Must-know tips for transitioning from live poker to online poker
When the concept of online poker first started to ripple around the poker community, there was a split verdict among the international market. Some thought the idea of playing a game of poker where the psychological edge, bluffing and reading body language were all surplus to requirements would take the fun and excitement out of the game. However, as video poker showcased in the 1970s, there was a demand and a huge potential market for those who preferred to play poker in solitude and not have to deal with the high jinks that can emerge from a conventional game. Ultimately, they appeal to different sections of the vast international poker gaming community, but there are still millions of people out there who enjoy dabbling in the two different forms.
Listening to the experts
It’s essential to take on board what the experts have to say in any field. However, if you are in the gambling business, then exploring the best poker sites can reveal a number of different components. It’s not just the transition between two different games; it’s the dynamics that we see in both. Online poker focuses more on site latency, security and the quality of new customer promotions. Military-grade security is becoming more prevalent in a number of digital industries, but in casino gaming, where all of your financial and personal information is stored, it is imperative that it is kept away from the prying eyes of cybercriminals.
However, live poker has a different set of elements. It focuses on the quality of the other player and the size of the prize pool, and benefits those who are better at the physical aspects of the conventional game. If you are only used to playing live poker and have not ventured into the online realm before, then there are some key tips to remember. Listening to expert reviews and seeing what other poker players are saying online is usually a good start. You don’t need to seek out the opinion of the top pros – find out what other people are saying about the site, and what the pros and cons are from a user perspective.
Focus on your strategy
Live poker is a game that drills into the physical elements – the bluffing, the psyching out, reading your opponent’s body language and the slight giveaways and body tics. Transitioning into online poker, you quickly realise that it is a version of the game that does not require any of these traits – it’s all about strategy and skill. Now, if we’re splitting hairs, as poker players often like to do, some of you might argue that it is all about strategy and skill anyway. These components often surpass bluffing and psyching out. While this is true, online poker completely removes these elements, and for those who have a good grasp of both games, they will tell you that they are two different games.
Keep on top of your bankroll
One of the key differences between live and online poker stems from bankroll management. Given that there are quicker, more frequent hands in online poker, it’s a good idea to keep your bankroll within a manageable framework. Obviously, this is a tip for live poker too, but online poker is a rapid game, with the turnover at tables going at double the speed of a conventional live game, sometimes even quicker. Fortunately, online platforms have an array of tools that allow you to operate well within this framework. These include time and deposit limits, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion tools when necessary. Live poker still boasts the highest prize pool; the money it generates from TV contracts is enormous, the announcement of WSOP is always big TV news, and this directly impacts the size of the prize pool, which can often stretch into the eight-figure region.
With that said, though, from my experience, online poker players bring more skill to the table. Instead of sitting down and playing against local players in a live game, you are playing against international players, and the standard tends to be higher. However, if you are unable to keep on top of your bankroll, then you should not be participating in any form of gambling, and should seek help from a problem gambling charity such as Gamblers Anonymous.
Summary
You must ensure that you are aware of the key differences between live and online poker before you make the switch. Take advantage of promotions that provide free chips or matched deposits to get a feel for the game. Play at sites that use on-site currencies rather than actual money. Hone your skills before testing out bona fide online poker tables. Remember that the games are played at a quicker tempo, require a more conservative bankroll, negate the emphasis of physically bluffing and reading your opponent, and are often played by those who operate to a higher standard.
Clearly, live professional poker tournaments still attract the world’s best players, but generally speaking, if you take a seat at an online poker table or a live game in your local casino, you’re going to see a better standard of play in the online game. Do your research, see what other players say, check out social media tips and keep your betting within a safe framework. As long as you follow these tips, you should be able to transition with few to no issues.
