Nothing is quite like live poker. The feel of the cards, the intimidation of the people around you, and the speed that the games are played demand you approach with a cool head and a strategy. The next best thing is playing live poker online. You get similar emotions, face similar challenges, and have a chance to win big.
With this in mind, what are good strategies when you play live poker to win? In this post, we look at some sizzling tips.
Keep Calm
It is easy to get lost in the cut and thrust of playing poker. The game can move fast, especially as delays are frowned upon. As such, it is easy for you to get lost in the atmosphere rather than focusing on the game. Beginner players find this hard to do.
When you first play live poker, keep a cool head and follow the action. You’ll be in a better position to make decisions.
Don’t Let Inexperience Hold You Back
Online live poker can be a little intimidating compared to the standard online poker experience. Having a live croupier requires some level of interaction. No matter how good you are at playing conventional online poker, the interaction may be holding you back. Understandable, but you’ll find that after you play a hand or two you’ll want to play more, and you’ll appreciate the experience.
Don’t Delay, Act
When it is your turn, act as fast as possible. There will be times when you have an important decision to make, in which case deliberate as long as you need to. Never engage in conversation or use your phone when you are expected to make a play. Instead, make your play so the game can continue.
Additionally, you’ll lose focus if you’re distracted by other things.
Another good reason to play faster is that it increases your hourly win rate.
Avoid Booze
It is a no brainer to say avoid booze, but it could be a Friday night and you’ve knocked off work for the weekend and you fancy a beer or two while you play. This may sound good in your head but it is not the winning way. Instead, after you finish playing for the night, have a drink and ponder the game. What went well, what didn’t, and what you are going to do in the future.
Never drink and play as you’ll be tempted into chasing losses which pro players will tell you, is completely and utterly wrong.
Budget
Pro players have a budget and they stick to it. They never chase losses and if they have a bad night and lose the budget, they walk away and probably have a beer. There will be sessions where lady luck is not your friend and there is little you can do about it. Get used to this fact as it is a reality of poker.
As well as never exceeding the budget, professional players never gamble the rent money. They only budget what they can afford to lose.
In the early stages of your live poker career, it is a good idea to keep the budget small until you have found your feet.
Tips for Playing in a Live Casino
If you go to a live casino and sit down and play you may find these tips useful.
Keep Your Cards Hidden
It sounds obvious but you should always keep your cards hidden from other players. There are certain rules to follow in live casinos when it comes to handling your cards that you must adhere to. Typically, this is you cannot take your cards below the table and holding them above the table is frowned upon.
Most players tend to bend the corner of the cards with one hand while shielding with the other. This is a good technique that you can practice at home.
Keep a Cool Mouth
The better players don’t ‘lose it’ at the tables but instead, keep polite and say little. Maybe a ‘nice hand’ to those that win without a trace of sarcasm.
Sounding off at the tables not only makes for a bad, intimidating atmosphere two things can happen:
- The play is slowed cutting down your hourly win rate.
- Players look for other tables cutting down the pot.
Neither is good for the bank balance.
Never ‘Slow Roll’ a Winning hand
It might be tempting but never ‘slow roll’ a hand. This is a Hollywood invention to add tension to a scene. It is frowned upon at a real poker table.
Instead, as soon as you’re called turn over your cards like a normal human being. You’ll notice other players doing the same.
Poker in a live casino is fantastic is so is playing live poker online. With a good strategy and a clear head, you’ll find your win rate increases and you’ll have an enjoyable and engaging experience.
