With the amount of people playing poker online nowadays and with all the advancements in poker client software, it is becoming much easier to turn a profit playing poker, even regardless of the stakes that one might play.
Now, that is not to say that someone can become rich playing $.01/$.02 No Limit Hold-em. But, it may be possible to turn a living at low stakes as long as the player is multi-tabling.
What is multi-tabling you ask? Well, it is when a player plays more than one tournament, sit n go or cash game at a time in attempt to increase the amount of money that they are averaging per hour. While your average ‘multi-tabler’ only plays 4 to 8 tables at once, it is not too far out in left field to see some players have more than 24 tables going at the same time. And of course, it would only make sense that if a player is playing 6 times the amount of tables that you are, that they are making up to 6 times the amount of money.
That sounds pretty good, doesn’t it ? But before you run off and open up 25 tables on your favourite poker site, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind.
Number of Poker Tables
Something that players need to consider when deciding to multi table is how many tables can you successfully run and still play your ‘A’ game. Since the whole idea behind running multiple tables is to increase how much money you are making per hour, it would be ridiculous to put yourself in a position where you are struggling to play correctly. If you play better on 3 tables than you do 4, then move down to 3. Or if you are better off playing two, then only play two. It makes absolutely no sense to play more tables if your bottom line does not eventually show a larger return for it.
Being able to play on multiple tables effectively will take time and patience. Start slow and make sure you are still beating the game before adding another table. Rushing yourself will only result in money lost which can result in a loss of confidence and tilting.
Concentration
When playing more than one or two tables it is very important to not be doing anything else other than playing poker. Aside from the fact that you should be paying attention to your opponents, you are literally going to have to make a decision in one form or another within seconds of each other at times. While you are deciding to fold or raise on one table, another screen is beeping loudly prompting you to make up your mind, and fast.
It is just good practice to shut everything else off including the TV, forums and chat when playing several tables. To make the most money possible players need to be focused on the task at hand which is playing good poker.
Poker Software Options
Many online rooms offer different software options to allow players to customize their table, background and the backs of the playing cards. But more importantly, players can set up features such as the 4-colour deck and tiling features.
Misreading the cards on the board may not be a common issue for everyone, but it is possible to make mistakes even when you are not multi tabling and bouncing back and forth between tables. So to be on the safe side, so you do not mistake hearts for diamonds or spades for clubs, do yourself a favour and turn on the 4-colour deck option if it is available.
Another tool that is becoming more and more popular in all the rooms is the tile feature. This allows players to set up their tables neatly side by side so that players can see each table. The biggest downside to this, however, is how small each table may be depending on the size of your screen. If you happen to have a very small screen, it may be better to stack each table on top of each other.
Using a HUD is not exactly a ‘software’ option by the poker room, but if they allow it, then it is a good idea to use it. Having software that tracks how often your opponents fold, call or raise to certain bets will help you speed up your decision making process.
Avoid Difficult Spots
Although being tricky and playing small pairs and connectors or slow playing monsters can be extremely profitable on one table, it can be an absolute nightmare while playing more than one.
There are several reasons for this. To begin with, you just simply have not paid enough attention to each table to have a good idea of who you are playing against and their tendencies. Without paying attention to the table and your opponents, playing any less than straightforward can be costly.
Two, the more time you spend on one table, the less time you are ultimately spending on the other tables. This results in you timing out and folding hands or having to make a rushed and difficult decision when you wished you could have used more time. When multi-tabling it is good practice to just simply bet for value and move on to the next table. Save the tricky stuff for when you have time for it.
Multi Tabling Tips in Poker
As profitable as multi-tabling can be, it also can be disastrous to a player’s bankroll if the proper precautions are not taken. It is important that when starting to multi-table that you take it slow and easy adding only 1 to 2 tables at a time. Also, be sure to keep track of how you are doing so that you can make adjustments as needed if it seems like you are giving up quality for quantity. Doing this combined with using various software options and programs and playing simple, straightforward poker, and players will ensure that they increase their profits when multi-tabling in poker.
