From Online Poker Rooms to Live Poker Games

16 Oct, 2008 - Posted by Dan in Texas Holdem

You might have enjoyed playing online Poker games and have been successful with it, but you might want to try playing live.  There are indeed some slight differences between the two games.  During the live Poker Games, you would need to watch out for physical actions your opponents would want to convey to you and not just the betting patterns.  More so, you should also be aware of the actions that you make.  You might be giving some signals on what your opponents should do or use.  In online games, things might have been given out to you easily but this does not work as such in live games.  During live games, you need to do a little math, as you need to calculate bet amounts and your own pots.  Unlike online Poker, there are some specific rules you need to follow and a specific amount of time should be observed to make your decisions.  This article would discuss some specific details to help you make a smooth transition from online poker to the live games.

Of course, the greatest difference between the two games is the obvious, you are playing with physical chips right in front of you.  Before the game begins, you must familiarize yourself well with what amount each chip represents.  The chip’s amount and color varies. This is the reason why it is very important to make verbal bets during live games.  Verbal bets are those which count.  For example, you would say you are betting $5 but you only put $4 on the pot then you still owe $1 to the pot.  In addition, you can never raise and call at the same time.

Another live game rule which is not present in online Poker games is string betting.  Always bear in mind that when playing a live poker game, a verbal declaration has to be done to be able to make a motion at the pot.  For example, you wanted to bet $100; you need to put the correct amount of chips on the pot.  It would not be acceptable to first put in $50 and be back for the other $50.  There are ways to eliminate the occurrence of such problems.  Always count your chips or your bet before putting them on the pot.  You also should make it a habit to make verbal bets by saying your bet out loud.  This way, your verbal bet is the one that would count.  More so, by doing this, you eliminate the chances of putting in excessive bets because the dealer would insure that you put the correct amount of chips in the pot.

Another rule is the over sized chip rule.  This is one rule most players tend to neglect.  Once you put an over sized chip into the pot, it would be considered as a call.  When you wanted to raise, you should announce it.

Unlike the online poker game, you get to be face to face with your opponents thus it is important for you to control your emotions.  Your emotions would be very readable and you do not want your opponents to see such.  The last thing you would want to happen is to let your opponents read what is inside your mind.  Drinking of alcoholic beverages while playing poker is not a good habit and it is not recommended.  We all know that drinking impairs judgment.

When the players see that one player could not make a decision right away, they would ask the dealer to put a clock on the player.  This does not happen online, because there is not specific time frame for you to finish your bets.  Be very careful though in calling the clock.  Some players would get upset if you call the clock on them.

Those were the differences between online poker games as compared to a live game.  It would be best if you understand the rules to be able to have a smooth play.  Once you have learned to play poker online, basically you would know how to play it in a live game table.

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