Basic Live Poker tips
Strategy in live poker is similar to the strategy used in Texas Hold’em. In live poker, however, reading other players or bluffing isn’t part of the game, which means that you need to emphasise other strategies. Let’s begin with some basic tips.
Understand basic poker
Before you being playing live casino poker, you’ll want to make sure that you have a thorough understanding of poker itself and know the basic strategy as it applies to the standard game. Live poker is easy to play and offers less pressure than other poker variants, as there’s no need to be concerned with bluffing, etc. But winning in any poker variant is hard if you don’t even know how to play the basic game.
Know when to fold ‘em
You shouldn’t fold too often in live poker. At the same time, however, one of the most important things you need to remember is knowing when to fold. If you have poor hole cards, cut your losses and wait until you have a better hand.
Know when to stay in the game
Once the flop has been dealt and you have a hand that is at least semi-decent, continue betting and play out your hand. You definitely don’t want to fold in this situation. When only playing against the dealer, your chances of winning are higher than they are in standard poker, especially when you have decent hole cards and a favourable flop.
Always call if you can pair with the flop
If either of your hole cards forms a pair with a card from the flop, you should call. That’s also the case if your cards form an inside straight draw or a flush draw.
Understand the dealer’s position
In live casino poker, the dealer plays according to a predetermined pattern. He or she is told how to play the best combination with the cards they have. So, as there’s no bluffing involved, just focus on playing your very best game.
Set your limit
Avoid getting carried away and leaving the game with zero funds in your account simply because you were unable to stop. While live poker is easier to play than the standard game, and you might feel that it’s easy money, you won’t think that if you lose your entire bankroll. So, set yourself a limit on what you can afford to lose. If you have made a profit, keep it separate from your bankroll.
Play a flush draw
Even with low-card singles, you should raise the bet with a flush draw. There’s also the possibility of hitting the flush, and even if the cards don’t go your way, the dealer could fail to qualify.
Play a straight draw
The same applies here. If you have low ranked cards, but with a chance for a straight, call the bet. Again, the dealer could bust if you don’t hit the straight.
Play with Jack High
You shouldn’t fold Jack high, except rarely. You should even more rarely fold Queen-high, and never ever fold King-high or better.
Play slow
When playing live poker through a video simulation, you should play slower than you would in a brick-and-mortar casino. This allows you to savour the game while also making you less susceptible to the house edge.
Get plenty of practice
Practice makes perfect. That might be a cliché, but that doesn’t make its inclusion here any less important. As Mr Green lets you play in free mode, you have a good opportunity to practice and improve your ability to play the game without risking any of your own money.
Accept bonuses
If you’re new to Mr Green, we offer welcome bonuses to new players. Take advantage of the offer because it’s money that effectively lowers the house edge. Think of our bonuses as the online equivalent of comps in a brick-and-mortar casino. We also offer promotions to existing customers, so you should keep your eye out for those, too.
