Hey all,

Just started getting a back into poker after about 12 or so years. Currently I'm playing 2NL on ACR and I'm looking to play with the big boys at the 1/2 tables at Caesars southern Indiana. Obviously I'm no poker pro and don't plan on being one. But I would like to get 8 to 16 hours in a week at this casino once I feel I'm ready for it. And 8 to 16 hours a week is definitely doable with my schedule and family life / career.

The problem is I'm extremely paranoid / nervous / anxious about how poker is played live. I have serious concerns...like what if somebody asks me "how much do you have" and I don't even know? I'd have to awkwardly count out my stack and what if I lose track while I'm counting? The computer...its automated, it does everything for you. What if somebody raises and I want to 3 bet them? Do I say the total amount of chips I'm putting in the pot or do I just say the amount of the raise? What if I make a mistake and people get pissed off? How much can the dealer help me? If people see the dealer helping me are the other players gonna come after me? Or not wanna play with me? What if I wanna go all in and don't know exactly how much I have? I'm trying to minimize embarrassing situations.

For poker education I've read a few books I think most of them were skalansky / harrington series books. But those are old and are they still relevant? I also purchased BlackRain79 crushing the micro stakes probably like over 10 years ago. So again, I don't know if that info is dated and the game has changed since then. But he looks to be still promoting it on his youtube channel and seems to be up to date so I think I'll buy it again.

I understand things like position, 3 betting for isolation and getting people out preflop and how you should be generally looser the closer you get to the button and be tighter the closer you get to UTG.

Part of me says that playing 2NL on ACR isn't gonna be the best training to get ready for 1/2 live because of the difference in the buy ins. But then part of me also says that 1/2 live is the lowest you can go live anyway right? I've researched enough to know that the bet sizing live is very different because people usually bet 5 to 7BB preflop and that's its not unusual to get 4 callers. Then again I tend to overthink things.

Anyways I'm only about 4,500 hands deep at 2NL and am currently at 10.40 BB/100 (crazy small sample size I know). My VPIP is 16.59 with a PFR of 11.68.

So what do you guys think? Should I just start going to the casino or keep playing 2NL until I get at least 20k /50K hands until I know I can beat it then go try live? What's the difference in skill between live 1/2 and 2NL? Am I overthinking this?

As far as bank roll goes I'm thinking just bringing at least 3 buy ins and 1/2 each time I go to the casino. If I lose all 3 I'll be done for the day and can just replenish with life money if need be.

So when should I attempt a live game? Any advice?

Thanks fellas

Don't worry nor overthink too much. Other players and dealers are there to help you.

Just go start playing and observe how others do it to get a grip on it.

also in youtube there is probably tons of content on live cash and MTTs. check out whats up and you feel ready in no time.

glgl

You aren't required to count your stack for anyone, just stack your chips in stacks of 20 and keep any big chips in front or on top of your stack.

Say the amount you are raising to. Or don't say anything at all and let the chips do the talking. If you don't announce the amount make sure to put in the 3bet all at once, going back and forth is a string bet and not allowed.

Don't sweat it.

The dealer will help you as much as they can, they can't count the pot for you but they will let you know when it's your turn to act. You can talk to them and ask them questions they're usually very nice people.

Yes.

No.

Push your chips forward and the dealer will count it for you.

If you have some form of disposable income from a job go whenever you feel like it and when you can afford to lose. Having never played 2NL or 1/2 live I'm going to guess the skill level is pretty similar.

For your first live session I'd try to go on a Friday or Saturday night when the casino will have the most players/action and it will be easier for you to blend in as a new player. Make sure to be comfortable losing and to remind yourself you can only control your actions, not the results. And it's ok if you misplay a hand or make some other mistake, everyone does it.

Try to have fun. That's the most important thing. Good luck.

Thanks! I'm excited to play live soon.

If somebody ask what you have just have your chips in view your not required to answer the question. If you want to answer just give a rough estimation. You don't have to say anything good luck