Moving From Live to Online Poker

Moving from Live to Online PokerIf you’re looking to make the switch from live to internet poker, be sure to realise there are some major differences between the two. You might be a winning poker player at your local casino, but dipping your toe into the online poker waters for the first time requires adjustment.

Many people think that because they are good poker players in the real world, they can replicate their success in cyberspace, but it isn’t always that simple. Gus Hansen and Daniel Negreanu are two incredible poker pros that have earned the respect of their fellow players, but both have come in for criticism with regard to online cash games, where they are widely regarded as fish. Hard to believe, when you think about it.

The bottom line is that online poker is different from the live game and they must be treated separately. Here are the key details to think about, before trying out poker on the internet:

Anonymity: Internet players are often braver than their live counterparts, because if they make a terrible play, they can simply log out without the embarrassment of a room full of poker players mocking them. As such, bizarre plays are common at lower stakes and games are often very loose, which may require a more straightforward than normal strategy. Tight is almost certainly right.

Speed: As virtual decks of cards are shuffled instantly, you can find yourself playing hundreds of hands per hour, particularly if you choose to multi-table. As such, you must be prepared for a lot more action, more decisions and more variance. If you aren’t able to cope with swings and bad beats, you should probably stick to live poker.

Tells: If you search the internet for online tells, most of your findings will really be talking about betting patterns. There are no truly reliable internet poker tells, so if your live game is more about psychology than mathematics, you will be at a big disadvantage online. Of course, betting patterns can still be monitored, which is the main source of information about your online poker rivals.

Inexperience: The internet is a training ground for novice poker players, which can really be exploited. Players incapable of folding top pair, players who slowplay far too much and players who simply don’t understand subtle plays. Keep things simple, overbet with made hands and take free cards when all you have is a draw.

One final point – many players fall into the trap of thinking online poker is fixed, as more bizarre plays and bad beats occur, but considering the above points, you should realise that they are wrong. In fact, they are usually talking through their pockets. Online poker clients would soon lose all of their players if foul play were suspected and all companies employ security teams to monitor suspected cheats. All in all, the internet is a safe and fun place to play your poker.

Good luck at the virtual tables!

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