Multiple Table Poker Strategy
Chapter 7
Playing multiple tables in poker is commonly done by the more experienced players. Playing more than one table in poker should only be done by consistent winning players and not done just to clear poker bonus money.
Hourly win rates can increase dramatically when playing more than one table and that is why online is sometimes preferred to live poker. A couple simple steps and strategy tips can be used when playing multiple tables. Odds should come to you quickly before attempting to multi-table. If you do not know odds you can begin by viewing the poker odds table.
We will discuss what types of games to play, what poker rooms cater to multiple table players, what to watch out for, and overall strategy for playing multiple tables.
Multiple Table Theory
The basics of playing more than one table are simple. If you consistently win at your normal $5/10 game and make on average $100 an hour then you should be able to make $300 an hour playing 3 tables at once? Well technically you would say yes but there is something called diminishing returns when playing multiple tables in poker.
As you play more tables at once your play suffers from lack of concentration and you will end up not making the full amount per hour. For every table you add on you could lose 10% of your normal win amount and it keeps decreasing exponentially every table you add on. So for the first table you add on you would only make $90 per table if you were playing two tables.
Now let’s say you added on a third table. You could expect to make even less. Let’s say you now make 12% less than if you were playing one table. Playing three tables will only make you $88 per table or $264 per hour. While it is still very lucrative to play multiple tables you can see how adding on too many tables will not be as beneficial as you may think.
The best thing to do is keep track of your daily win rates and monitor how many tables you are playing.Finding the right number of tables to suit your playing style is the most important factor.
Who Should Play Multiple Tables
Only winning poker players should play more than one table at a time. Sometimes but rarely, playing multiple tables can turn some losing players into winners. Many poker players simply don’t have the patience to play one table. A lot of people out there lose when they play 1 table but win when they are playing 3-4.
Playing multiple tables can be beneficial to players who easily lose patience playing one table. Playing more than one table can take the edge off and make loose players play more tight and overall make them a winning player again. Impatient losing players should experiment with playing more than one table.
What Games To Play
No limit Texas Hold’em relies heavily on spur of the moment calls, folds, and maneuvers. This is why we do not suggest playing more than 2 tables when playing no limit. Some people can do it but we don’t suggest it. Playing in Sit n Go’s and a combination of cash games can cure your ailment to playing multiple tables when playing No limit. Tournaments can go by really slow and can also be really boring. In tournament play you will find yourself playing by the book anyway so playing side cash game could be beneficial to some players. This may even out the impatience and keep you from making loose calls.
Limit games and possibly some Pot limit games are the best types or games to play when playing more than one table online. Limit poker is one of those games where multiple tablers thrive. Odds can be calculated using software and experienced players know what to do in just about every situation. In No limit situations can change with a blink of an eye but in Limit it is all text book. Therefore, if you are a winning Limit player you should be playing as many tables as you can possibly handle without losing too much to the diminishing returns factor.
Multi-table tournaments are also a good time to play more than one table. We already discussed how multi-table tournaments allow you for even more leeway when playing multiple tables. Big tournament where you can expect 1000 players can take a very long time and as we stated playing a side cash game can keep you sharp
Because you will rarely be playing hands in big tournaments playing multiple tables are advised up until the end of the tournament. Once the blinds start to increase and you make it into the money you should strictly play 1 table.
There are differences between Ring games and 6-man games as well. When hitting the ring games (10 manned tables) you can play more tables as well. The 6-manned tables get a little tough to play multiple tables because of the quick action and constant bluffing. Less bluffing and action occurs during Ring games so they are advantageous to play more than one.
What To Watch Out For
Believe it or not players do watch out for others playing more than one table. Any time your opponent is multi-tabling you can expect your hourly win rate to increase. The diminishing return % has to go somewhere doesn’t it? Opponents will get a hunch that you are playing more than one table when they see you using the check / fold buttons.
Multi-tabling can produce a lot of tells like slow play and the automatic maneuver buttons. Often you will see opponents bet the minimum once they notice you are multi-tabling. A small bet will usually trigger the fold button. Constantly changing tables is recommended when multi-tabling. Try clicking the automatic check button when you are planning a check raise. This will throw your opponent off.
Where To Play Multiple Tables
Bodog introduced a new interface that let’s multitablers view all the tables in one screen. Bodog.com automatically minimize the tables to fit into a side screen. The screen is very similar as to how the picture in picture view works on a Television set. This was a great technological advancement for multitablers because you can watch all the action from one table screen. Plus they give the bonus to you as soon as you deposit without raked hand requirements.
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