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. 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.