Poker Tips

You're in luck. A new Indian casino has just opened up not far from where you live. Or maybe you are lucky enough to live in a state that has an abundance of legal live casinos. The question is, should you get up from your computer to play poker at the live casino? For you, the answer just might be yes. Here's why.

While there are some hints you can pick up as to your opponents' play when you play poker online, there's nothing like looking right into a guy's eyes (or sunglasses) and sweating him after he's pushed all his chips into the middle. While the “pure tell,” like a guy who whistles whenever he's bluffing, is rare, there are many clues your opponents can give you when you're sitting at a live table with them as to whether they are strong or weak. Some players even believe they can get a subconscious “feel” for whether an opponent is weak or not, something that arguably cannot happen when you play poker online. Conversely, false tells, incorrect clues you try to give your opponents so that they will make the wrong decisions, are not a very usable tool online.

When you play poker at home, unless you are very disciplined, your game doesn't necessarily feel like a serious poker session. If you play poker while surfing the web, paying bills, or making phone calls, it's unlikely you are playing your best game. When you're in the casino, you are in the world of poker. You've planned your day, made a trip to the casino, and know that at some point you have to leave. There's virtually nothing going on around you except poker. This environment makes it much easier for many players to focus and play poker at their best level.

For many players, there's no substitute for the card room atmosphere. Riffling the chips in your hand, smelling the felt, hearing the cries of winners and losers all around you. Seeing the wide variety of people who sit together and play poker is truly what poker is all about. Some poker players only feel at home at their favorite card room. It's a great place to go to truly get lost in the game and for a lot of people, one of their only forms of socialization outside of work and family obligations.

There is no doubt that there are some terrific benefits when you play poker online. But if you like to immerse yourself in the poker world and challenge your opponents face to face, the brick and mortar casino may be a bit more to your liking.