Live poker is one of the most exciting ways to play that game, but online poker is far more accessible. If you’ve played live poker before and want to transition to online games, it can be quite discouraging. The level of competition online is typically higher, and the speed at which games are played is much faster. However, it’s definitely possible to enjoy both, and there are steps you can take to make it easier for you.
Ultimately, both games are the same with the same rules and fundamentals. While there are some key differences, if you’ve played live poker, you’ll still be able to play online without too many issues. Here are some top tips to help you transition from playing at live tables to winning games online.
Start Out Slow
When making the transition from live to online poker games, it’s best to start out slow. You should ideally stick to low-stakes games before progressing to higher stakes and risking money. While online poker is still the same game, the aggression and speed can sometimes catch live players out. Just because you’ve played at high-stakes live tables doesn’t mean you should be doing the same online. While this might seem boring at first, it’s a good way to manage your risk. You don’t want to lose money while you’re still getting to grips with everything.
Get to Grips with Online Features
Live players often get overwhelmed by all the features and options that online poker offers. Most poker sites provide lots of different tables and versions of the game. You’ll also have a choice of tournaments and special events to join. Don’t forget to claim your poker bonus either, as this will allow you to play without risking your own money. Most online poker sites now offer bonuses to new players, and it’s a great way to transition with minimal risk. One of the best features of online poker, aside from the bonuses, is poker tracking. This lets you review your hands and analyze your performance to learn from your mistakes.
Don’t Overlook Your Setup
Your setup can have a major impact on your performance and is overlooked by a lot of online players. When you play live, you’re sat down at a table in a room full of other players. When you play online at home, you get to choose your surroundings, and you can increase your level of comfort. Making sure you have a comfortable and ergonomic chair will help you feel relaxed and focused. You can also ensure that the room you play in is quiet to limit distractions and allow you to concentrate on the game.
Prepare for Aggression
Online poker players tend to be far more aggressive than live players. If you’re unprepared for this, it can be easy to be caught out. It might take time to adjust to the aggression and the fact that online games are played at a much faster pace. You can expect to play through around 50 hands an hour playing online, which is a big increase from live games. Players are also far more likely to go all in and play aggressively to steal blinds. A tight but aggressive strategy is usually best, and you’ll need to practice this a bit to get used to it.
Be Patient
While playing online is faster, you’ll need to be patient if you want to succeed. Don’t rush in when you’re newly transitioning, and don’t be afraid to take regular breaks. Start off with just a few games a day and slowly build into it to get used to the pace and strategy. Over time, you’ll get far more confident, and you’ll soon be able to play at the same level both online and live.
