08-25-04, LearnTexasHoldem:

Optimal Pot Sizes For Online Tables

Question: Another question for you: Here is the scenario... I have just started playing the micro (.5/$1) tables on-line. With this particular client, as others I am sure, before you choose a table to sit at the browser will show a listing of the table name/number, with the number of players and the average pot amount. The highest average pot tables with the most amount of people always seem to be listed first. While I understand why you would want to look for a table with the most amount of people, what is the benefit of high average pot sizes (i.e. $12 versus $8 for a .5/$1 table)? I have been led to believe that the optimum low limit holdem table to play at should be a loose passive one. Would this not result in the average pot sizes being middle of the road compared to an aggressive table with high pot sizes? Or am I looking at this all wrong? Thanks for your help and your continued additions to your wonderful site.

~Jason

Top 3 Beginner Rooms

Answer: Generally the average pot size relates to how bad the players are. You'll find many more loose passive players who call too much then loose aggressive players that jam every pot. Because of this, I think that it is just the loose player that makes a big pot -- not necessarily the aggressiveness. For example, you may not have that many aggressive players at the table (those raising with hands they shouldn't be) but if you have 3 or 4 really loose calling station players you'll still have a really nice average pot size.

Having a maniac at the table will also increase the pot size amount but they are few and fair between and even if there is one you won't get a huge average unless there are a few callers. There are different games and you mentioned that you prefer a loose passive game. I think that would still result in a high pot average. What you want to avoid are really tight games. There is no point in playing a really tight low limit table when another easier game is available. You want people to be in with any two cards and paying off your good hands, not waiting for AA all day.

Another point to make is that a lot of the online big pot tables are usually swamped with people on the waiting list and by the time you sit down, the game has already changed. 10 - 15 times the small bet is a good game. 10 times the big bet is a really good game.

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