Online Poker Guide - Texas Holdem Strategies
Texas Holdem Strategies: Live Poker Strategy
Moving from online poker to live poker should be a seamless transition. The game rules are the same, everybody sits around a table and money is won and lost. So jumping into a live game shouldn’t represent any problems to the seasoned online poker player. Or should it?
The answer to that question is “YES!” Playing poker in a live casino or card room differs greatly from the online game. Let’s put the obvious tactile areas of the live game to one side for a moment and look at a few minor differences that could cause you to become un-stuck, or red faced, in a live game of poker:
- String Betting. Online poker makes string betting impossible. To make a bet, call or raise you simply press a button, type in an amount or move a slider along to the amount you wish to wager. In a live game you have no such luxury so making a string bet is something new players to live games often fall victim of. A string bet involves moving chips into the pot, to make a bet or a raise, and then returning to your stack to move more chips in. To avoid string betting count out your bet before moving your chips forward in once smooth motion. Or announce, towards the dealer, what you intend to do before you do it. If you want to raise to 5,000 chips then say to the dealer; “Raise to 5000”. If you begin string betting when you want to raise your action will be classified as a call.
- Viewing your cards. While sat in the safety and comfort of your home, in front of your PC screen, requires no effort. Your online poker room software will display your hand each time whilst your opponents remain hidden. In a live game, however, you must learn how to view your hole cards without displaying them to your nearby opponents. Cupping a hand to one side of the cards whilst lifting the corner of the other is usually sufficient to protect your hand against prying eyes.
- Chip stacking. Rules on how your chips should be stacked or displayed differ from card room to card room. It’s generally considered poor form to have your large denomination chips hidden behind the small ones. That’s because your opponents may think you have less chips than you actually have and make their decisions based on that information. Stack your chips in a reasonably neat fashion with the big ones at the front. You’ll be less likely to be asked how many chips you have left and the game will flow more smoothly.
Playing live poker should be fun and once you’ve experienced a live game for a while you’ll quickly become used to how the game flows. Don’t expect instant action, remember a person has to shuffle and deal the cards not a machine, but do expect lots of good natured banter and laughs.
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Online Poker Guide: Live Poker Strategy
As the above clearly warns, there are distinct differences between the online game and the live one. That's not to say you won't be able to adapt and even win instantly. No matter where you play the basics will always be the same, and let's not forget that it 's a game of chance. Get great pocket cards again and again and you'll be racking up the wins and taking home lots of pots. The key to winning any poker is practice, and we don't think there's anywhere better than 32Red Poker. Join today and get up to $320 free and regular monthly bonuses there after. Enjoy!
