I don't like long deliberations and preliminary observations. I just sit down at the table and start playing. After 15-20 minutes, I understand whether I have a chance here or whether it's better to change tables.belizebum said:
With blackjack it doesn't matter though three or four players is more to my liking. As for poker I don't have any idea of how to spot a weak game. Other players however only have to see where I sit down to spot one. 😉belizebum said:
In blackjack, the table composition has little impact because you're playing against the house, although noticing tourists who don't follow basic strategy can slow the game down and reveal frequent mistakes.
In poker, the table is everything: a table full of regulars will be tougher, while one with tourists offers more opportunities. Quick signs of weak play include players who limp a lot, make minimal or inconsistent bets, talk about "luck" more than ranges, and handle their chips haphazardly. In blackjack, the difference is marginal; in poker, it's decisive.
In poker, the table is everything: a table full of regulars will be tougher, while one with tourists offers more opportunities. Quick signs of weak play include players who limp a lot, make minimal or inconsistent bets, talk about "luck" more than ranges, and handle their chips haphazardly. In blackjack, the difference is marginal; in poker, it's decisive.
I know that the cards are random, but I cannot sit at a blackjack table where players don’t follow the percentages and just follow their gut…I only remember when a stupid play costs me a win, but seem to forget the stupid plays that help me.
As far as poker is concerned, at a live casino, you play at whatever table becomes available…I have often waited for two hours to get one hour of actual play. Online, you can observe a table and wait for an opening…10 minutes of watching will tell you who the weakest players are, who the strongest players are, and who has absolutely no clue what they’re doing.
As far as poker is concerned, at a live casino, you play at whatever table becomes available…I have often waited for two hours to get one hour of actual play. Online, you can observe a table and wait for an opening…10 minutes of watching will tell you who the weakest players are, who the strongest players are, and who has absolutely no clue what they’re doing.
For poker - the places I've been to have a separate poker room, where you get chips from the counter for the tables, and then they take you to a seat. You can ask I guess if there's space at other tables, but generally I just sit where they take me. 😆 As for blackjack, I look for lowest stakes, and for the tables that are having fun, with friendly dealers. I like the ones that mumble out of the side of their mouth, "I wouldn't hit that." or "I'd double that if I were you." Haha!belizebum said:
Table composition matters a lot to me, especially in poker. My quickest “tell” for a weak game is lots of limping, obvious curiosity calls, and players more interested in chatting or drinks than the action. In blackjack, I usually look for casual players making side bets or changing their bet size randomly. If I see multiple regs talking strategy or clearly watching each other, I’ll usually keep walking. A soft table doesn’t have to be wild — it just has to be unfocused.
Table composition definitely matters, especially in poker. I usually look for tables that feel more casual — lots of limping, fewer aggressive 3-bets, and players chatting or treating it more like entertainment than a serious grind. That often signals a softer game.belizebum said:
In blackjack it’s less about “weak players” and more about pace and comfort — I tend to avoid super fast, high-pressure tables and stick to ones with clear rules and a relaxed vibe.
I choose a table at random. I don't make any preliminary observations because I play at minimum stakes, and players at such tables can play quite diversely, so I don't think preliminary observations would give me any particular advantage.belizebum said:
If you prefer a quieter environment, consider playing after hours or opting for online tables with slower gameplay and automatic card dealing.Take a few minutes to assess the table before joining. Watch how hands are dealt, pay attention to the posted rules, and observe both the dealer and the other players.
I sit wherever is possible, then I start observing. If I see that the table is not for me, I go to a different one etc ...
In Blackjack, it doesn't matter as much as in poker, but a table with talking and laughing people attracts me more than one with silent and sad looking players.
In Blackjack, it doesn't matter as much as in poker, but a table with talking and laughing people attracts me more than one with silent and sad looking players.