How important is table selection online?

[Nesehorn156]

I’ve been wondering how much table selection really impacts long-term results online. Some players say it’s one of the biggest edges you can have, while others focus more on improving overall strategy. I’ve noticed that even at the same stakes, some tables feel much softer than others. At the same time, constantly switching tables can break focus. I’m trying to find the right balance. How much attention do you pay to table selection when playing online?

 

[letpic]

Honestly, it’s probably the most underrated skill in the game. You can be the 10th best player in the world, but if you’re sitting at a table with the top 9, you’re going to get crushed.If the table is full of nits and regs, just move on. Your bankroll will thank you

 

[CHESSMAN_KZ]

I'm not a pro, but experts say that this is not an important factor!!!!!

 

[pavel1111111]

If that cards run good for You then nothing else matter 🥳

 

[CaioRJ]

The only way of Poker get profitable, are if you play against week players.

 

[Jyco]

Thinking about freerolls and low stakes, consider all the times you’ve increased your stack because of bad players. The answer is many. Those are the players everyone looks to target, since they’re the weakest at the table.
At higher stakes it’s more difficult, because many players know each other, but there will always be recreational players you can take part of their stacks from.

 

[hardongear]

I find it's more about game selection not table selection. Certain games sites offer are nothing but rake traps that are almost impossible to beat specially for rec/hobby players who can't out grind the regs for leaderboard money at them games. I stick to full-ring, 6 max and longer(10+ min) blind level MTT's they're all still profitable playing a rec/hobby players volume without depending any on leaderboard $$$ or grinding 8-10+ hours a day multi tabling.

There are guys on CardChat that do really well at 5-8 min turbo MTT's I really don't know how. I've tried them now and again over the years and they just don't fit me I guess.

Cheers!!!

 

[fundiver199]

Hardcore table and seating selection in cash games is mostly a thing of the past, since sites have taken steps to prevent it. So I would not say, its "one of the biggest edges you can have". Its more something, that if you ignore it completely, its going to be much more difficult to win. You dont want to sit on tables with only solid players, and you also dont want to always have the loose fish on your left, so you are constantly playing out of position.

And for MTTs you cant table select but only game select, as hardongear say. Single table SnGs are a bit in between, because on some sites (PokerStars) you can see, who already registered. And I definitely use this to decide, if I want to join or not. If its going to be me against 5-8 regs, then I am not interested, because we are just going to rake each other to death.

 

[fa1920]

In my opinion, table selection is one of the most critical skills for an online grinder and has a massive impact on your long-term win rate. You can be a technically superior player, but if you constantly battle other solid regulars, the rake and the lack of edge will severely limit your profits.

Finding the balance is key, as constant lobby-hunting can definitely disrupt your focus. A practical approach is to heavily rely on color-coding/tagging on your poker client. Tag the recreational players and the tight regulars. When you start a session, prioritize tables where you have a clear edge (at least one tagged recreational player). If the table dries up and fills with solid regs, that's your cue to move. You don't need to hop constantly, just ensure you aren't sitting in a bad lineup

 

[basedplayer]

Quite important. Some people just won a silly hand against you and leave the table. You stay there with your losses.

 

[thedarkman]

Choice of game is very important. I won 26 tournaments last year, almost all on one variant and two stakes. This year, best not mention it, but there is a long way to go.

 

[TeUnit]

Its like fishing, if you fish in pond with fish you will catch fish, if you fish in a pond with sharks you just gonna lose your bait.

 

[successlaw]

I think nowadays its very important cause there are a good amount of good players in the field

 

[frost234]

I think this is very important. Of course it's much more enjoyable to play with bad players.

 

[Nesehorn156]

With tougher games and more regs using tracking software, I’m starting to think table selection might matter more than actual strategy improvements at small and mid stakes.

Some players seem to spend a lot of time finding softer tables, while others just register and focus on volume. I’ve noticed my win rate changes a lot depending on who’s at the table.

Do you actively table select, or just play whatever runs? And how big of an edge do you think good table selection really gives?

 

[successlaw]

I usually keep on eye on opponents on tables and I try to chose not to be with so much regs

 

[Shooter74]

I'd like to use some software, but I'm afraid of getting banned.

 

[Goggelheimer]

For German players there is no table selection due to regulations.
We have to take what we get.
So note taking and study is the only way to get an edge.

 

[Ivan Basic]

if you can - then choose a table.

It is better if you have already taken notes of the players playing at the table - what ever gives you a slight edge, use it.

 

[bowserdon]

Just go for it,G/L

 

[Baco]

Table selection is extremely important — especially today.

At small and mid stakes, the difference between a table with one recreational player and a table full of regulars can completely change your win rate. Sometimes the edge from good table selection is bigger than a small technical improvement in strategy.

That said, it depends on format. In fast-fold pools or tournaments, table selection is limited, so adaptation matters more. But in regular cash games with table choice, actively selecting good lineups can dramatically increase hourly.

I think the ideal balance is:
Study to improve your edge — but don’t ignore the easiest edge available, which is simply playing against weaker opposition.

In modern poker, game selection is part of the skill set.

 

[Rosylly]

You always wanna play cash against weaker recreational players rather than regs

Also nowadays there are plenty of bots out there…