Playing poker on the internet affords many advantages to a beginning player. The most obvious benefit is that a player can gain experience quickly by seeing a lot of hands in a short amount of time. One can play multiple tables, with little or no risk involved. At some point, people get curious or have the opportunity and want play in a game at a casino. If you have played online, in a home game, and know the basic rules, you have to take the leap sometime.
This post is intended to highlight some things to consider when moving from the computer to the casino.
1. The pace of the game is slower in a casino - What I am trying to say is, be patient. Also, don't forget Poker Tip #1: Follow the action. Poker is a game of selective aggression. Many people become impatient and force the action when they are not getting good hands. Play solid and fold the hands you would normally fold. Profit in a cash game is often about saving bets. This comes from the hands don't play and the ones you can get away from cheaply. Your day can turn on a single big hand. People who consistently play inferior hands lose money playing those hands.
2. You will interact with cards and chips - On the computer, everything is on the screen and can be controlled by a mouse click. In a casino, you have to be able to handle the cards and bet with your chips. For more detail on these aspects of the game, read Poker Tip #2: Protect your hand and Poker Tip #3: How to bet.
3. You have to keep track of the pot value and your opponents chips - As we know from Poker Tip #4: How much to bet, the pot amount and amount of chips players have in front of them impact how much to bet. Online games generally provide the chip counts and pot value for you. You have to count it in a casino game. The dealer can not count it for you. I usually glance at the amount in the pot when it is my turn to act and at the end of betting action. For example, in a $1-$2 NL game, if the pre-flop raise is to $10, two people call and both blinds fold, the pot is $33 ($10+$10+$10+$1+$2) minus the rake, so approximately $30 - $33. If there is a $20 bet after the flop, and then it is my turn, I know the pot value is about $50. You also have to keep track of your opponents chips. They must tell you the amount (or an approximation) if you ask. If an opponent is low on chips, I want to force them to play for all their chips or fold.
4. You can interact more with other players - Try to enjoy yourself while you're playing. You can play the game, follow the action, and have a conversation at the table. Poker players are a diverse and interesting group of people. Interacting can be fun and may even lead to gaining more information about your opponents. Besides, sitting quietly while playing hours of poker isn't exciting for a lot of people.
5. Do not be intimidated - You may be surprised to learn that you are equal to or better than many of your opponents. You can also learn fast who the good players are and try to avoid losing to them. I can play all day and never contest a big hand with certain players. It is not because we are working together, but because good players identify and respect one another. You should be able to see the styles and abilities of everyone at your table shortly after you arrive. There is no harm in staying away from those you judge to be the best, unless you have a strong hand. If you believe everyone is significantly better than you, maybe it's time to go.
6. Tells - There are tells when playing online, but you can see and hear more tells (also give away more) playing in a casino. Since we are only dealing with basics, I am going to stay away from tells for now and address the topic in basic terms later. Caro's Book of Poker Tells, by Mile Caro is considered the preeminent book on the subject of tells.
7. Live dealers - The dealer controls the game. If you are not sure about something during the game (what to do, a rule, etc.), ask the dealer. Also, dealers work for tips. I usually tip when I win a pot that advances to the flop.
8. The casino may provide complementary beverages. I generally avoid getting drunk, but many people do drink a lot. Like the dealers, servers work for tips. It can't hurt to ask the floor manager if they rate players or provide other comps, such as a free buffet or meal coupon.
9. Etiquette - There is something about not seeing an opponent that makes people act in a disrespectful manner while playing online. It is a lot harder to get away with in person. Casinos will make players refrain from cursing and act respectfully at the table.
10. Do not hesitate to leave the game at any time. I do not believe in stop-wins or stop-losses (unless I am out of money), but that doesn't mean that you can't decide to leave because you doubled your money, or lost as much as you budgeted. Do not play with more money than you can afford to lose. I recommend not playing drunk or overtired, although many people play when they're drunk or falling asleep. They are easy opponents.
11. Many casinos have lessons if you ask. They may also have tournaments, if you are interested in playing.
12. But, unlike playing in the privacy of your home, you can not sit around in your underwear if you intend to play poker in a casino. This is probably a good thing.
Playing in a casino for the first time may be part of a day trip, vacation, or a break while on a business trip. Remember, poker is a game. In addition to playing well, don't forget to enjoy yourself while you are playing, and you will see your game improve with experience.
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