Five Live Poker Myths
Although this is an online poker site, we like to cover other topics well, including live poker games. Casino and home poker games have been around for decades, and throughout that time countless myths and urban legends have come up regarding the live poker game. This article will look at the most common poker myths, and will attempt to either prove or disprove each one.
Live Poker Myth #1 - All Live Players are Old
One common belief that online players hold is that if you go to a local casino you're going to find a group of 70 year olds playing poker while chatting about their grand kids. Although it may be true that online poker players are typically younger, there are still plenty of young guns who play at live casinos. You'll be really surprised with all the 18-20 year olds who grind at casinos instead of getting part time jobs.
Live Poker Myth #2 - It's All About Hold'em
Another common misconception with live poker is that it's only No Limit Texas Hold'em. At the smallest of casinos this may be true, but at any decent sized poker room this is a complete myth. My local casino offers mainly NL Hold'em, but also has Limit Hold'em games running 24/7 and has PL Omaha games running about 90% of the time. At the major casinos in Las Vegas you'll see other games spread such as HORSE and 7 Card Stud.
Live Poker Myth #3 - All Poker Rooms have Hourly Fees
Players are used to online poker rooms raking each pot and not charging hourly fees like some live poker rooms. However, you should know that most live casinos actually just rake the pots and avoid the hourly fees. Some casinos will also throw in a daily fee of $2 to sit at the tables, which is just another way to rake extra money.
Live Poker Myth #4 - Everyone is Out to Get You
If it's your first time playing at a live casino you probably will feel really intimidated with all of the live poker etiquette and quirky rules at the tables. Unlike online poker, you actually have your cards, chips, and opponents right in front of you, and you have to know how to interact with each appropriately.
However, don't feel like players are going to scream at you if you screw up. Let everyone know that you're a beginner, and they'll help you out and take it easy on you until you get the hang of it.
Live Poker Myth #5 - Tipping = Good Karma
This one is a common myth believed by many people, and it's actually up to you. A lot of players feel that if they always give dealers nice tips that they'll be rewarded with more hands and bigger pots. Mathematically, this is ludicrous, but if you believe in karma or "what goes around comes around" then this might actually hold true.