There are far more online poker players than there are people who play poker in a casino. In fact, many online poker players have never even set foot in a “brick and mortar” casino before for a variety of reasons. For one, many poker players do not have access to legal poker rooms based on the legal restrictions where they live. Others may be intimidated by being face to face with other players. However, live poker is often easier for online players once they become accustomed to the differences.
An online player, who has access to a casino, owes it to themselves as a player to experience the thrill of live play. Playing live means being able to read and observe other players and potentially have an edge in ways that are not possible online. The online player may be intimidated by the physical aspect of playing in a casino, but the fact is that most of the players at lower limits in casinos are there for recreation. Also, as an online player, one often has more poker experience due the faster pace of online play.
Typically in casinos, the lowest limits for limit Texas Hold’em or Omaha will be $2/$4. When you consider the number of tables at micro and low limits online, the $2/$4 table may, at first, seem to be above one’s budget and skill level. However, in live play, at $2/$4, the skill levels are often comparable to what you might find at a $0.25/$0.50 table online. There are many reasons for this.
First, online one can typically play 100 hands per hour or more at faster tables. In a casino, you might only expect 30 to 40 hands per hour. Also, a casino typically has a limited number of tables available whereas an online casino will open up a new table as long as there is demand. A live casino has geographic limitations compared to an online casino which accepts players from around the world. Finally, at an online casino, you can “multi-table” which is impossible at an online poker room. This means that a good player can easily play 400 or 500 hands per hour of $0.25/$0.50 limit Hold ’em online and make much more than a good player in a casino playing $2/$4.
It is for these reasons that you are unlikely to find a professional or consistently winning player at a $2/$4 table in a “brick and mortar” casino, but you will find some professional players online at $0.25/$0.50 tables. Don’t let the higher limits of live casinos intimidate you if you are successful at lower limits online. Unless you have very obvious tells, if you are successful online at low limit, you should be even better live at low limit poker. Playing live will improve your skills and make you a more rounded player. Take advantage of the opportunity the next time you find yourself near a casino. The experience will improve your play and make you a much more rounded player.
Tim Knight is a work from home dad who specializes in internet marketing and investments. In his spare time he is an avid poker player and runs a website at [http://www.pokergardens.com] where he provides information and resources for beginning poker players.
