Well friend, playing on line and playing in person are two different devils – and in order to make sure you’re fully prepared to dominate in the flesh, this article is going to outline some common rookie mistakes that can cost you your life savings among the sharks, and some effective ways to ensure that you walk away with the life savings of the guppies.

First thing first – make sure you’re comfortable. Walking into a casino red-headed and half out of breath is no recipe for success. If it takes a drink or two to take the edge off, then so be it; conversely, drowning yourself with liquid courage is the fastest and easiest way to donate your hard earned money to your opponent’s favorite charity. Another effective way to lose your casino-virgin nervousness before ever seeing a hand is to observe the table you plan on playing at. Sure, the players at that table may think you’re some sort of deranged mad-man [or mad-woman], but hey, more power to you.

Secondly – and this one is a big one – the odds don’t change in person. Rookie casino players tend to make the horribly damaging mistake of calling too often – dude, a 2-7 is still a 2-7… and a 2-10 is still a 2-10 – even Brunson himself folds it more often than not. The point is, don’t get enamored by your opponents alluring eyes or by their constant barrage of encouraging [or discouraging] comments, you’ll only end up wasting your money.

Which brings us to our next point; table talk. Just about anywhere you play, you’re going to find a Mike “The Mouth” Matasou wannabe – take no offense, and do not let them get under your skin. As soon as you start playing the player and not your cards, disaster ensues. This is not to say that you shouldn’t engage with these people – if you’re a talker then you’re a talker – but be absolutely certain that your conversation isn’t clouding your judgment. Talking smack is often an effective way of baiting ‘haters’ into betting the barn – so make sure that you aren’t the one being manipulated. If you do find yourself in a war of words with someone, use it to your advantage – be patient – the cards will come, and when they do, reel in your favorite sucker.

It is also important to note that the biggest difference between online and casino poker is the amount of time it takes to play. Casino play is a whole lot slower than online play – what this means is that you’ve got to be more patient than ever. The most common rookie mistake that is made by online players who decide to hit the casinos is that they expect to sit and play for an hour or two, just like at home. This strategy will not work unless you’ve got a horse-shoe up your you-know-what, and even then, quick winnings are unlikely. You have got to be extremely patient at the casino; expect to be sitting for several hours. Don’t worry though – the game is far more exciting in person – you won’t be bored. In other words, be sure that you have no time restrictions when you head to the tables; you will not be successful if you put a time limit on winning.

And finally remember this – just as every day is a new day, every table is a new opportunity – so long as you are calm, cool, and collected, you are in a position to win. The internet is hands-down the best way to refine your skills and can often be a way to make some quick cash, but casino play is a whole new ball-game; there are greater rivalries, greater excitement levels, and greater opportunities to win big.

Social interaction adds a whole new element to the game and if you’re nervous or agitated, you are more than likely to walk away from the casino with a sour taste in your mouth and empty pockets. On the other hand, if you are extra patient and otherwise playing just like you normally do while online, you are more than likely to walk away with a big smile and deep pockets.