When thinking about live poker and online poker, many people don’t realise that there are some key differences. Taking these things into consideration before deciding how to play can help make the decision easier. Below we’ve listed 5 differences that should help give you a thorough understanding of the differences.
Game Speed
With online poker, things can go a bit slower than at a real table. Not only do you have to wait for everyone to take their turns, but you never know what time zone or area they are in. With a physical table, the hand is done much quicker. With that said, though, there’s no guarantee that this will always be the case. It’s just what happens the majority of the time.
Convenience
To play at an actual table, you have to get dressed, drive to the establishment, get chips, and find a table. With online tables, though, you can get all of this done in a matter of minutes. You can sit at home in your comfortable clothes and play all of the poker you want. It won’t have the same vibe or atmosphere as a physical location, but it’s a perfect solution for those that just don’t feel like going out.
Social Interaction
Even though you can chat with other users online, you won’t get the same social interaction. This is also something that could hurt your chances of winning. When you don’t see someone in person, it’s harder to notice their tells and learn their strategies. These 2 things are what a lot of people use to help figure out the game and decide if they can get away with bluffing. Some people do fine without needing these things, but others need to see it to play.
Availability
Most physical establishments will have a certain number of poker tables and specific games that they use and online options usually have a decent selection. If you’re looking for a specific game that’s well-known, then you might find that a physical location is the best option. On the other hand, if you want many games to choose from and find some that might be lesser-known, then the online tables are a great option for you.
Mistakes
One final difference between online and physical locations is the amount of mistakes. With an online table, everything is done automatically. This means that there’s a very tiny chance that mistakes will happen. Since a physical table is all live people, there’s a higher chance of mistakes. These aren’t always caught and some people might not even realize it happened. This might sound like it isn’t a big deal, but it could mean the difference between winning or losing.
Pressure
Playing in person is always going to have an added element of pressure. However, some famous players like Phil Ivey and Paul Phua, say that even the thrill of high stakes poker in person can get “old” after years.
As you can see, there are a few key differences between online poker and live poker. If you aren’t sure which one you’d like the best, it’s important to give each a try or two. If all else fails, you’ll be able to play a game you love and have a chance at the prize.
