Thinking about taking my first step into live poker

[uesleisuptitz]

I've been playing poker online for a while now — mostly late at night, with headphones, clicking buttons while drinking coffee. It's fun, but lately I've been wondering what it would be like to sit at a real table, feel the chips, read people's faces, and maybe even try a bluff or two in person.

The thing is... I've never played live poker before. I'm not sure if I should start with a home match with friends, a small club tournament, or just go to a casino and try.

For those who made the leap from online to face-to-face: how did you get started and what would you like to know before the first session?

 

[Marcwantstowin]

I found going to a local casino, which has live tournament poker, the easiest thing to do, although I was a bit nervous at first. I found that those who seemed to be regulars were helpful, and when I explained that it was my first time, they were helpful. Now, whether that is because they thought I would be an easy target or not, I don't know.

I think once you have done it, and you are sure of how you want to play, having your strategy ready, so as not to be put off easily. It is quite straightforward.

 

[rsparente]

Friends, and wish I knew how to read ranges.

 

[GrannySmit77]

I just went to a casino. You can play the lowest limits they have there. And just observe the game, the people, try to understand how they play. Have no expectation to win any money. Make sure you can afford to lose the chips you put on the table. Especially at lower stakes nobody folds, your aces get cracked frequently. You have to start somewhere.

 

[pavel1111111]

Good luck to You sir !!! You are going to need IT! The start îs very important ... So dont rush when You are making the decisions !! 🤙😄Cheerss !!!

 

[Poker Orifice]

what would you like to know before the first session?

Live players at the casino really SUCK at poker.
I know I'd heard it all before but I was still SHOCKED! They REALLY suck! Even at wsop $1,500 events, so many donks on the table it is hard to imagine. I just assumed they all would be decent at the game. I was wrong.

I would go in assuming they know what they're doing until they show you otherwise (which shouldn't take long from most)

Relax! Stay calm. Don't overthink it. Don't read books on 'live tells' before going (it's going to be wasted effort).

 

[TheniT]

I think it's a good time to start playing poker. I see that the number of recreational players has increased lately. Those who dedicate themselves to their studies will certainly be successful.

 

[hardongear]

I started with a friendly home game among friends for cheapish stakes. Didn't take but a couple weeks and I hopped into the local casino for a night of poker. I found it easier or maybe I should say I was more comfortable taking my buddy with me to play who wanted to go for his first time into the casino and play. So take a friend who wants to go if you have one. We were lucky and managed to get on the same table so could play and talk together all night.

Poker Orifice is 110% correct of about terrible and soft they are so don't be scared/nervous but do assume they're decent until proven otherwise. Shouldn't take long to see they're likely pretty terrible.

Best of luck man.

Cheers!!!

 

[fundiver199]

If you go to a casino, you should decide on a budget in advance. If the cheapest game is $1/$2, then maybe bring $600, so that you can fire up to 3 x 100 BB bullets, and be ok with it, if you go home with nothing.

 

[primrose]

1. You'll probably be nervous the first time. Everyone will see that you're a newbie just based on how you handle your cards. That's normal and fine, just don't expect to cruise into it like it's nothing because you're used to online play. Yes you're most likely better than most players there, but there's an adjustment period. But it's fine to just go to a casino without having played in a friend group first.

2. Don't get fancy. Don't try to read live tells. Don't make big moves. Just play conservatively.

3. Tighten up; people play larger opening sizes live so you don't have to play as many hands. (There are reasons to play normal ranges anyway or even widen your ranges, but that falls under "being fancy"; don't be fancy the first time.)

4. I'd recommend playing short-stacked for the first 1 or 2 times there, just until you get over the nerves. Also don't take more than 3 times the buy-in with you. Minimize losses.

5. Do not pick up your cards from the table to view them. View them by putting them on top of each other (vertically), putting your left hand next to it to protect them, and then using your right hand to slightly lift the left edge to view them (vice-versa if you're left-handed); first the lower one, and then let it flip down to view the upper one. You can even practice at home first. DItto when you want to check them again later in the the hand.

6. Keep us updated!

 

[PlayNow]

I've been playing poker online for a while now — mostly late at night, with headphones, clicking buttons while drinking coffee. It's fun, but lately I've been wondering what it would be like to sit at a real table, feel the chips, read people's faces, and maybe even try a bluff or two in person.

The thing is... I've never played live poker before. I'm not sure if I should start with a home match with friends, a small club tournament, or just go to a casino and try.

For those who made the leap from online to face-to-face: how did you get started and what would you like to know before the first session?

I made that transition a few years back myself, so I totally get the hesitation.
Honestly, the difference between online and live play is pretty significant. Here's what I'd recommend for getting started:
Start with friends or a home game first Seriously, this is the best way. Low stakes, relaxed atmosphere, and you can get used to the physical aspects without stress. Plus your friends won't judge you if you accidentally muck your cards the wrong way or forget to post blinds.
Forget the Hollywood "poker face" stuff. In reality, most tells are about HOW people bet, not facial expressions. Watch for changes in behavior patterns rather than looking for nervous tickssss.
Biggest difference from online: The pace is WAY slower. Where online you might see 100+ hands per hour, live you'll get maybe 25-30. This can be frustrating at first. My advice: Try a home game with friends a couple times first, then maybe a small club tournament, and then hit the casino. That way you gradually adjust to live play without big financial risks.
And yeah, bring patience - your first few sessions might feel stressful just because everything's new! The physical chips do feel pretty cool though. Good luck with the transition!

 

[Jillychemung]

I posted this a long time ago but it is still relevant https://www.cardschat.com/forum/cash-games-11/playing-live-1-2-nlhe-cash-204657/

 

[ScoobyEdu]

I've been playing poker online for a while now — mostly late at night, with headphones, clicking buttons while drinking coffee. It's fun, but lately I've been wondering what it would be like to sit at a real table, feel the chips, read people's faces, and maybe even try a bluff or two in person.

The thing is... I've never played live poker before. I'm not sure if I should start with a home match with friends, a small club tournament, or just go to a casino and try.

For those who made the leap from online to face-to-face: how did you get started and what would you like to know before the first session?

I was the same way in 2022, when I started playing some live tournaments here in Rio de Janeiro.
We have some freerolls here, so it was through them that I started playing and adapting.
Adapting is quite difficult because online poker gives us a lot of digested information. While live, we have to calculate everything mentally, not to mention a few careless folds in an unraised hand, or some incorrect sizing. But it's okay. Dealers and other players usually notice when it's your first time at the tables.
And some also try to help; there's always a kind soul.
Check around your city to see if the clubs have free tournaments; I think that's the best way.
Nowadays, to play live, I use the bankroll I build online, but I don't play any tournaments. Live, I always play the cheapest ones with high prize pools, blinds over 30 minutes, and tournaments without ADD-ON.
And pay attention to the ranges, because live has a lot of crazy stuff...
And good luck!!!
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