Poker is one of the most popular games on the planet. No matter where you are in the world, you are likely to find a bustling community of players.
One of the best things about poker is that it can be adapted to suit everyone’s needs. It is super easy to pick up, meaning friends can easily play from the comfort of their own homes. Those looking for a step up in competition can head down to their local casinos. Most gaming establishments run tournaments for those looking to hone their skills.
There is also a bustling professional scene. In this format, prize pots are big and players are incredibly skillful. It takes years to get this level but the fact that everyone must start at the bottom gives each player license to dream.
The variation does not stop there either. We have not even touched on the wonderful world of online poker. Provided you have a reliable internet connection you can play with people from all over the world. However, there are some traditionalists who remain staunchly committed to ‘in-person’ poker.
The question is, which one is better? It is a lively debate that shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Below, we have laid out the arguments for and against both formats. Let’s get going.
Online Poker – Reasons to Play
1. Special Promotions
If you are looking to win real money, poker is a great game for you. Online poker is probably the better format for getting the most out of your dollars as well.
There is a simple reason for this. Competition for new players between online poker sites is fierce. Therefore, companies will attempt to stand out from the crowd by offering lucrative sign-up bonuses.
These usually include a deposit boost. For instance, if you deposited $50 and received a 100% bonus you would have $100 in total to play with overall. If you are playing in person, you will not get these extra funds.
2. Easy Access
Unfortunately, not everyone lives near a casino and not everyone has a group of friends big enough to play poker with. For these fans of the game, online poker provides a refuge.
There is no need to travel when playing. Simply power up your laptop, tablet or smartphone and open your favored online poker app. Then you are ready to go. Online poker also offered you the chance to play on the move.
If you are facing the boredom of a long train or taking a break on your expensive work PC, for example, it is the perfect way to pass the time. In fact, no matter what you are doing, online poker is always an option provided you have a stable connection to the internet.
3. Choice
Rock up to your local casino and it is close to certain that the only form of poker you will be able to play is Texas Hold’em. There is nothing wrong with this format. Its simplicity makes it the most popular poker variant around.
If you are looking to try your hand at other formats, though, an online poker site is your best bet. Whether it be Caribbean Stud, Omaha Hi-Lo or Badugi, most operators will have a full library of different games to choose from.
4. Multiple Tables
Head to a ‘brick and mortar’ casino and you will only ever be able to take part in one game of poker at a time. If you want a seat at multiple tables, your only option is to play online.
Thanks to888 Poker’s newest software, switching between multiple games has never been easier. The graphics on most poker sites are clean, crisp and easy to interpret. This means you can quickly work out exactly what you need to do on each of the games you are playing.
If you are worried about lag, don’t be. Even if you have three or more matches on the go, things mostly run clean as a whistle. Furthermore, tips can be provided on their website such as this starting hand link in poker, to help you get ahead of the game and brush up on terminology and hand rankings.
In-Person Poker
1. More Social
There is something intoxicating about sitting around a table with your friends and enjoying some poker. Add some drinks and tasty snacks to the party and you are on to a real winner.
This is one of the main advantages on in-person play. Although online poker sites have chat rooms, it is hard to replicate that face-to-face banter. Many people have connected through poker as well. If you have just moved to a new area, finding a community of players to socialize with can be a great way of settling in.
2. Picking Up Tells
Picking up on an opponent’s ‘tell’ in a poker match is extremely satisfying. It takes a sharp mind to play a variety of games, but once you know what to look out for, it can be easy to tell when someone is bluffing. This brings a whole new dimension to your game.
However, spotting ‘tells’ can only be done in person. In online poker your opponents have the anonymity of the virtual table.
3. More Glamour
What gets many people into poker in the first place is the glitz of glamour of the game at the top level. Many first-time users have heady visions of sipping a martini while playing a high stakes game in Monte Carlo.
While this is a pipedream for most, even travelling to your local casino and securing a share of the prize pot can be exhilarating. When you do the same in an online poker lobby, the best you can hope for is cracking upon a celebratory drink from the fridge!
Conclusion
On balance, we are just veering towards online poker as our preferred medium. The wide range of sign-up offers can give you a much-needed head start, while the choice and access are also great. Saying that, there is definitely a place for in-person poker in our lives. At least once a month we like to get some friends together or head to a casino. There is no reason why you can’t do both as well!
