does online poker make you a hermit?

[shydie 0]

ok, well i know answer to the question for myself. but solely for the last 3 years all i do is online poker related issues...it's my job. i work about 10 to 16 hours a day on the computer. recently i was at the bellagio, and found out 2 things about my self:1.) i went to play a one table satellitle and could not stop shaking when racking my chips (it's ok if you guys laugh about this one-i did myself)2.) had an issue talking to people face to face (nervousness - trembling voice)...when i was spoken to all i could think was "omg...go away!" i felt so uncomfortable. (except after a few drinks-which we all know that's not good)anyone else have this problem? or am i just socially retarded or even social phobic? i have no problem with the chatting online or talking on the phone, but i feel that i have gotten into this grove of my career and which creates a lot of nervousness when doing live things. the catch is, i love what i do, i love my job and i'd rather work with online poker...is that odd? of coure the only person who tells me it's unhealthy that i sit home all day is my mother...what they're for eh? her main concern is "how are you going to get married this way!!!" nag nag nag :roll: well there goes my chance for winning the wsop or a wpt event. :wink: any suggestions or comments that can be insightful is appreciated. if you think i'm a nerd bc of it...you can hold it to yourself. LOL

[Pupsta 0]

I absolutely know where you're coming from. I started more or less online, and then I tried playing at a casino and every hand had me shaking. It was much worse in tournaments, when I could lose at any time. The best remedy is repetition. I found an amazing poker group in my town and it's really helped calm my nerves. Even when going from the mostly casual setting to a casino, I can make the transition more easily. Hope this helps

[KKsuited 0]

I also know what you mean. Learning to play live is a whole new ball game. First, you have to get comfortable and gain confidence in your game. You have to realize there is nothing to be nervous about and your game can match up with these goofballs at your table.Here's my funny story. The first decent live tournament I went to was at the Orleans Open. I jump right into a $100 sat and the person to my right is Avner Levy (a pretty good pro player some of you may have heard of). He raised me about every damn time I came into the pot. I was so nervous it was hilarious.Next sat I play, one guy at my table got 3rd in the first 1000 person tournament. I thought he had AA everytime.After 4 days, I went through 3 bottles of Pepto Besmal (sp?). I wanted to throw up everytime I went into the poker room.I ended up winning a few sats and had a good run in one of the big tournaments. I felt pretty good about my game at the end of the trip, but my stomach was ruined. I have much more confidence now, but I still get pretty nervous sometimes.

[tekn0wledg 0]

As a programmer I know how the hermit feel is.Since I graduated highschool I went straight to work for the Us gov't. I've since moved on to other possibilities and run two of my own businesses but I spend much of my day on the computer too. As soon as work is done, what do you think I am doing? Yah, playing online poker until it's time for bed. My dog hates me because I am on the computer so much :(While I am an athletic geek, which is a strange combination I know, I still prefer to sit at home and do my own thing instead of going out into social situations. That does not mean I am scared of social situations, I just prefer to be at home doing whatever I want.I get the whole "when are you going to get married?" bit too, and it sucks, but oh well. I'll do things at my own pace. I've had numerous girlfriends over the years, so it's not as if I never date.... I do, I just prefer to keep my time and money to myself [/me awaits angry e-mails from feminists]At any rate I do like hanging out with people, when I'm in the mood.In live games it's more of an adrenaline rush when you are playing than it is at home on your computer. That might be what you are experiencing.... so I wouldn't think that something is wrong with you, you just need to play more live games

[ddudley 0]

I've been playing 100% online for about 7 months now and I know the feeling. I feel like a hermit. I don't like it and it's not even my natural personallity, but it's what I've gotten used to. The one time I went to local card room I felt very uncomfortable, and I haven't been back since. Just like you, I was shaking , etc. There was so much more going on: trying to get reads, trying to control any of my tells, counting the pot in my head, even remembering my hole cards. I don't have to worry about any of that playing online.I remember saying that it felt like my first day playing poker all over again. I think that's the key, i was just new to it. I think if you play enough live poker, you will comfortable with it. You just have to accept the fact that you aren't going to be as good a player as you are online, at least not at first. I am going to start playing more live poker and I think it will take some time to get comfortable with it. And probably even more time to match my level of online play. I figure if you were able to become a good online player you should be able to become a good live player.

[KKsuited 0]

I think you're right dudley. If you can play online, you have a good shot of being a good live player. But, there is a defference that takes some getting use to.There's also some "tricks of the trade" you have to learn live. One example (which won't work against good players, but I always love to try and watch people try it) is the old "grab for your chips when the person in front of you is considering whether to bet or not. This can make them not bet because they don't want a call. Then you check right behind them and get a free card.

[shydie 0]

hmmm... maybe the future is just online poker? who knows.

[tekn0wledg 0]

Yah I love that move myself, but it only works against new players and players who are unsure or passive.Live play is definitely much, much different from online play. I like it thought because picking up tells and just observing in general makes the game so much different; for the better.

[shydie 0]

also thanks all for the response...atleast i know i'm not the only one. but surely got a ways to go practicing my live game. then maybe i got a shot at the 2015 WSOP. :wink: