiunm
Legend
Platinum Level
Wow! That's cool.
I've also been thinking about this idea. Next to my work building, there's a poker club with daily tournaments. I'm thinking about going there sometime after work for a little adventure. I'll be following this post for some tips.
I've also been thinking about this idea. Next to my work building, there's a poker club with daily tournaments. I'm thinking about going there sometime after work for a little adventure. I'll be following this post for some tips.
anasslaaleg
Rock Star
Platinum Level
I was in the same situation, and frankly, the transition from online to live requires a real adjustment.
First thing: patience. The pace is very slow compared to online. You play 20-30 hands/hour max, so you have to learn to stay focused without getting bored or spewing.
Observe the players. Live, you have access to information you never had online: gestures, facial expressions, betting style, posture... Even if you're not an expert at tells, just watching carefully can give you an edge.
Manage the atmosphere. Some talk a lot, others are ultra-slow, there's noise, pauses... It's a different atmosphere. The goal is to stay calm and in your own little world.
Simplify your game. Most live players are much less technical than online regs. So you don't need to bluff like in 100NL Zoom. You play solid, value often, and let others make mistakes.
And finally: prepare yourself mentally and physically. Live is long. Bring water, eat lightly, take breaks... and above all, don't tilt if you're playing one hand every fifteen minutes.
If you've mastered online, you're already ahead of the curve. You just need to adapt to the pace and the human element.
First thing: patience. The pace is very slow compared to online. You play 20-30 hands/hour max, so you have to learn to stay focused without getting bored or spewing.
Observe the players. Live, you have access to information you never had online: gestures, facial expressions, betting style, posture... Even if you're not an expert at tells, just watching carefully can give you an edge.
Manage the atmosphere. Some talk a lot, others are ultra-slow, there's noise, pauses... It's a different atmosphere. The goal is to stay calm and in your own little world.
Simplify your game. Most live players are much less technical than online regs. So you don't need to bluff like in 100NL Zoom. You play solid, value often, and let others make mistakes.
And finally: prepare yourself mentally and physically. Live is long. Bring water, eat lightly, take breaks... and above all, don't tilt if you're playing one hand every fifteen minutes.
If you've mastered online, you're already ahead of the curve. You just need to adapt to the pace and the human element.
Jessica1507
Rock Star
Platinum Level
Good point. I played online for a while and stopped now I'm coming back. I've never played live and I don't think I could because I like to play in silence and from what I've seen there are some who, besides talking all the time live, are annoying.
SPANKYSN
Legend
Platinum Level
I remember my first time playing Texas Hold’em live…it was a one table tournament with a $100 buy-in. I chose a tournament format so I would not lose more than my original investment. I was very nervous since my son had very high expectations of me…I started off playing very tight…I didn’t want to be the first player eliminated…I was in last place until a hand knocked out two players, and I was last out of eight…but that’s what it took to get me settled down. I found myself in a hand with pocket 7s on the button…nobody raised, so I went all-in and it held up…went from last to second place, and ended up winning the tournament. I was probably the least experienced player at the table…I was thrilled and there were no nerves the next time. Remember this, the other players are always going to have some nerves as well due to the randomness of poker…when playing live, it’s not just losing your money…nobody wants to look like an idiot.
Advice for your first live table…stay aware of when it is your turn to act…smile, and if there is some chat at the table that you can contribute to, join in…that will help you relax.
Advice for your first live table…stay aware of when it is your turn to act…smile, and if there is some chat at the table that you can contribute to, join in…that will help you relax.