Online poker allows you to do one thing that live poker never will permit and that is to play at more than one table at a time – multiple tables simultaneously. You can play at more than one website at the same time and some website alow you to choose to play more than one table at their single website. Because this could raise software conflict issues at times, if you want to try playing at multiple tables you will have to experiment to find those websites that work well together for you.
There are several techniques for playing at more than one table online at the same time. You can choose to switch manually between the tables or you can allow the software to tell you when the action turns to you. You can even adjust the window sizes so you can see all the action at a glance. This is another area where experimentation will let you determine the technique that works best for you.
Chances are you will see a lot of variation in the short term when playing more than one poker table, especially at first. You will lose some and win some. These swings are normal and you have to handle them. It is a fact, however, that playing multiple tables over the longer range will cause your variations to be reduced.
Unless you have already developed the poker skills needed to be a winning player, you will simple lose more. But once your skills have reached the level that you feel you can multi-task, you may be able to increase your hourly winning rate.
Pros of Multiple Table Play
Playing more than one poker table may allow you to make you game stronger. You’ll be playing more hands during less time and that will tend to reduce the impatience factor. However, if you lose several hands in a row, it is easier to go into ’tilt’.
The single largest advantage for the winning poker player is that the overall rate of hourly winnings can go up. If you usually make only one large bet per hour at a single table, you can expect to win as many as three large bets each hour of play if you play three tables at one time. Even if you earn only one-half as large a pot on each bet, you will come out ahead by 50%.
Cons of Multiple Table Play
You must be aware of the disadvantages of multiple table play, as well as the advantages. Concurrently play can cause you to make errors in play or errors in judgement. This results from failing to concentrate and teat the opposition as thoroughly. Plus, there is much less time to make a decision about a wager. You could press the wrong button more easily, for example, you might hit fold when you really wanted to raise! These errors can lower your rate of winning.
You also have to be able to maintain focus at a much higher level. Do not attempt multi-table play when you feel distracted or tired. If you do, your level of focus will go down and your winning rate will also! You want to guard against starting to play in a mechanical style without adjusting your strategties as the game chances. It is also very true that many players find multiple table play to be much less fun and less interesting as concentrating on the single table of play. But the choice remains yours.
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