Live Play for the Internet Player

So, you are a god on the internet poker sites, and you want to move to some live action? There are some things you will need to know.

Live poker players look down on internet players. It is true. So leave the Pokerstars.com shirt and the Fulltilt cap at home. They might make an impression, but probably the wrong one. You can wear your sponsorships to the WSOP when you get there, but your local poker room is not the place for them.

Pay attention! What is the value of each chip? What is the minimum raise? And here is a shocker, you have to know when it is your blind, and physically place the correct amount of chips out there at the right time. Also, that white dealer button? Well it doesn’t move around the table on its own, someone has to pass it around.

Live poker rakes and tournament fees are much higher than their Internet counterparts. This is because they have to play dealers to deal the cards. Do not be shocked if a $50 tournament has a $10-15 fee. Also, they are not handing out deposit bonuses like the PokerStars Bonus you just got.

Do not be frightened, or think “oh my god, they will all be able to read me”. These players are the same dimwitted folks you play online. Smart will win out, and they are not all watching your every move. Also, they are much more likely to be impaired in some way. They come to play live because they are not smart enough to figure out that there are many US Poker Deposits still open to US players. So expect questionable play and bets on some odd hands. But the basics you have learned are the same, and with practice you should become a winning player live also.