Online vs. live

[gjpure]

I hope this is the right forum. I tend to do much better live than online and I can't figure out why. Its true that action and pot size seem to be bigger live, but I know many people who seem to be very successful online both in cash games and in tourneys. I have tried everthing from moving around in stakes to trying different strategies (i.e agressive vs. passive, loose vs. tight) etc. to playing 6 handed vs. a full table. I play more ABC online and just try to take down pots. I notice that people tend to play differently. They seem to bluff more online, and in general I have a harder time reading my opponenents because I cant see their face and I tend to size people up by seeing how they act, dress, etc. Sometimes you can look at someone and the minute they sit down at a table you know they like to gamble or whatever. It's hard to do that online. You dont know if they are old, young, are nervous or whatever. I dont know how other people do it or if I am missing something here. I also find myself playing different partially as a result of the differences I mentioned. Sometimes I cant put someone on a hand, I dont know how they play and I make a few bad calls or moves. It frustrates me because a consider myself a good player and a winning player, but online is hurting my profits and my bankroll. Playing online is also tempting and so accesible. You just load and go. I have heard horror stories about people becoming addicted to online gambling because of how easy it is to load money. It is a bit harder now with the new laws but still tempting. I dont know how to deal with this or what approach I should have. Should I just give up online and focus on where I am strong? Or if I am good live should I be just as good online? Somebody help me out here, because online poker is a S.O.B. right now.

[Tablerat]

Well, I have a biased point of view because I currently play exclusively in live games and honestly have very little experience online. However, and I'm sure others will back me up on this, the key difference is that, in general, online players are tougher than live players. Thus, it makes sense for someone to have problems adjusting to the tougher games online.

What limits do you play online vs. live? So, for me, I have a very average game. I need to see people in person to help me make decisions. I have plenty of leaks in my game, but the weaknesses of others becomes more apparent to me when I play them in person.

So, my advice to you is:

Study the strategy forums here and participate - post hands and analyze those of others. You may not realize certain leaks.

How long has this been occurring? Variance itself is a S.O.B., so you might be getting prematurely frustrated.

You ask whether to just give up; clearly you're going into games online lacking confidence - this will affect your game no matter what. I say move down in limits, really pound the books and strategy forums, and try to identify your weaknesses. Live and online, in my opinion, have many significant differences that will exploit various leaks you may have and reward others.

Finally, this question has popped up in other forums lots of times; do a search and you may find some helpful nuggets of advice for your issues. Good luck.

[Goodnews]

Hear this well, the 5/10 live lhe game is the equivalent of the .25/.5 game online.

There is a definite skill gap in the stakes online and live. Drop down to the lowest stakes and paly there until you know you can beat it. The stakes you play live should not even be close to the level of skill of the same stakes on the most popular sites.

[omaha]

Online games are much much much much much tougher.

Im not sure of the exact correlation, but goodnews sounds about right.

I am a winning player at 10$ stars, have read about 30 books and played 50k hands or more. This is nothing compared to most of the real players here, but is MASSIVE compared to anyone i have come across live (just playing 11-55 buy in pub poke atm!)

Therefore, the reason you win live and lose online is not your ability to spot tells etc and see into peoples souls, but a simple correlation of your current skill level, compared to your opposition.

Taking variance out of it, you are better than your live opponents, so you win, and you are worse than your online opponents, so you are their victim.

A good example for you. I started .5/1 online at party, started losing, read sshe, got better and started winning.

Went to paradise, was winning, but not so much, cleared that bonus, then went on and on, reading and learning the whole way.

I forget the last site i was on, i think it was Poker room, and i was a bit peeved i was losing. Not a lot, but i was obviously not up to scratch, still at the .5/1 level, even though i was vastly better than when i was crushing party.

Logged back onto party, and was crushing it better than ever.

I only got it when i separated my pt stats by site.

I won 3bb at party, 1 at paradise. .5 at another, and lost at poker room! There was a simple skill level difference.

Drop down online and improve, read, read, post and practice. Good luck!

[johnnyrocket]

i currently run 5/10 4-8 tables on stars and have recently turned 21, i'm glad to hear this news so i think i will try out 20/40 live, wish me luck.

[Zero Day]

[ QUOTE ]
Should I just give up online and focus on where I am strong?

[/ QUOTE ]

No, make a deposit and tell me that table!

[PorkchopDJG]

Goodnews is right on!
Online is much harder and plays quite differently.
A lot of people in casinos play poker like blackjack, craps and any other unbeatable House Game. They think and play like any two cards can win. They love to see flops and continue in any hand they have any chance at winning. They mostly play LOOSE/PASSIVE and are calling stations. You just wait for good hands and get paid off.

Online you are likley at a table with many good players. They mostly play TIGHT/AGGRESSIVE betting, raising and sometimes 3 betting before the flop. You can't limp and play marginal hands as much because it may be 2 or 3 bet behind you. You have to play optimally and know when to raise to protect hands and when to fold when you are beat.