ACESOVEREZZZ
Visionary
Bronze Level
playing Live
Since I have played in a lot of live tables at the casino and poker rooms I am over the nervous feelings I had when I first started playing live.
To me playing live poker is just like anything else you first try. The first few times you bet the nerves settle in but after a while you get use to doing it and gain a level of confidence and the nerves settle down.
Cheers all & GL
Since I have played in a lot of live tables at the casino and poker rooms I am over the nervous feelings I had when I first started playing live.
To me playing live poker is just like anything else you first try. The first few times you bet the nerves settle in but after a while you get use to doing it and gain a level of confidence and the nerves settle down.
Cheers all & GL
IntenseHeat
Legend
Bronze Level
One time I played in a game for stakes higher than I was used to playing for. Most of the guys playing were twice my age. I couldn't help being nervous. At one point, I found myself in a big pot. I had made just made a bet because I felt that I had the best hand. Even though I felt like I was ahead, I couldn't help being nervous. My opponent looked across the table at me and pointed out how nervous I looked before asking me why I was so nervous.
I realized there was no playing it off, so I decided to own it. "Because this is a big pot," I replied. "And you're all good players. You cats are all seasoned," I said, "Of course I'm nervous. I've been nervous since I sat down".
At first his expression was that of triumph. He was pleased with himself for recognizing how nervous I looked. Then is expression changed as he seemed to grow more thoughtful. Now, I figured, he had to figure out what my nervousness meant. Was I nervous because I had it and didn't want him to fold? Or was I nervous because I was bluffing him? I had just credited them with all being such good players. If I thought they were such strong players, would I really try to bluff them? Or was that what I wanted him to think? Now he looked confused.
I decided that if I was nervous, I was just going to be nervous and not bother trying to hide it. After all I had a reason to be nervous. The thing was to always be nervous, or at least seem nervous. Once I owned my nervousness, I actually calmed down some. The thing was to be the same way from one hand to the next. Not to be calm when I thought I had it, then be nervous when I wasn't sure or was bluffing. It was easier to look nervous when I was calm, than to look calm when I was nervous. So I went with all nervous all the time. As seasoned as they were, they seemed to have a hard time figuring out where I was in hands all night. And eventually I did calm down, as my winnings increased, to the point where I could remain calm even when I was in big pots.
I realized there was no playing it off, so I decided to own it. "Because this is a big pot," I replied. "And you're all good players. You cats are all seasoned," I said, "Of course I'm nervous. I've been nervous since I sat down".
At first his expression was that of triumph. He was pleased with himself for recognizing how nervous I looked. Then is expression changed as he seemed to grow more thoughtful. Now, I figured, he had to figure out what my nervousness meant. Was I nervous because I had it and didn't want him to fold? Or was I nervous because I was bluffing him? I had just credited them with all being such good players. If I thought they were such strong players, would I really try to bluff them? Or was that what I wanted him to think? Now he looked confused.
I decided that if I was nervous, I was just going to be nervous and not bother trying to hide it. After all I had a reason to be nervous. The thing was to always be nervous, or at least seem nervous. Once I owned my nervousness, I actually calmed down some. The thing was to be the same way from one hand to the next. Not to be calm when I thought I had it, then be nervous when I wasn't sure or was bluffing. It was easier to look nervous when I was calm, than to look calm when I was nervous. So I went with all nervous all the time. As seasoned as they were, they seemed to have a hard time figuring out where I was in hands all night. And eventually I did calm down, as my winnings increased, to the point where I could remain calm even when I was in big pots.
Poker_Mike
Legend
Loyaler
You have to be able to think straight about poker - what are my cards - what is on the board - what do I think my opponent's cards are - what does my opponent think my cards are - why is he just calling - why did he shove there?
If you are too emotional and it prevents you from thinking clearly about poker - then that is not good or productive.
In live play my opponents always tell me that they called because I looked so nervous! I always look nervous - sometimes I'm nervous that they wouldn't call!
If you play within your bankroll and manage it properly then you shouldn't be overly nervous.
Good luck !
