Going Live!
Making the transition to live poker is becoming an increasingly common requirement for players who have fallen in love with the game online and now wish to experience the thrill of live poker.
Even with all this assistance I received from the forum regulars of UKPOKER INFO I did still manage to make an embarrassing string bet and a few other minor faux pas. So I thought it worthwhile asking some experienced players, dealers and tournament directors what mistakes they see most commonly from new players. If you’re a new player reading this please don’t get too concerned, this articles purpose is to smooth your path as much as possible not scare you away from the tables! Remember most people find there first time playing live very enjoyable, that’s why they keep returning to the felt!
Pre-Tournament Preparation
If possible make a visit to the casino/cardroom prior to your first live game. It’s much easier to visit a place for a second time than the first and this will alleviate additional stress. If it’s not feasible to make a visit prior to your first game then contact the casino/card room to find out their opening times and arrive as early as possible to get your bearings and make your self feel comfortable in the environment.
Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to complete the paperwork required to gain access to the card room and you also have all required proof of identity.
Ensure you know the dress code of the casino/cardroom and are not breaking the rules. Some casino’s will deny access to people wearing trainer’s, denim or collarless shirts if your not sure then call the casino or check their website.
Once you enter the casino locate the card room and approach a member of staff about registration. Once you have paid you will receive a receipt, hold on to this as it may be required latter to prove purchase or gain entry to the buffet if one is provided.
Prior to the start of the tournament a table draw will be made, this will be displayed on the screen of the card room. Locate you name and find your table in good time. A ticket will be placed in front of your chip stack, this may be required latter to receive additional chips in a double chance or allow you to purchase an add on if the competition allows.
Mistakes Commonly Made By New Players
Playing out of turn, you might think the player next to you is about to fold but if you show clear intention of walking away from the table/ showing no interest in playing this pot he might then change his mind and you have affected the course of the hand. Show respect to other players by giving no clear indication of you intentions until the action is on you.
On occasion most players have let there concentration drift and have had to be nudged back to reality. One instance is usually laughed of and will cause you slight embarrassment, if it becomes a regular occurrence it will soon become an extreme annoyance to the other players, so please pay attention!
Showing clear signs of annoyance when a flop comes that would have hit your hand. An obvious example the flop come’s A55 and a player not involved groans or shakes his head. This will directly affect the play of the hand as players will assume one less 5 is in play.
String betting is a common mistake among new players; a string bet is when you move your chips into the pot in two motions. An example would be to cut out the amount to call the current bet and push these chips over the line then go back for more chips to make an additional raise. If you do this the dealer will deem it a call and your second bet will be voided, avoid this situation by vocalizing all bets.
Make it clear what your intended action is by vocalizing it to the dealer and other players before you begin moving chips, this should avoid any embarrassing string bet situations. When vocalizing your bet make it as clear as possible, so if you wish to raise to 1,200 in total say ‘raise to 1,200 total’. If you just state raise 1,200 This will be taken as additional to the previous bet, so if the action is in folded to you with the big blind at 300 stating ‘raise 1,200’ could be construed as a bet of 1,500. Make it clear what you intended action is.
Accidentally calling a bet with an oversize chip when they intended to make a raise, an example would be at 25/50 a player in front bets 100 and a new player throws in a 1,000 chip into the pot. This would be deemed a call, avoid this by vocalizing you action, state ‘I raise to 1,000 in total’ then put your chip in the pot.
These actions might seem quite obviously incorrect but many players say the have seen new players do these and they are commonly cited as a cause of frustration.
Stating the cards they have passed.
Showing other players there cards.
Commentary to the table or their neighbors about the action.
Questioning others play openly at the table.
Taking too long to make every single decision, fellow players will understand if you take extended time on crucial decisions but taking two minutes to flat call every time you’re in the small blind is annoying and holds up the game.
Thanks to all the guy’s on the forum who helped compile this list.
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