A lack of patience in live play

[SNOWBALL138]

I agree with Jeff.

Either play stakes that are so low that your bad play doesn't matter or play stakes that are high enough so that you are forced to pay attention.

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It seems like whenever I play a live cash game or tourney, the patience (and sometimes interest) usually isnt there. Im so used to playing multiple tables online, that when I play live, I just cant sit back and wait for a hand. I try to make things out of nothing. Raising with 78o after a couple folds, trying to take down the blinds for example. What should I do? Not play them? Bring a book?

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I was a live player long before the internet boom. Why are you so bored, playing live really is the true essence of the game?

Are you playing at casinos? I can maybe understand this, as if you are going alone, you may have no one to talk to. Still, I would look at this as an invitation to talk the other players up, maybe get a tell - maybe make a friend. Chat up a cocktail waitress, try to get a date. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

You definitely shouldn't think "I'm bored, I need to play this hand." 5 years ago, you wouldn't have known about multitabling and you'd be having a blast being a winning player.

At worst, bring some headphones, or yes, maybe a book. Although I do think bringing a book would discourage you from watching the live play, and live play is all about people. If you're reading "War and Peace" - you won't see the war at the table and may cost yourself when it DOES come time for you to make a play with a real hand.

<shrug> Again, I may be the wrong person to be giving poker advice at this point, but poker is one of the few things in my life that has given me pleasure over the last little bit. I'd be sitting there chatting up anyone I could, trying to make some money, or maybe make some friends who don't just care about a winrate.

But that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

[smurfitup]

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I agree with Jeff.

Either play stakes that are so low that your bad play doesn't matter or play stakes that are high enough so that you are forced to pay attention.

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[livinitup0]

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How about doing Phil Hellmuth impressions?

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nh sir

I know what you mean. I also got used to the speed of online gaming. lately I played a live tournament and I got so tired after an hour or so and then I played every crap.

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This has been a HUGE problem for me. Online, I play 4-6 shorthanded tables or 8 full tables. Going from 300+ hands per hour to 35 hands per hour was very difficult. I found myself playing WAY too many hands, [censored] I would NEVER play online. I've largely vanquished the problem, but still have to resist limping with hands that deserve a fold, and calling with hands I know are beat.

What has helped most is focusing on learning about the players, and getting better reads. I also have a friend who I am required to call if I do something stupid. This helps as well, because I find myself thinking, "[censored], if I play this hand, I'm going to have to call my buddy and admit it."

-Milo

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Glad to see other people in the same boat. I might try your tip and see how that goes. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Oh --- about the Phil impressions, I've already beat that to death. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Edit: Thanks for all the help so far guys.