Is Table Selection More Important Than Skill in Cash Games?

khushalprem · Aug 29, 2026

Hi everyone,

I've been thinking about how much table selection affects long-term results in cash games. Even strong players can struggle if they're constantly playing against tough regulars, while choosing the right table with a few recreational players can make a big difference.

I try to pay attention to factors like average pot size, players seeing the flop, and whether the table feels too aggressive before I sit down. I think finding a good game is part of poker strategy, not just something you do before the cards are dealt.

What do you think? Do you spend time selecting tables, or do you just sit wherever there's an open seat? Have you noticed a big difference in your results because of table selection?

fundiver199 · Aug 30, 2026

Table selection for cash games is much more difficult, than it used to be, since the major sites (PS and GG) have moved to a system with random seating. But you still want to leave a table, if you can not identify any bad players after a few orbits.

Huntre · Aug 30, 2026

It seems like an old truth: if you don't see the looking subject, that subject is you.

Das991992 · Aug 30, 2026

I definitely think table selection matters, especially in cash games. I’d rather spend a few minutes finding a table where I can identify some weaker spots than sit down immediately and hope the game is good.

martDdart · Aug 30, 2026

no! Without skills only luck will help you at any table,with skills you have a chance to win at any table.

steve01991 · Aug 30, 2026

khushalprem said:
Hi everyone,

I've been thinking about how much table selection affects long-term results in cash games. Even strong players can struggle if they're constantly playing against tough regulars, while choosing the right table with a few recreational players can make a big difference.

I try to pay attention to factors like average pot size, players seeing the flop, and whether the table feels too aggressive before I sit down. I think finding a good game is part of poker strategy, not just something you do before the cards are dealt.

What do you think? Do you spend time selecting tables, or do you just sit wherever there's an open seat? Have you noticed a big difference in your results because of table selection?

i usually look for tables that appear tame, not much volatility

TeUnit · Aug 30, 2026

Game selection is one of the most important contributors towards success, but players tend to spend very little time on it.

ztibor72 · Aug 30, 2026

Yes, it's an advantage if you know how to choose weaker tables, but as far as I know, poker sites are increasingly trying to prevent this, in some cases it's even banned.

LUKADONCICMVP · Aug 31, 2026

it's very important table selection.

WrongUsername · Aug 31, 2026

more important is to choose an honest poker room

eetenor · Aug 31, 2026

khushalprem said:
Hi everyone,

I've been thinking about how much table selection affects long-term results in cash games. Even strong players can struggle if they're constantly playing against tough regulars, while choosing the right table with a few recreational players can make a big difference.

I try to pay attention to factors like average pot size, players seeing the flop, and whether the table feels too aggressive before I sit down. I think finding a good game is part of poker strategy, not just something you do before the cards are dealt.

What do you think? Do you spend time selecting tables, or do you just sit wherever there's an open seat? Have you noticed a big difference in your results because of table selection?

PLO Mastermind did a MassDataAnalysis and in 6 handed PLO all players lose to the rake if all are competent. You need 1 player VPIPing significantly more than GTO to make a small profit and 2 of them to make big profits.
MDA allows us to see beyond short term variance.

So yes table selection is #1 for profit

antonis32123 · Sep 4, 2026

Table selection is more important than skill in cash games tables . I do not do it , that's why I have no good results in cash games . They search for fish , they leave when their luck changes and the tables closed. Lol . Disgusting old poker cash games memories )))

nitesss · Sep 4, 2026

I think both matter, but good table selection can make a huge difference. Even a small skill edge becomes much more profitable when you’re consistently playing against weaker opponents.

Goggelheimer · Sep 4, 2026

Table selection is another form of skill, you need all factors of skill to be successful.

TheGenera1 · Sep 7, 2026

Very important.

skaterick · Sep 8, 2026

the most important thing to watch in live cash games where i live in California is the rake . its ridiculously large ! so you have to find a wild, small no limit holdem table ($1/2, 1/3 or 2/3) or a relatively soft $2/5 or bigger game . the house is dropping 5, 6 even 7 bucks every pot , so the games are almost unbeatable at the lower levels .

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Is Table Selection More Important Than Skill in Cash Games?

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