B&M versus Online

Big E

I'm hitting Vegas in November, this will be my first time ever in Vegas, or for that matter, in a casino. I'd like to maybe head down to Brantford to sample playing in a casino...just wondering what level 'live' compares to 'on-line' if that comparison can even be made? I play mostly .50/1.00 on-line and I am currently sitting just under 1BB/Hr after about 7,000 hands (sad isn't it...if it weren't for reload bonuses and general bonus whoring and such my bankroll would not grow.). I usually take 20-30xBB to the tables on-line. Just wondering if a) 2-5 at Brantford would be out of my league and b) is 20-30xBB the proper amount.
Also, is there a night when things are slower in Brantford and you can get a table fairly quickly or is it always pretty much busy?

ElElliott

I've played in quite a few casinos in Vegas (and Rama a few times), and I've founf that the level of play at the lower limit games is no better than the low-limit online games. There's the same mix of bad players, good players, and bad players who think they are good.

You'll find the play slower than online, which I kind of like. I also find that there are a lot fewer "monster" hands in live play...but that could just be me.

I don't think you'll be out of your league at all. The most intimidating part for me was going up and asking to get on a table. Once you sit down with your chips and get your first hand dealt to you, you'll feel right at home.

ScottyZ

It makes sense to try out a live session just to get used to the mechanics of playing live poker. The Brantford $2-$5 is appropriate if you're used to playing $0.50-$1.00 online.

It's tricky to make comparisons in terms of online vs. B&M in terms of opponent skill. The Brantford $2-$5 is not a tough game. In comparison with an online $2-$4 or $3-$6 game, the opponents are generally worse at the B&M, but the rake structure (which matters a great deal in LLHE) is much more favorable online. It's a close decision as to which one is the "better" game of the two.

I would usually buy-in for at least $200 myself at the Brantford $2-$5, although around $150 might even be sufficient. I think that $100 would be getting close to being too low of a buy-in.

As for getting a table quickly, bring a nice book along to read (or something like that) while you're on the waiting list. Seriously though, beating the rush is tricky, and it's not something I'd put too much effort into. If anything, you could try thinking about "standard" human behaviors (getting off work at 5:00pm, sleeping in on weekends, etc) and try arriving shortly before those kinds of people.

The trouble with "beat the waiting list" stretegies is that the waiting time is determined by both demand and supply. During off-peak times (or days), there may be a shorter waiting list, but only one or two $2-$5 tables going, compared with 4 or 5 tabes during peak times. It's generally unclear which case gives the shorter overall wait time.

ScottyZ

moose

I think the biggest difference is acting out of turn. This is something you can not do online. If you watch the other players you can get a lot of advance reads as to whether they plan to bet, raise or fold and adjust your play accordingly.

AcidJoe

You mean the dude on the button who just can't wait to throw his cards away? or the guy who is so busy stacking his chips to raise?

If all you want to do is get the feel for the game I find at Rama I don't need to buy in for more than $100 for 2/5..... $300 for 5/10. Tho I usually keep coin in reserve just in case... Also if what you want is to play poker....wait for poker don't blow five bills playing blackjack then kicking yerself cuz your bankroll for poker is gone.

Big E

Thanks for all the comments, very much appreciated....I think I will give Brantford a try just to get comfortable with the environment.....I can see the sharks in Vegas licking their chops when they see my pasty white Canadian ass take a chair looking wide-eyed like I've never seen the game before.....then again...that may work for me.

moose

Sometimes the host will ask you to buy in from the table but normally you will get your chips from the cage once your name is called. Get $100 white to start so you don't have to worry about change when you bet. When you sit down tell the dealer you will wait for the big blind. This will give you a few hands to see how to play. When the BB gets to you put $2 in front of you and you will be dealt cards. If you sit down w/o knowing how to get into the game you will be marked immediately as a newb by all the regulars.

Most importantly always verbally announce your intentions before you put any chips out. Once you do that you have all the time you need to get your chips correct, plus other players can go ahead and act while you get the chips right. "Raise, bet, call, check or fold". If you intend to raise and get the chips wrong, you won't be allowed to go back to your pile to fix it unless you have announced "raise".

At the showdown the easiest thing to do is just automatically roll your cards over and keep them in front of you. The dealer will read the cards and award the pot. If you win, remember to tip the dealer. When your AA gets cracked by the idiot with 72, tap the table, tell him 'nice hand' and remember - you are only loaning him your chips - you will collect them back later.

Big E

thanks Moose!