Online Poker vs. Offline Poker

Everyone wants to be a slick, internet poker shark these days. Ever notice a little more swagger in everyone's step around the office? How the guy at the laundry says "hit me" instead of asking for your ticket or how someone always yells "Yeah baby!" when the elevator light goes off to indicate it has arrived to the seventh floor. These odd behaviors may be a result of the wave of poker playing that is sweeping the world, turning ordinary citizens into ring wearing, cigar chomping card sharks.



Whenever some think of poker, they have this image of the famous painting showing the dogs playing poker. There was always one with a few aces under the table in his paws. Well, today the reality of poker is very different. There are casinos all over the world with special rooms just for poker playing. The rooms are quite formal and in many, you need a shirt with a collar just to sit down! (If you don't have, they will provide). The dealers are long time professionals and shuffle the deck so fast, it's hard to see their hands.

Casino Poker

Gone are the days when the "pot" in the middle of the table would have a stack of money, some stock certificates, jewelry, and maybe a guy's shirt. Today, casinos have you buy chips and you bet with these. The guys running the tables are not allowed to take money directly from you. You must drop your cash on the table and they will put a stack of chips in front of you. (If you win big, it is a common custom to "tip' the dealer by leaving a chip or two.)

In land-based casinos today, you can order a drink or in some places, get one for free. Some places even have waitresses come by bearing trays of hors d'houerves (and not just pastry wrapped hot dog wieners either). But don't get distracted! That may be what the casino is counting on. Watch the cards like a hawk and be ready to pounce when you smell weaknesses. Win a few hands, put your own money in your pocket, and spend the rest of the evening playing with the casino's money.

Playing Internet Poker

Did we say "evening?" Well, if you decide to play poker online, time of day means nothing. If you get a few minutes coffee break at work, you can play internet poker! Just slide down in your cubicle, log on and grab the cards. The deal will go as fast as you can click your mouse. And for many online games, the computer tells you if you have won or not. The only decision is whether to raise or just call. If you are carrying a winning combination, the computer will even tell you.

Online casino poker is for those who value their privacy. Play at home, play at work,. Play on the subway with a laptop. The thing is, wherever you are, you are really in a casino. It's like being in two places at once.

And don't worry about the odds. You are actually more likely to win poker online than during a trip to Vegas. How is that possible? Because if you compare the cost of traveling to Vegas, getting a hotel room, eating at the buffet, and ordering drinks to the cost of sitting in front of your computer, you will find you are ahead before the first card is dealt. And yeah, you don't have to leave a "tip" to the computer dealer.

At the end of the day, whether to play Poker online or offline comes down to personal preference. It all depends on what kind of person you are and how much time you have to play poker. Whatever you choose - remember that the key is to have fun!