There are a handful of reasons that online games and players end up tougher than their live counterparts. The top casinos in the world have made it a point to adjust their game offerings and structures to make them more challenging, so players who regularly conquer live tables might find themselves stumped when they go online. Here are six specific ways in which online poker is tougher than playing live.
Faster pace
One of the most significant ways in which online poker is tougher is the pace of play. Because you’re not physically sitting at a table with other players, there’s no need to wait for everyone to make their move before you can act.
This means that online games move much faster than live games, and you have to be able to think and react quickly if you want to be successful. When you’re playing online, the hands move much faster – meaning that you don’t have as much time to think about each decision. This can make it tough to play your best game, as you’re often forced to make decisions without having all the information. It can take some time to get used to the speed of online poker, but once you do, you’ll find that it’s one of the biggest challenges.
Multi-tabling
Another common feature of online poker is multi-tabling. This refers to playing multiple tables at the same time. While some live players may choose to play multiple tables, it’s much more common online.
Many online players will multi-table as a way to increase their profits. After all, if you’re playing two tables and winning at both, you’re going to make twice as much money as you would if you were only playing one.
While this may seem like a great way to make more money, it also means that you have to be able to focus on multiple games at the same time. This can be tough, as you need to pay attention to each game and make sure that you’re making the right decisions.
It takes a lot of practice and discipline to be a successful multi-table player, but it’s something that you need to be able to do if you want to be successful at online poker.
Online Players Frequently Ignore Available Tools
Another big difference between online and live poker is the number of resources available. Many resources are available to help you improve your game when you’re playing online. However, live players often don’t take advantage of these resources – meaning that they’re at a disadvantage in improving their skills.
Some available tools for players online are:
- Poker tracking software: This type of software tracks your opponents’ play and provides information on their tendencies.
- Table selection tools: These tools help you find the best tables to play at, based on a number of factors.
- Data mining programs: These programs analyze all of the data from online poker games and provide information that can help you improve your game.
- Odds calculators: These calculators give you the odds of winning a hand, based on the cards you have and the cards you have dealt.
Players who have never played against each other are less likely to challenge one another.
One of the benefits of playing online is that you’re less likely to be in a clique with other players. In live games, it’s not uncommon for players to stick to their groups, making it tough to win against them. However, online players are more likely to challenge each other – meaning that you have a better chance of winning if you’re playing against someone outside of your regular group.
Poker is More Competitive Online
Poker is more competitive online than it is live. This is because more players are competing for the same prize pools. To win, you have to be better than all of the other players at the table.
This increased competition can make it tough to win – especially if you’re not used to playing against such tough opponents.
You Can’t See Your Opponents
In live poker, you can see your opponents and they can see you. This gives you the opportunity to read tells and use body language to your advantage. When you’re playing online, there are no tells. You can’t see your opponents, so you have to rely on other factors, such as betting patterns and hand history, to make your decisions.
This can be tough for new players, as they often don’t have the experience needed to read these patterns correctly. Additionally, experienced players can use this to their advantage by bluffing more often.
Transitions from Live to Online Games Are Often Unsuccessful
Many players who transition from live to online poker find it difficult to adjust. This is because the games are so different. When you’re playing online, you have to be able to think quickly and make decisions quickly. If you’re used to the slower pace of live games, this can be tough to do.
Additionally, many players who transition from live to online poker find that their win rate decreases. This is because the games are more competitive online and there are more skilled players competing for the same prize pools.
If you’re thinking about transitioning from live to online poker, it’s important that you understand these differences. Otherwise, you may find yourself struggling in your new game.
While there are some advantages to playing online poker, such as the ability to play more hands and the increased competition, there are also some disadvantages. These include the lack of tells, the faster pace of the game, and the decreased winrate for many players.
If you’re thinking about making the transition from live to online poker, it’s important that you understand these differences. Otherwise, you may find yourself struggling in your new game. To find tips and more information about online poker visit Ante Up Magazine.
