Sports Articles
Johnson

Internet Player Guide to Playing Live Part

Home → Sports Articles → Internet Player Guide to Playing Live Part

Abstract

As an internet player gains experience plays online, there is a strong urge to go and play live for the first time. Before taking the leap, you need to learn the proper decorum of doing so.

I’m sure you know how to play, and I’m assuming you know how to play well, but you really need to know the rules. The rules are for your protection and to maintain the game’s integrity.

Some of this stuff may seem really basic, but you must know and understand all of the rules. Every live game has house rules and the first time you set foot in a new room, you should ask about them. Don’t be afraid. Not all rooms have the same rules so you should ask every time you go to a new place. Some are so obvious that they
e not written down, but they
e enforced, and newcomers might not be aware of them.

One of the most important rules is to simply protect your cards at all times. Dealers are taught to scoop up cards lying randomly on the table, because those cards are assumed to have been discarded. You should keep your cards close to you at all times, perhaps using a card protector on top of them such as a chip. Whatever you use, make sure you have some indication that your cards are in play so that the dealer doesn just scoop them up along with the other mucks. Be especially careful if you are seated next to the dealer. I have seen several instances of a player involved in a big pot and the dealer accidentally scoops the cards. This is your responsibility, not the dealer’s. If your hand is protected, it won accidentally end up among the discards. It is usually up to the floor person to arbitrate this situation and if he rules against you, you are out of luck.

Another part of hand protection is looking at your cards without exposing your hand to the table. With players in close proximity, you must be careful. When I play, I can always spot a beginner by the way they look at their cards. I won’t look at your cards on purpose, but if you flash them, its not my responsibility to tell you about it. You should cup your cards and just lift the corners to see them. Don’t pick them up off the table EVER.

I will talk about other live tips in future articles. Be sure to check back often.

Until next time, may the chips fall your way.

by Johnson