Learn Texas Holdem

Question: Once again I started playing poker about a year ago, typically 15-20 hours a week online. I do appreciate the time you take, it has been very helpful. I'm going to Vegas soon for my first time and am eager to play NL Holdem (tournament play). I've done a lot of research on what casino's offer and will probably stay around the $40.00 - $100.00 buy-in. Any thoughts or concerns someone new in Vegas should expect playing Holdem?

Thanks again,

Matt

Answer: Number one, play games that your bankroll can cushion so you won't be too nervous about losing all your money. Your nerves will be bad enough considering you haven't played live with anyone yet. Secondly, you've played online enough so you are probably ok strategy wise but for people who usually play home games, expect much tougher competition when you are in a real cardroom. Take it slow.

When you play online you are used to getting a lot of hands per hour but offline it can take a while before anything is worth playing -- this partly why offline games are usually looser if you compare identical limits. Next, have fun and don't take it too seriously. One of the worst things you can do is measure your overall poker career or hobby by the early stages. Consider this a lesson that you are willing to pay for. You hope to win but if not, you don't come away with nothing. You come away with experience and hopefully a better understanding of the game.

Lastly, don't be cocky but realize that just because people play live, they aren't necessarily better than you are. When people look at others with the same skill as their own -- regardless of what -- they tend to give the opposition more credit. So have confidence, do your best and see what happens. And no one wins all the time.