08-20-09, Clark Jensen:

How Many Tables Should I Play?

Hey I was wondering if you could go over the topic of whether or not to play multiple tables while online. Sometimes I play at just one table but other times at 2-3 tables (I usually play at a .25/.5 NL table). I've been trying to figure out which one is more profitable but it varies too much for me to be sure.

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I feel that when I'm playing at only one table I concentrate more and am able to play a better but at multiple tables I get big hands more often and can win the same amount or more. I realize that I can also lose more when I'm playing multiple tables but sometimes I can also win 2 or 3 times as much as when I play a single table. I appreciate the feedback and your website has been a big help.

G

 

Hi G (do you mind me calling you Tony?)

This is impossible for me to answer. To get the correct stats you have to play for a while on both one and multiple tables and than simply compare the hourly rate. But I think that what you say is absolutely correct.

It's harder to concentrate on the game when playing on, say, three tables. You will miss out on a lot of things your opponents do, which is great information when making decisions. In consequence, most players must rely on a more straightforward playing style, or less creative if you wish, when multitabling.

This means that you will win less per table compared to if you just played on one. But that's not really a problem. If you win 10 big blinds per table when playing on three, and 20 big blinds when you play on only one, you should stick to multitabling. At least if you look at poker only as a source of income.

Personally I prefer playing on one table even though I probably would win a little more on three. I don't think it's entertaining to move the attention around all the time. I like to do that big call, based on subtle information about an opponent's betting pattern, or throw in an overbet when I know that my opponent wants to catch me bluffing. That is harder to do when your focus is all around the place.

However, some people think that playing only on one table is to slow and want more hands to be entertained. If they play on only one table, they start going in with questionable holdings and that is of course a losing proposition. Someone who feels like the game is to slow and starts calling pre-flop raises with K-9 off should definitely open another one.

So Mr G, I'm sorry, but I can't say what's best for you. Make sure that you write down profit/loss after every session and then you'll have the answer. However, I think that many of those playing on many tables actually should benefit from closing down a window or two. Are you one of them?

Best regards,

Clark - LTH.com

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