What to look for in Table
Selection
It is extremely important that every player be aware of table
selection. Essentially, the concept of table selection can be
explained quite simply: choosing games where you have an edge. You
could be the 10th best player in the world but, if you only play
with the top nine players, you will not maintain your edge.
Likewise, you could be one of the worst players in the world but, if
you play with those even less skilled than you, you can expect to
win. A good player looks for loose games with weak players in them
(this also create larger pots).
There are certain criteria you should
look for when deciding what table to play, these include:
- The percentage of players who see the flop (in Hold'em and
Omaha) or players who see the 4th card (in Seven-Card Stud).
- The average size of the pot.
- Acknowledged weak players in the game.
If you play online these criteria are easy to find, they are
usually in "the lobby" next to the relevant game. The strongest
indicator of a good game in Limit poker is the percentage of players
who see the flop. If this percentage is high, it is a loose game. In
a live game you must simply study the game and decide whether you
want to play or move to a different table. In terms of Limit
Hold'em, you should search out games that have at least 35% of the
players seeing the flop (the higher the better). The average pot
size should be at least 12 times the size of the small blind. If you
are aware of a couple of weak players at a table, try to get a seat
to their left so you have better position on them. In No-Limit
games, the average pot size is a strong indicator of a good game.
You want to seek out No-Limit games with plenty of weak
participating players since you may have a chance of winning their
entire stack in one hand.
Continuous evaluation
Due to the fact that players move around and the pace of the game
changes, you constantly have to evaluate whether the game is still
good. If you play online, check the criteria above and pay attention
to the game. If the table has been bad for a while, change tables
even if you are winning at that particular time. In a live poker
room, you can walk around and check the action at other tables and
ask the floor manager for a table change.
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