Multi-Table Poker Strategy

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.

Hourly win rates can increase dramatically when playing more than one table, and that’s why online is sometimes preferred over 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. 

Multiple Table Theory

The basics of playing more than one table are fairly simple.  If you consistently win at your normal staked game, and you make an average of $50-$75 an hour, then you should be able to make even more money playing multiple tables.  There is one drawback when playing multiple tables; it’s called diminishing returns.

As you play more tables, your play can suffer from lack of concentration.  You end up not making the full amounts per hour.  For every table you add on you could lose 10% of your normal win amount, and it keeps decreasing every table you add on.  

The best thing to do is keep track of your daily win rates, and monitor how many tables you are playing.  Find the right number of tables to suit your playing style.  That 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 only.  A lot of people out there lose when they play one table, but win when they are playing around 3-4 tables.

Playing multiple tables can be beneficial to players who lose patience easily.  Playing more than one table can take the edge off, and make loose players tighten up, which can turn them into winning players again. Impatient losing players should experiment with playing more than one table.

What Games to Play

Playing sit n go’s and a combination of cash games, is very popular with a lot of people.  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 a side cash game could be beneficial.  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 of games to play when playing more than one table.  Limit poker is one of those games where multiple table players thrive.  Experienced players know what to do in just about every situation.  No-limit situations can change with a blink of an eye, but in limit, it’s all by the book.  Therefore, if you are a winning limit player, you should be playing as many tables as you can possibly handle.

What to Watch Out For

Believe it or not, players do watch out for other players 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.  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 action 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 to check raise.  This will throw your opponent off.