There are several differences between online and live poker. Even though the basics of the game are generally similar, playing online poker gives you another experience as compared to playing live. As a result of the differences between the two, some facets of the game can be impacted.

The following is a detailed analysis of the advantages of online over live game.

Game Availability

Most venues that offer live poker are usually not open for 24 hours. They have specific operating hours. You are not guaranteed to find games to enter in those that open for 24 hours. Moreover, you might visit a casino when there’s only one tournament progressing, hence you are barred from joining since you are already late. Furthermore, you might visit a casino and find all the tables occupied and there is a long queue of players waiting for their turn to play.

This is where online sites have an advantage over live games. Online gaming sites never close. You will always find games to play 24 hours a day. Even though you are not guaranteed to participate in your favorite games and stakes since some sites are at times busy, at least there will be something for you to indulge in at all times.

Game Selection

There is a huge difference when it comes to the game selection online as compared to live poker venues. There are many game variations to select on poker sites, while there are a limited number of options to select from in live poker rooms.

For starters, poker sites have different versions of the game. The most common is Texas Hold’em. However, other versions do exist. Larger poker sites offer the following:

• Razz
• Five Card Draw
• Omaha
• Stud Poker
• Omaha Hi/Lo

These games in many sites are usually offered in both tournament and cash games modes. Betting structures present online are limit, no limit and pot limit. Another choice you can make is to play either full ring, heads-up or short-handed. Furthermore, you are able to find a wide variety of tournaments online, for example turbos, freeze-outs, re-buys and satellites.

Stakes

One major advantage of online gaming is the assortment of stakes available that are kind to your pockets. You can take part in cash games with blinds starting from low as 0.01 dollars, while some tournaments cost only a dollar to join. Moreover, there are higher stakes available for players who like to gamble with huge amounts of money.

While there is a wide range of stakes online, most live poker venues are limited in terms of the variety of stakes offered. Also, bigger poker rooms with more a more intricate range don’t compare to what is offered online.

Convenience

Playing online is more convenient than playing live. If you want to play and you do not live anywhere near a casino or poker room, all you need is your computer or mobile phone with reliable internet and you are good to go. You can play anytime you wish. When at home you, you can sit or lie down when you want to play. Moreover, you don’t have to be in a specific dress code (as in the case with casinos). You don’t even have to get dressed as well if you do not want to.

 

Multi-tabling

Multi-tabling is simply taking part in the game at several tables concurrently. It has been made possible by online sites, unlike in live poker rooms where this impossible. Beginners are mostly not interested in this, as they tend to put more effort on one game. However this can be advantageous to the veterans of this game as it will enable them to make extra money at a faster rate.

Your Opponents can’t Read Your Poker ‘Tells’

Most players reveal much about their hands through observable traits at the live table. ‘Tells’ like how you breathe, talk, hold your cards or react to situations during play reveal more information about you that experienced players can use to their advantage.

However, when you play online, these ‘tells’ become hidden, hence getting rid of a shortcoming that you may have had in a live game.

Conclusion

The above are some of the advantages of online poker over a live game.  However the decision between online and live poker is one of preference for most players. Some players are die-hard live play fanatics. They enjoy the thrill of live poker sessions. On the other hand, some prefer to confine themselves somewhere and play online. For the ultimate online gaming experience, most sites offer UK free slots you can access right from the comfort of your home.