Dipo Olowookere
Introduction
Those looking to move from casino table games to poker regularly cite the same reason for their desire to take it up — to take control of their chances at beating the house. Spend enough time in a casino and you’ll conclude that there are particular games with a slightly higher fighting chance at winning. Poker has always been a popular option amongst gamblers, hence it’s unsurprising that it has managed to retain its appeal to both seasoned and amateur casino players.
However, with the influx of new casino players, there’s bound to be differences when making the transition from casino table games to poker. Whilst it seems easy to hop on to any online website –– just as we know how slots.lv is good for table games –– here is some advice that will surely be of use.
Poker Is Still Gambling
It may seem obvious, but remember that poker is still a game of chance; just like table games, it is designed to always give the house a leg up over you. Casinos have to make money, after all! Having the knack for poker does supplement your chances, but it can only do so much when the cards are inherently stacked against you.
Why Do You Want To Play Poker?
Assessing why you wish to play poker is vital because it determines the amount of effort you will pour into picking this game up. Looking for just a thrill and wish to just play for the sake of it? Poker is a pretty accessible game that most people can pick up with relative ease, at a decent skill level.
However, if you’re looking to rake in big bucks, be prepared to spend a lot of time and effort developing your poker senses. The learning curve only gets steeper and steeper in poker, and you will have to reach the top of that curve to see any real return on investment if your luck even allows for it. Hence, we recommend you to play small and get comfortable with friendly games at lower difficulty levels before dealing with real money.
Not All Poker Games Are Made Equal
Let’s face it, poker money is not earned from playing with the best –– it’s by being the best at the table. Look for houses where the rules will be in your favor, and combine that with some time to polish your poker skills. Beginners and lower-skilled games are your best bet at coming out with a slightly thicker wallet.
Be mindful, however, of people who are following the same advice as you. There are always players looking for easy pickings, just like how you are.
Honor Among Players
Just like eating at a fancy restaurant or meeting your in-laws for the first time, there is an etiquette that poker players follow and should be respected by all. Cheating is not to your benefit, particularly so if you’re (very obviously) a beginner at poker, as being on the wrong side of the table do you no favors.
So no peeking, and don’t even bother trying to cheat. Poker is all about reading your opponents, and they are constantly on guard against cheats.
Bow Out Gracefully
We all get bad hands, and there is no shame in sitting one out. What does matter, however, is how one sits it out. In line with etiquette, one must always have respect for the other players.
Mucking your cards (showing your hand after folding) ensures that you no longer have any hold over the game, and allows those still in it to enjoy the match without worrying about what your cards were.
Similarly, when you fold, stay out of the game. Remarks and talking when you’re out are very much like talking in a library, which no one appreciates. Avoiding doing anything that could affect the game should be avoided.
Eyes On Your Opponents
Every move is made with reason. For those who play table games, it may not come naturally to pay consistent attention to their opponents, which means they would miss important tells and mistakes that they could leverage on and come out ahead. It pays to pay attention, as it will develop your poker skills and possibly help fatten out your wins.
Be A Good Sport
No one likes a sore loser, and being one in poker will get you a bad rap before you even get to another table. Be it winning or losing, always strive to be someone who people enjoy playing with, and you will always be able to find an open table to play and enjoy the game. Whining about your bad beats just exposes your lack of knowledge on how poker operates and highlights underlying emotional insecurity that does not make you look good. Instead, save yourself the embarrassment and keep a low profile –– this not only keeps your dignity intact but also doesn’t allow your opponents to get a better read on you.
When you do have someone beat, don’t drag their loss out by trying to act cool by revealing your entire set of cards. It lowers the respect others have for you and many will not take kindly to it, which could result in everyone gunning to take you out first.
Don’t Call Time
Poker is a game of stakes and every move in the game matters. However, some situations may be trickier than others, which will require players to take a longer time in making decisions. Hence, we encourage you to exercise a bit of patience and let your opponents make their decisions wisely. Even if your opponents may be taking longer than expected, leave the timing to the dealer. It’s a lot better to let them handle it, rather than involve you in it.
Giving Unsolicited Advice Hurts You More
There is nothing wrong with advising the new players who seek your wisdom, but it may come to bite you back if you do it during the wrong times.
When playing poker, refrain from giving out too much advice when playing. It exposes how you play to those on the table and they will use that information to get an edge over you. Not to mention, giving advice when no one asked for it is bound to irritate those you’re playing with, and that is never good.
Conclusion
Take these pointers to the poker tables, and you’re bound to have a pretty fun time. There is more to the casino than the baccarat and slot machines, and getting your toes wet in poker will feel like going on a new experience worth trying.
