Playing B&M poker like a scared little girl.

FlashFunk · #1 09-12-2005, 02:23 PM

I've been playing online for about a year and a half. Starting at the 25NL tables I've slowly worked my bankroll up to playing/winning at 200NL (6max).

This weekend I went to play for the first time in a live casino. The only NL game they spread is a 200NL with $3/5 blinds. Obviously the blinds are really high compared to the buyin and going into this had me a little on edge.

I lasted about 1.5 hours before busting out. The only thing going through my head was, if I raise preflop 4bb my continuation bet on the flop will almost pot commit me. This of course made me play scared and incorrect poker. It felt pretty obvious that most players could tell I wasn’t playing anything but premium hands.

Another reason for my girlishness was I only planned on spending 1 buyin. Online I can drop $200-400 without even batting an eye, but in live poker seeing $200 leave my wallet was a little more intimidating. I was also probably the youngest guy at the table (23).

Here’s the only ideas I could come up with:
-Come with at least 2-3 buyins that I’m ready to lose
-Play some 3/6 limit to just get used to being in a casino (this might not be a great idea as my limit experience is almost non-existent).
-Stop by the bar and have a couple beers before playing (I know this might sound ridiculous to some, but in my home game I’ve found I play much better poker after having a couple in me)

Any advice from you B&M regulars?

Is this something that only comes after putting in the hours?

Masquerade · #2 09-12-2005, 02:32 PM

You've already diagnosed the problem. Play with at least 5 more buyins in your pocket. You're playing to win, of course, but you shouldnt feel inhibited about losing your buy-in if the situation warrants the risk. That may mean dropping down a level but it will stop you playing scared.

jaydub · #3 09-12-2005, 02:32 PM

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Here’s the only ideas I could come up with:
-Come with at least 2-3 buyins that I’m ready to lose
-Play some 3/6 limit to just get used to being in a casino (this might not be a great idea as my limit experience is almost non-existent).
-Stop by the bar and have a couple beers before playing (I know this might sound ridiculous to some, but in my home game I’ve found I play much better poker after having a couple in me)

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Of course you need to bring more than 1 buy in. I'd want $1K but could get by with less.

If the environment is intimidating you, sure play some limit. You shouldn't be intimidated though, you will be one of the best players at the table if you don't play scared.

I drink constantly when I play NL in Vegas but I don't do it to increase my earn rate. I do it because I'm there to have fun.

You need to relax and have some damn confidence in your play. What are you nervous about? Do you think the other players are going to laugh at how you play? The dealer? We've already established your comfort level with the variance so what are you scared of?

nsj · #4 09-12-2005, 02:45 PM

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You need to relax and have some damn confidence in your play. What are you nervous about?

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Exactly. Having a couple of buyins will help ease the anxiety for sure, but if you're beating 200NL online, you can certainly handle the B&M equivalent.

Play your game and pay attention to your opponents. If your focus is on the game instead of on your stack, you'll play much better.

FlashFunk · #5 09-12-2005, 02:47 PM

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You need to relax and have some damn confidence in your play. What are you nervous about? Do you think the other players are going to laugh at how you play? The dealer? We've already established your comfort level with the variance so what are you scared of?

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I'm scared that I might not be good at playing live poker in a casino and poker is one of my main hobbies. I have no confidence in my live game. I'm also worried that players will be able to read me so easily they'll just think here comes another one of those young internet suckers. I guess its just something I need to get over.

4_2_it · #6 09-12-2005, 03:19 PM

Just make sure you wear that hat when you play and you won't have any problems! Seriously, at the limits you are playing, don't worry about giving off tells. If you think you are a tell machine, just buy Caro's book of tells. Just make sure you are bankrolled properly, if you play scared and only bring 1-buy-in, you will end up with a lot of losing sessions.

Remember, many who are playing in a B&M are there to gambool and have a good time, not to make money.

PennDisc · #7 09-12-2005, 03:44 PM

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I'm also worried that players will be able to read me so easily they'll just think here comes another one of those young internet suckers.

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If you're a winning player on the internet for the same stakes, the live players are the ones that will be the suckers. And in a $200 NL game, don't worry about them reading you because they probably won't even be thinking about the cards you have. At the same stakes, internet games are much tougher than live games.

#8 09-12-2005, 03:56 PM

i think the problem here is and im sure everyone here will agree, your over analysizng, and becoming freaked out, what you need to do is just relax and play your game like that one guy said walk around the room for awhile watch people see how they do things, take a look at the B&M newbie guide that helped me for my first time going
good luck to you man

jaydub · #9 09-12-2005, 04:15 PM

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You need to relax and have some damn confidence in your play. What are you nervous about? Do you think the other players are going to laugh at how you play? The dealer? We've already established your comfort level with the variance so what are you scared of?

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I'm scared that I might not be good at playing live poker in a casino and poker is one of my main hobbies. I have no confidence in my live game. I'm also worried that players will be able to read me so easily they'll just think here comes another one of those young internet suckers. I guess its just something I need to get over.

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Good, that's a rational fear.

As others will also tell you, most of your opponents will not be focused on you nearly enough to spot any but the most obvious tells. But, that doesn't mean you can't work on your reactions. Read up on tells and try to control your reactions, it's good practice. Honestly, it's probably not going to make much difference to your immediate results but the practice will come in handy for bigger games.

Also, the "internet suckers" you've been playing are far, far better than the players you will encounter at the B&M 200. It is important to realize this and adjust accordingly, eg no fancy plays and watch the bluffing.

More than anything else though, just relax and enjoy your hobby. Order a beer or three if you feel like it, it's just poker.

jkamowitz · #10 09-12-2005, 02:37 PM

Hey, I only started playing in casino's (primarily Foxwoods in CT) a year ago but I remember how intimidating it is to walk in that first time. My advice is to get there earlier than you would like to start playing. Take an hour or so and just walk around the card room, getting a feel for the atmosphere and watching a table or two trying to work on your game selection.
I think a problem a lot of people have with B&M is that they spend an hour or so in a stuffy car, so that when they finally get to the casino they are just aching to play. This is the wrong attitude. I am sure that when you are playing online at home you are not worried about your bankroll and how much you will win/lose but are mostly concerned with how well you play.
This can be translated into casino play as well.
You had a good idea of moving down limits in order to get a better feel for casino play. But, if you are not a limit player I suggest trying a smaller nl game first. (the 1-2nl at foxwoods is laughable and it'll give you a sense of the competition you can expect)
I hope things work better for you the next time you try B&M.