Online vs offline poker
If you are new to poker, your points of reference are probably movies like Rounders and Rain Man, or coverage of prestigious events like the annual World Series of Poker. However, nowadaysa huge number of regular poker players play exclusively online. So, which is better – offline or online? Today we’re running through the most important parts of poker and deciding whether online or offline delivers better.
COST
If you need to keep costs low (particularly while you’re learning the ropes), online poker really is best. Online poker rooms let new players play for free or for incredibly low stakes in the first instance. Also, they offer sign-up bonuses and regular freebies to keep you engaged. In contrast, offline poker tends to be a lot more costly, especially if you’re playing against wealthier opponents. In general, the stakes are much higher in IRL games – which can be a good thing, but only if that’s where your head (and wallet) is at.
WINNER: ONLINE
ATMOSPHERE
While we’re sure your house is lovely, there’s no chance it’s as glam as a real-life casino. Plus, the drinks at your house certainly won’t be free! Some poker players may thrive on the buzz of the casino, the banter between players and the ‘kerching-kerching’ of the slot machines. For others, the ambience of a casino may prove a huge distraction. It’s your call.
WINNER: OFFLINE
EASE
Finding a whole evening or day to dedicate to poker can be tricky given our busy lives. Also, the fun can be sucked right out of a game with friends when it becomes like a military operation to coordinate everyone’s diaries. Online poker grants you access to opponents of all different abilities, any time day or night, whenever the whim takes you. Online pokeralso allows you to play any discipline of poker at any time of day. Plus, you cando it from bedin your trusty tracksuit bottoms… …which if you ask us is the real winner.
WINNER: ONLINE
TACTICS
When playing online, you’re essentially battling against an array of avatars. There is no opportunity to look into the eyes of your opponents or to read their body language – arguably one of the most enjoyable elements of the game. The only ‘tells’ you can read in the online poker world are betting pattern and speed of your opponent. In real life you can fake-out your competitors, bluff and revel in the psychological elements of the game.
WINNER: OFFLINE
SPEED OF PLAY
Are you a patient person? If not, online poker will be your preference. Online, there’s no need to wait for players to make up their minds. There’s no waiting time as the croupier deals, shuffles or counts the chips. It’s go, go, go. Online poker rooms have the added bonus of allowing you to play multiple hands at once – not only giving you the chance to win more cash, but stopping you from becoming frustrated by slower tables. In the offline poker world, there is nothing you can do to speed up play. It is what it is. Patience is key…and in this day and age, how many of us can really claim to be patient!
WINNER: ONLINE
INCENTIVES
We’re human, so we all enjoy a cheeky freebie every now and then. While online sites will offer bonuses, free plays and cash prizes for loyalty, it’s the casinos that excel when it comes to incentives. We’re talking free food and drinks, complimentary hotel rooms and reward cards that allow you to clock up tasty perks as you play.
WINNER: OFFLINE
CONCLUSION:
Online and offline poker are very different beasts. On one hand, the speed, ease and cost of online poker are hard to beat. But are you prepared to give up the excitement and adrenaline rush of real-life play? At the end of the day, it comes down to individual tastes, but remember – just because you have mastered one, doesn’t mean you’ve mastered the other!