Live vs Online Poker: Main Differences You Need to Know
If you’re a poker player looking to switch between live and online games, it’s crucial to be aware of the main differences between the two. Understanding these differences will help you make the right choice and improve your overall poker experience.
Softer Games in Live Poker
Live games tend to be softer at comparable stakes. While online games at NL200 and higher stakes can be tough, live games at the same or similar level are much easier. Most casinos don’t spread anything below NL200, so everyone who wants to play poker has to play these stakes or higher. Online, you can play as low as NL5 if you simply want to have some fun, and many recreational players choose this option.
Slower Pace in Live Games
Live games move at a much slower pace than their online counterparts. Online players are used to playing several tables at once and seeing hundreds of hands per hour. With live games, you are limited to just one table, and the pace of that table will also be much slower than any online game you’ve ever played. You can expect to see only 30-40 hands an hour at most live games.
Importance of Reads in Live Poker
One of the biggest differences between live and online poker is the presence of physical reads in the former. While some people think poker tells are overrated, they can be quite significant in large pots. Many recreational players give away a lot of information about the strength of their hand, so if you put enough attention into it, you’ll be able to figure them out.
More Multiway Pots in Live Games
Whether it’s tournaments or cash games, be prepared for more multiway scenarios in live games. Online, people will often fold their bad hands and move on to the next table. However, live players are forced to sit at a single table and choose to get involved with a lot of speculative hands, just because they don’t want to be bored and keep folding.
Liberties with Bet Sizes in Live Poker
You can take more liberties with bet sizes in live games. Live players don’t care as much about the sizing as they do about their hands. If they like their hand, they will call your 3x, 5x, and sometimes even 10x open. So, you should experiment with your preflop raises to figure out how much your opponents are ready to pay and then take advantage of that information.
Table Image in Live Games
You can easily take advantage of your table image in live games. When you’re playing online, you are just one of many other players for your opponent. However, it’s completely different in live games. People spend several hours sitting with the same players, so naturally, they see what you’re doing and try to figure out your strategy – sometimes even subconsciously.
Win Rates and Earnings: Live vs Online Poker
You can have a bigger win rate in live games but make more money per hour online. While live games can be easier to win, they also move at a slower pace and have lower stakes. Online games move much faster and have higher stakes, so even if your win rate is lower, you can make more money per hour.
When deciding between playing live or online poker, consider the main differences mentioned above. Live games are generally softer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you will win more money. Although your win-rate in terms of BB/100 will likely go up, you’ll play fewer hands. For example, if you win at 2BB/100 online and play 600 hands an hour, you’ll need to win at least 12BB an hour in the live setting to win the same amount.
Rake in live games is usually higher, especially for lower stakes. Some games have an uncapped rake, meaning they will take a fixed percentage from every single pot. Also, you aren’t likely to get “normal” rake back in live games.
Online play offers much more flexibility. You can play whenever you feel like it, day or night, with decent traffic. This isn’t the case with live poker, as most live casinos and poker rooms will spread games in the afternoon and during the night, with heavy traffic on the weekends.
In the end, it’s a matter of personal preference. If you enjoy the atmosphere of live games and don’t mind adjusting your schedule around them, go for it. But if you prefer freedom and flexibility, online poker may be a better option. Just remember to weigh up the differences and choose the one that suits you best.