If you’re a people person who also happens to like poker, then going to a live poker session is probably something you often do. You probably visit poker rooms in casinos, go to tournaments, or just play with your friends from time to time.
However, almost the entire world is currently undergoing a coronavirus outbreak. One of the ways to stop it from spreading is to practice the so-called “social distancing.” The best you can do for yourself and others is to stay home.
But how can you play poker and stay in your poker shape if you’re at home all the time? It turns out — it’s easier than you think.
Find Your Favorite YouTube and Twitch Channels
There are hundreds of poker lovers out there who love creating content related to this card game. They are often very active on YouTube or Twitch, where they live-stream poker games.
Apart from watching live-streamed poker, you can enjoy hundreds of useful poker videos that are available on YouTube. Many players love discussing strategies, playstyles, types of poker, and more.
Find a Good Poker Book
Just like videos, books could be great learning material for poker players. If you’re the type of person who prefers reading to watching videos, this is probably the best option for you.
If you haven’t read a single book related to poker, you should start with some classic ones such as The Theory of Poker by David Sklansky, or Super System by Doyle Brunson. Live poker players can also enjoy some psychology books that will help them improve the game, such as The Mental Game of Poker by Jared Tendler and Barry Carter.
Learn a New Poker Type — or Even a New Game
They say that humans are creatures who like to play. We play all kinds of games all the time, and poker is just one of them. There are sports, video games, board games, and more.
If you’re into Texas Hold ’em or Omaha, you probably wondered what it’s like to try other types of poker. There are literally dozens of poker variations that you can find in online poker platforms, with other players also willing to learn how to play them.
Therefore, feel free to explore this option and find a game that seems most suitable for you.
If you don’t feel like playing poker, you can always check out some video games that are in some way related to this card game. Make sure to check out a popular western shooter/adventure called Red Dead Redemption 2.
You assume the role of an outlaw, and you can even play Texas Hold ’em with characters all over the in-game world! It’s a great way to stay in poker shape and experience the game from a completely new perspective.
Join an Online Poker Site
Online poker is now the best alternative to live poker you can get. Sure, there might not be other people sitting across the table you’ll be able to talk with or analyze, but it’s the next best thing.
There are numerous poker sites offering a wide variety of games for true poker lovers. Many of them even come with lucrative welcome bonuses that will jump-start your game and help you find what you enjoy the most.
Online poker games are also available as both cash games and tournaments, and it’s up to you to choose the one you like the most and start your online poker career. It will help you stay in shape and even improve your game further so that you can maximize your success once you get back to live poker.
Who knows — maybe you’ll like online poker so much that you’ll decide to switch to it forever.