Live poker is played at physical tables with real cards and chips. Online poker is played on computers or mobile devices against other players over the internet. While the rules are identical, the experience differs significantly.
| Aspect |
Live Poker |
Online Poker |
| Speed |
25-35 hands/hour |
60-100+ hands/hour |
| Tells |
Physical tells visible |
Timing tells only |
| Multi-tabling |
1 table only |
Many tables possible |
| Rake |
Higher |
Lower |
| Player pool |
Local |
Global |
| Skill level |
Generally softer |
Generally tougher |
- ~30 hands per hour
- Slow dealing, chip handling
- Waiting for players to act
- Social conversation
- 60-100 hands per hour per table
- Instant dealing
- Action timers
- Multi-tabling = 200-1000+ hands/hour total
| Tell Type |
Example |
| Physical |
Hand trembling, eye movement |
| Verbal |
Voice pitch, talking patterns |
| Timing |
Speed of decision-making |
| Bet sizing |
Chip handling, counting |
| Tell Type |
Example |
| Timing |
Fast call = auto-call? Slow = thinking? |
| Bet sizing |
Precise or unusual amounts |
| Patterns |
Same actions in similar spots |
| Stats |
HUD data on player tendencies |
| Live Stakes |
Comparable Online |
| $1/$2 live |
$0.10/$0.25 online |
| $2/$5 live |
$0.50/$1 online |
| $5/$10 live |
$2/$4 online |
💡 Online players play more hands, study more, and generally play better at equivalent stakes.
- Softer competition (recreational players)
- Physical tells add information
- Social, fun atmosphere
- Harder to use solving tools
- Higher tip/live income potential
- More volume (faster skill development)
- Lower rake percentage
- Play anytime, anywhere
- HUD stats available
- Multi-table for higher hourly
- Game selection across many tables
- Verbal declarations binding
- String bet rules
- Tipping dealers
- Table talk
- Dress codes (sometimes)
- Chat box etiquette
- Disconnect protection
- Sit-out rules
- Time bank management
| Game Type |
Suggested Bankroll |
| Live cash |
10-20 buy-ins |
| Online cash |
20-30 buy-ins |
| Live MTT |
30-50 buy-ins |
| Online MTT |
100+ buy-ins |
Online needs bigger bankroll due to:
- Faster play = faster variance
- Tougher competition
- More hands in less time
| Choose Live If |
Choose Online If |
| You enjoy social play |
You want max volume |
| You read people well |
You're math/study focused |
| You prefer softer games |
You want game variety |
| You have limited hours |
You want flexibility |
Live and online poker are the same game but very different experiences. Live is slower, softer, and more social. Online is faster, tougher, and more volume-focused. Most serious players do both—live for fun and profit, online for practice and volume.