Entries by Clement Henry

The difference between online poker and live poker is huge. The first time an online player gets into a live poker arena, odds are they will feel the difference. It's a lot easier playing poker in the comfort of your own home (you could be in your underwear if you wanted) than sitting down with a table of strangers. The differences are subtle, but important.

Beware of the Tell

Live poker relies on the tell a lot more than poker games online do. In online poker, it's possible to try to read how your opponent plays the game. Are they tight-conservative? Do they bluff when they reraise? Are they aggressive? You could still do this in live poker, but since you're now in the company of your opponents, you have to take into account the physical aspects. Does your opponent blink when they bluff? Never mind your opponent. What about yourself? Do you have a certain tell that is going to give you away? Do you scratch your arm when you don't have a confident hand? Whatever the tell is, try your best to eliminate it because there will be experienced live poker players who will pick up on it quickly and destroy you as a result.

Dress the Part

Live poker, unlike online poker, may require a little costume, but nothing too serious. Maybe some sunglasses, a little something to cover your eyes so you look like a stone cold mountain at the table. You would look like an idiot wearing sunglasses in an online poker tournament, but if you want, there's no one stopping you.

Practice Makes Perfect

When moving from online to live poker it's always a good idea to get as much practice as possible. Rome was not built in a day, just as surely as you are not going to be Phil Ivey or Daniel Negraneau after a few hours of live poker. Get the practice anywhere you can, whether at a local tournament down at the pub, or even a friendly neighborhood game with your buddies. Live poker is live poker, even if you're playing with a bunch of amateurs.

The same goes for those who change game in the other direction. Just because you kill the game in your local card room doesn’t necessarily make you an online-poker wizard. Start by playing freerolls before you deposit big money. Make a simple google search for free poker no downloads or something like that. You will surely find a site where you can practice your online-poker skills for free.

Handling the Chips

Live poker requires you to handle poker chips so don't act like an idiot with your stack. Be prepared to manage your chip stack like someone who knows what they are doing. Don't make a mess of yourself. This isn't online poker where the computer will do it for you.



Get Ready To Slow Down