10gerka
Visionary
Platinum Level
Of course, there are two different things, playing online of course you will always be nervous because you play for real money, but it is controllable because you do not have pressure of looks and also nobody can see you if you are nervous, that also helps your game, and change Online they are for players already prepared, who have been playing for years and do not have to wear a scarf so that their veins do not throb, if you are not prepared you will fall into your own game, you should take that into account, you must control your body vision when playing live poker.
mt2lhd
Rock Star
Silver Level
If you have never played live I suggest you to play a homegame with your friends a couple of times, Cash games are hard because you have to control yourself and your feelings more but the basic of the game is the same with a little amount of difference in bet-sizing,
In my experience people bluff less often in live poker games and you should care more and be aware from all of other players actions,
Another thing that i like when i play live is that you can classify other players easily,
In my experience people bluff less often in live poker games and you should care more and be aware from all of other players actions,
Another thing that i like when i play live is that you can classify other players easily,
Alex_Ogienko
Rock Star
Silver Level
The game offline is much more nervous. And it depends on many factors. The game is much slower, your emotions are visible, and long sitting requires good physical preparation. After a long offline gaming session, I usually squeezed like a lemon)).
H
HungryLyan
Rock Star
Silver Level
I played so much online poker and I do tell myself that one day when I play live poker tournament, what my feelings will be. I will be unsure whether I will be nervous or have the thrill of being there.
run187
Rock Star
Platinum Level
I'd be nervous in the current climate, sat behind a plastic screen with gloves on and a bucket of hand sanitizer ..
Joco413
Rock Star
Silver Level
Rico Calde
Enthusiast
Silver Level
With experience the nervous feeling will not be a factor. Just keep giving it a go and slow play until you become comfortable. That way you don't get overwhelmed and discouraged or that way people don't take much advantage of you when they notice your lack of live experience. I believe you can do it. Good luck!
SPANKYSN
Legend
Bronze Level
The first time I played NLHE live at a casino, I was nervous that I would be the first player knocked out...I was in a one table tournament. My hands shook and I played very tentatively. I was in 10th place when two players got knocked out. I was still last place, but I was relaxed because I didn't have to tell my 12 year old son, I was the first knocked out. A few hands later, I got pocket 7s in the Big Blind...went all in and they held up...went from last to 2nd, and REALLY relaxed...ended up winning the tournament...my first time was the highlight of my poker playing career until last year's wsop Colossus event with Team Cardschat. I finished 1524 out of over 13,000...cashed for $646...but what a blast that was.
The moral of the story...just play, and you will relax.
The moral of the story...just play, and you will relax.
M
myquickwit
Rock Star
Silver Level
I struggle for social anxiety so playing live in uncomfortable for me. The funny thing is that after I lose a big hand the frustration overtakes the anxiety and I suddenly feel much calmer and that nothing can get much worse from here so lets just play.
S
StreetPhd
Rock Star
Silver Level
You will become a better online player if you push yourself and try Live poker at a Casino or Home game....just my opinion.
johnnylawford
Visionary
Bronze Level
I found when I first started playing live in casinos my hands would literally shake when I would bluff because of nerves. I would suggest playing in home games with friends if you find your nerves kick in when playing live, or play cheaper buy-in events if your casino offers them.
M
mollymaggie
Rock Star
Silver Level
Nervous playing live
Hugh difference between live and online play. If someone says they don't get nervous when they're involved in a large pot with a marginal hand they're lying to you. If they have a monster hand and their hand doesn't shake while betting out or worse yet while trying to pull off a bluff they're lying to you. It's tough trying to hide your emotions when your money is at risk
Hugh difference between live and online play. If someone says they don't get nervous when they're involved in a large pot with a marginal hand they're lying to you. If they have a monster hand and their hand doesn't shake while betting out or worse yet while trying to pull off a bluff they're lying to you. It's tough trying to hide your emotions when your money is at risk
F
freeisfun
Rock Star
Silver Level
Well me personally I never get nervous playing online because I'm in the comfort of my own home and no one is around usually playing my music as loud as I want etc. Playing live is a different environment casino in general are huge building crowded with people and lots of noises. Especially the annoying slot machine noise. Then you have to interact with other people while playing poker which is no so easy to do all the time.