When looking at the average player, those sitting in a tournament at a casino will typically make decisions that are colored by fear more often than those playing online will.  There are a number of components that go into this fear, so let's look at a few. Fear of the Casino This is a factor primarily for those who are much more accustomed to playing online than live.  It can be intimidating to step out from behind the computer.  The noise, the tournament registration process, finding the right seat, having to handle chips and count pots, remembering when it's our turn to act, and remembering not to string bet; there are so many things that occupy our minds that we don't normally worry about on the internet. Because of this, those new to the live game often play very tight during the first few orbits.  They are trying to get their bearings.  It is tough enough to follow the action, manage their chips, and get used to everything without having to concern themselves with how to play marginal hands from middle position.  Thus, they are going to take it easy, only play premium hands for a while, and let you steal their blinds. Fear ...