Tips for returning to live poker after the pandemic? (1 Viewer)

dmoney

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I'm planning to resume playing live poker shortly. I've played quite a bit online since everything locked down, but I'm hoping people can share their tips for transitioning back to live poker here.

Did you forget anything about live games that you wish you had remembered? Was there anything that was way different than you remembered?
 
Everything was just about the way I left it. One thing I noticed during my first two sessions though, I played much looser than I am accustomed to. Depending on how you normally play, keep an eye on your hand selection because I found (at least for me) that being more selective was less of a habit than it had been 18 months ago. I think I was just eager to be playing any hand.
 
I forgot how horrible everyone is compared to most online competition.
I was sort of anticipating this too. Online games play way tougher than the stakes indicate. I read somewhere that it was thought to be 5x-10x tougher i.e. 1/2 online can play more like a 5/10 or 10/20 game as far as experience and skill of players, with live games still being the softer of the two.
 
I was sort of anticipating this too. Online games play way tougher than the stakes indicate. I read somewhere that it was thought to be 5x-10x tougher i.e. 1/2 online can play more like a 5/10 or 10/20 game as far as experience and skill of players, with live games still being the softer of the two.
I'd argue that 1/2 online is harder than just about any normal casino 2/5 game, and even many 5/10 games. I don't even think it's close.
 
I played for the first time (ever) in a casino a couple months ago, 1/3 ($5 limp), alternating rounds of PLO and PLO8. Maybe I was just running good, but it the game seemed super soft compared to the .25/.50 and .50/1 online games I’ve been playing.
 
I'm worried about getting into lots of marginal spots because of this, and being bored if I were to play a snug range in a self-dealt home game!
This was 100% my experience. I had to actively pause myself for each hand and double check myself. It was annoying and a bit cumbersome, but I was back in the swing of things after a few hours.
 
This was 100% my experience. I had to actively pause myself for each hand and double check myself. It was annoying and a bit cumbersome, but I was back in the swing of things after a few hours.
lol KTo is such an easy fold online since the next hand will come in approx 30 seconds, or sooner if multi-tabling, and I can see leveling myself in my first time back.
 
Most important tip. You need to put on actual clothes. No hosting in your underwear like you played online.
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Finally got back to live poker last night! Some thoughts:
  • I really struggled to manage shuffling cards, managing chips, using a capper, following the action, and tracking pot size etc all at the same time for about 20 minutes. It got better but the first couple of orbits were a lot
  • Mannnnnn live poker can be juicy! We played 1/2 and got nearly $3k on the table ... 6 handed.
  • I was really pleasantly surprised at how well the breakdown of my CDI set handled the stakes. 200/200/80/20/5 ($1-$500) is definitely playable for 1/2, especially if player use bigger denoms for bigger bets.
 
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I'd argue that 1/2 online is harder than just about any normal casino 2/5 game, and even many 5/10 games. I don't even think it's close.
I'd argue that .10/.25 nl online is tougher than any $1/2 nl live games I've ever played in. Even most $2/5 nl games are softer than 10c/25c online. The difference is staggering
 
I'd say play on the tighter side until you get your rhythm back. Spend a bunch of time observing your opponents and see what the overall game dynamic is.

First night back for me, I was ducking for cover because multiple players were on tilt and would ship it in pre with random trash.
 
I'd argue that .10/.25 nl online is tougher than any $1/2 nl live games I've ever played in. Even most $2/5 nl games are softer than 10c/25c online. The difference is staggering
I have been playing 25nl lately, and it is such a huge nit fest online...I can hardly stand it. 1/2 LIMIT has way more action, believe it or not.
 
I'd say play on the tighter side until you get your rhythm back. Spend a bunch of time observing your opponents and see what the overall game dynamic is.

First night back for me, I was ducking for cover because multiple players were on tilt and would ship it in pre with random trash.
First post! Welcome.
 
I'd say play on the tighter side until you get your rhythm back. Spend a bunch of time observing your opponents and see what the overall game dynamic is.

First night back for me, I was ducking for cover because multiple players were on tilt and would ship it in pre with random trash.
Welcome to the nut house! That's a cool logo you have as an avatar. Do you have that on a set of custom chips yet?
 

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