Social Anxiety Playing Live Poker in a Casino?

I've only played poker online and have wanted to try in the casino. For some reason I have some anxiety about playing in a casino due to social anxiety. Anyone else ever been in this position or did you just go for it?

Big problems with that, if you consider that pretty strong and grata to the casino then quietly go play and if you're lucky you who won, my svoet you not put a lot of money in the casino.

Never play in these casinos is all a scam checked on personal experience.

SBritt said:

I've only played poker online and have wanted to try in the casino. For some reason I have some anxiety about playing in a casino due to social anxiety. Anyone else ever been in this position or did you just go for it?

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I had more anxiety about losing $200 at $1/$2 than about the people. They were mostly nice or tolerable from what I remember. At the time, $200 was the most I had risked in poker, and I was happy to break even after finding an unclaimed $5 on the floor lol.

You may make some beginner mistakes, but you can exploit your n00b image. Regs will give you action expecting you to make postflop bet-sizing errors etc.

I say go for it. The anxiety will decrease each time.

For the most part there's not really a reason to be nervous. Especially at the $1/$2 level. Phil Ivey is not sizing you up. Most of the people are just recreational players looking to have a good time. So give them one. Crack a few jokes, show a bluff or two, show the nuts all the time. Be jovial. They will keep paying you off. Remember, to make money in poker the money can't matter. It's a game about decisions. 5bet shoving at $2nl is still the same great decisions at $200k nl. It's the same game, well almost.
Here's a clip of Doyle on Ivey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54AfXtTyXcs

It can definitely be a little intimidating. I've found that at some of the smaller riverboat or reservation type casinos that I've visited while traveling that many of the people in the poker room are regulars & know each other. It almost seemed like they were determined to knock out the "outsiders" early. This really caught me by surprise and was uncomfortable at times to say the least.

somethings can give you an edge Was told I shake hands at times etc.. due to medical so had a guy think was bluffing all the time and was nervous lol.

anyway use what can to an advantage

thetick33 said:

somethings can give you an edge Was told I shake hands at times etc.. due to medical so had a guy think was bluffing all the time and was nervous lol.

anyway use what can to an advantage

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That guys doesn't know shit, then. Live players are generally most nervous when they have monsters, not when they are bluffing.

-HooDooKoo

Put on headphones, listen to music to calm yourself and block out all the other people. If you have really bad social anxiety, it's up to you to determine if you can handle it. Casinos are generally pretty crowded with lots of lights and noise. Could be intimidating for you. If you can, go in the morning on a weekday when it won't be so crowded and just check it out. There may be only 1 or 2 tables going, which would be perfect for you. Also, it is perfectly natural for a player to sit at a table and never converse with those around you, especially if you have on headphones, so don't feel like you would be obligated to carry on a conversation. Just remember to tip the dealer when you win a big pot.

Thanks for the replies guys. Don't really have social anxiety with the people. More of just the experience for the first time. Once I do it once it will not be an issue the next time, but popping the cherry so to speak terrifies me!

and for what reason iy want to play in the casino. than poker sites you are not satisfied. I would not advise you to play there. all sorts of problems can be.

If anxiety is arriving while doing work then it will better for us to overcome from this anxiety. To overcome from this anxiety you have to control the two main areas of your thinking. Anxiety is very bad thing, if it is possible then don't try to play in these type of casino.

This is a common felling among some of regular online grinders or players who play moistly online. Also to people who are less social when are about to enter a social environment like a casino then there is bound to be some anxiety, as it is only natural. But once you start frequenting live games or play live more often then the social nervousness fades away so you will get more confident after a few visits.

suby_rafael said:

This is a common felling among some of regular online grinders or players who play moistly online. Also to people who are less social when are about to enter a social environment like a casino then there is bound to be some anxiety, as it is only natural. But once you start frequenting live games or play live more often then the social nervousness fades away so you will get more confident after a few visits.

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Thanks, this is what I was hoping for. Online definitely has its advantages as face-to-face anxiety is not present

Like anything, you'll always have some nerves and anxiety when you first do new things or talk to new people, you'll be fine after you've done it a couple of times, I am quite a shy/anxious person at first and was nervous about going to a casino, honestly it was fine people aren't bothered if you're not really talking they just want to win your money.

Yeah, my first time was a bit nervous - even made a buddy of mine escort me as I had visions of the illegal card rooms in Texas or New York.

But once the first time was done I was set and off and running.

It is a nice experience, because if you play online, you will not be difficult to play live. tene only thing in mind that the more experienced if you got some bodily signal cuadno got good cards, they're going to see. also jugas at a table where you're lost, but got more money.

A lot of difference between online and real. And o think it's no easy to swich and change ur strategy

I've played live maybe 6 or 7 times. I only play the $60 Tournaments because I suck at cash games. First time I was very intimidated, after that it was fun and a much different experience than playing online.

I'm a very introverted person. I use ear buds to shut out the table and almost never speak. I'd probably go play live more but have to drive 150 miles round trip and I'm 68 years old. My advice is do it, it's fun.

Take care.

I understand what you are saying, on the computer alot is automated and you cant make a fool out of yourself... (exept lose all your money hah) but you will realise after you go its actualy not anything to be worried about, alot of players at casinos are tourist and dont know what they are doing anyway, just play the lowest limit and get comfortable and after a few hands you will be totaly chill. have a drink if you need but dont drink to much and play sloppy also the dealers will help you and are use to tourist not doing anything right so just go and you will have alot of fun I garentee it.

hey man, why you just don't try a little exercise...If i was you, i would go just for a walk first day, you know, to get a know a place and to try to shake off any possible anxiety...I hope that will do

sryImPro said:

hey man, why you just don't try a little exercise...If i was you, i would go just for a walk first day, you know, to get a know a place and to try to shake off any possible anxiety...I hope that will do

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This is a good idea. Just drop in, find out where the poker room is, along with bathrooms, drink & snack locations. Ask poker room supervisor how tables are numbered, get a tournament structure sheet (if they have one), etc.

At least arrive early when you do play and do all of this.

I suffer greatly with social anxiety. I am 52 years old and suffered since I was a teen. I skipped almost AL my high school functions do to anxiety luck using graduation. After high school joined the service were I became an alcoholic, I believe it was an attempt at self medicating allowing my to fell a bit more comfortable in social situations. After 4 years in service I attended college where my drinking continued. I believe to cope with social pressures. Anyway after school I got married and was able to quite drinking however I still suffer from social anxiety. I had almost zero friends with the exception of my wife do to the anxiety. My love for poker got my to a local bar offering pub poker once a week. That was almost 15 years ago now I have several friends from there and have improved greatly on my anxiety. I go to local casinos several times a month and yearly trips with some poker friends to vegas. I credit poker for opening up a whole new life for me that I would not of had with out it. There are times when it flair up but those do not involve poker. More often than not it's parties for work, or my wife's work, weddings of not real close family members and so on

Once you get past that first time, you are off and running.

I played poker never live but it should be a beautiful experience for those who play only online... hopefully have the chance, ll have to take off my fears.