Live Poker

Back when the Neteller fiasco hijacked the online poker money train, I decided there was no way I was going to give up the game. Still, I came up with a back up plan that can be summarized in two words: Live Poker.

The consensus among online professionals seems to be that live poker is either boring or torturous, depending on the cards and the company. I'll admit that there are a lot of negatives to playing poker in person:
  • Fewer hands per hour
  • No shorthanded tables
  • Smelly/obnoxious neighbors
  • Having to wear pants

I've played thousands of hours of live poker in my life, largely because I appreciate many of the positives:

  • More laid back
  • Weaker players
  • Physical tells
  • Interesting folks to meet in person
  • The feel of the cards
  • Dragging a big pot and stacking the chips
  • Carrying racks upon racks to the cashier
  • Getting paid in crisp hundred dollar bills

Now don't get me wrong, I haven't given up on playing online. Black Chip Poker looks like a solid option for the US player. But I'm not going to throw five figures back on to a site until things cool off a bit. For now I'll play a few sessions here and there. I'll be spending the majority of my working hours in casinos and card clubs, though. Playing live poker.

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