Arguably one of the most popular casino games of all time, poker remains loved by gamblers from all walks of life and across generations. In fact, its acclaim has only grown since the introduction of online poker, giving younger players a chance to see what all the hype is about.

While the poker table may inspire many with the promise of riches, it can be heartbreaking to find yourself if you find yourself on the losing end. That’s why the choice of table is so important — it can literally make the difference between enjoying a winning streak and exhausting your bankroll. That said, once you decide on a table, you should avoid switching unless it’s absolutely essential. Allow yourself to understand table dynamics and understand your opponents. This is why selecting a poker table shouldn’t be done on a whim.

How To Choose the Most Profitable Table

The dynamics when you play poker online are very different from when you play live. Nowhere is this clearer than when it comes to choosing the table. In person, you can take time to read the room and assess your potential opponents, whereas online you’re only privy to usernames. While there may be some exceptions, it’s often better to choose a table with bad players or beginners — especially if you’re an experienced poker player. This immediately gives you the upper hand and increases your chances of winning.

While it may be tempting to go for the table with the deepest stack, that may not always be the best way to approach the question of choosing a tale. A deep-stacked table with players who are at your level or better may put you at a disadvantage, whereas a short-stacked table with bad players may prove more rewarding. 

A more in-depth approach to table selection entails gauging the combined win rates of the people at each table and averaging them. At online poker tournaments, the table selection tools made available by the online casino may also prove quite useful because they give you information about player statistics.

What You Need To Look Out For

Given that your table selection can make or break your game, one thing to keep in mind is that you should lean towards a table with the worst average win rate across players. Here are other key considerations to keep in mind. 

Players

At an online poker tournament, the tools at your disposal can offer you more information about the players at each table. In person, you have to use your discretion or your knowledge of the players’ history to guide your decision-making.

Hands per Hour

High-speed poker isn’t for everyone and if you prefer a more slow-paced game that really allows you to fully immerse yourself in gameplay, then determining the hands/hour should be a priority. A high number of hands/hour suggest that the game is high-speed, while fewer hands are confirmation that it’s a relatively slower game.

Stakes

Depending on your bankroll, you need to decide on the stakes and level of risk that you’re willing to wager on.

Table Size

Generally, a larger number of players at a table suggests that you can expect more conservative play, while fewer players mean that aggressive play is the name of the game. 

Understanding that there’s still a high level of uncertainty associated with poker in both live and online casino games in general, you need to be adaptable and open to changes and balancing range where necessary. Although these guidelines may help you choose the right table, in the process, perhaps increasing your chances of success, they don’t necessarily guarantee a win.

Methods To Assess Whether a Table Is Good

Surface Material

Apart from durability, a good poker table is largely determined by its surface material. It should be smooth and firm for seamless gameplay.

Poker Chips

Poker chips are at the core of any poker game. To avoid playing a compromised game, ensure the authenticity of your table’s chips.

Legs

A good table should be stable and sturdy enough to handle all the gambling activity without breaking or compromising the game in any way.

Cup Holders

Depending on who you’re playing with, poker games can be very long, so a good table must have cup holders to make the experience more enjoyable. Not only does this reduce the chances of spillage, but it also protects the table surface from wear and tear. 

The Differences and Similarities Between Online and Live Poker

Although the premise of live and online poker remains the same, there are also some differences between the two because of where and how each is played. The most obvious difference is, of course, that live poker requires you to be at a brick-and-mortar casino while online poker can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home. 

When it comes to choosing a table, online poker allows for quicker switching between tables, whereas switching tables at live poker is dependent on seat availability and you may sometimes have to wait. Another important difference between the two is that you stand a better chance of winning online because you can play at multiple tables at once. 

When it comes to similarities, the rules and aim of the game remain unchanged, as well as the available variations. Additionally, an understanding of the fundamentals of poker and having a strategy in place are key in both cases.

Enjoy a Variety of Poker Games at BetMGM

Contrary to what some might believe, poker is based on more than just luck. It requires a certain level of skill, strategy and intellect coupled with hours of practice to improve your gameplay. To try your hand at a wide selection of casino games, register at BetMGM and start playing poker games online.