Live online poker is catching on. Instead of the graphically displayed cards that magically turnover, live poker features a real croupier visible on camera. This provides a fuller experience and brings online poker closer to its real-world counterpart.
If you’re interested in embracing live poker and giving it a go, you’ll find here a deep dive into what you need to know and do before, during, and after your first live poker session.
So, if you want to play live poker read on.
Research Live Poker Sites
It is a good idea to do some research where live poker sites are concerned. Not every site offers the same features and it is worth doing a little research before signing up. In terms of site, ensure that the site has a good reputation by checking reviews. Take the time to do your diligence in this regard as you don’t want to be scammed.
Once you have a few sites that you’re sure are legit, you can let look at things such as bonuses, table limits and other important things are to your liking. Ensure that the style of poker you specialise in is available and get a feel for the site.
Ensure that any site you use has a good reputation for paying out. You don’t want to win big and have to wait.
Also, look at the mobile version of the site. The better and more functional the more of a sign that the company is a good one. If you play on a mobile you’ll want to ensure this version of the site works well.
It is worth taking the time to find the right site for you. Your experience will be heightened if you do.
Bonuses
Bonuses are an important feature of any online gaming site. Generally, there are always sign up and deposit bonuses often referred to as welcome bonuses, and providing the site is reputable, the better bonus sites should be the ones where you play. You’ve worked hard for your cash and you want to spend it wisely.
That said, you may just get a feel for a site and go with it. Trusting your instincts is not necessarily a bad thing in poker.
Get Used to a Live Croupier
It is a little different playing in a live casino rather than an online one. The croupier is a real person dealing real cards. They will interact with you and this can be a little daunting. As such, if you’re a little shy you may find the game a little harder to play no matter how skilled you are.
A little practice, however, and once you focus on your hand, you’ll be fine.
Set a Budget
As with any other online game, it is a good idea to set a budget and stick to it. Never break the cardinal rule and gamble with money you do not have. That’s playing with fire and it is easy to get burned and fall into real trouble.
Instead, if you have a bad night, and everyone does now and then, walk away, have a drink and think about the hands and what you could have done differently.
Strategy
You have to have a strategy for a successful online poker experience. The game is the same as conventional online poker, but the live element, as we have discussed before can throw you. As such, get a strategy under your belt and you’ll have something to fall back on when you’re in the game.
An important aspect of strategy is your betting strategy. As a new player, your live poker experience is just beginning. It is advised to bet small amounts until you find your feel for the game. Remember the live croupier makes a big difference and this can be a bit of a head spin at first.
Try a Tournament
Tournaments are a fantastic experience. Play well and you can come out of it considerably financially better off than when you first took your seat and prepared to play. One thing to remember is that with live online poker the cards are real and not generated randomly by an algorithm. As such, you may want to adjust your strategy to a non-live online poker environment.
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is the most popular form of poker online. Thanks to the combination of cards it is arguably easier to assess your hand and the potential of the other player hands. This makes each game exciting. It is also very easy to learn to play it if you are new to the wonderful card game that is poker.
Enjoy it
Live poker is different to online poker and this should be celebrated. It is more like playing in a real casino than playing online. Savour the experience and it is unlikely you’ll play another form of poker again.
