The difference between a traditional live casino NL Hold’em game and an online NL Hold’em game is becoming increasingly blurred. What was a huge difference in the game a few years ago has become quite a narrow gap. The reason for this is simple: more online players are playing live poker both in casinos and online. If you’re playing (theoretically, of course) the same group of players online that you end up playing live, you’ll see some of the same moves and plays, of course.

Where a big difference still remains, though, is in states that typically don’t offer live NL games. There are many individual states that, if you are going to play live poker at a poker room, will offer you limit games of some kind. This is where there is a BIG difference between your standard online NL fair and if you are a smart player you can adjust your game to take advantage of that.

The first thing you’ll notice in a live limit game, $1-$2 blinds, $3-$6 bets is that many players will play any/all/most hands. It’s not different from online gaming, you say? Well, guess again, because in a National League online game, you have the All-in hammer that you can put on these guys. In a live limit game, they’ll sometimes go to the river with a low pair in hopes of pairing another card and taking away the hand you won pre-flop with your high cards. You have to be aware of this and play accordingly.

Also, while you will see players playing more hands and playing them on more streets, you won’t see as many monster hands being dealt. Why? Simply because far fewer hands are dealt in a live game than online every hour and simple math will tell you that there won’t be as many big hands dealt or played. Two pairs will take down a lot of pots in a live limit game. Sure you’ll still see the flush draws, but you won’t see as many big hands as online.

There are many more differences in online games and live limit games that you need to be aware of in order to adjust your game and be good at both.