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Do poker sites have rules about how many tables you can play at once? Poker rules aside, it can be profitable and I know the big money players almost NEVER play only one table. Must be something to it, right? I’ve heard a lot of myths around that it might not really be worth it to play multiple tables compared to single table with your complete focus.
Poker rules professor says: Most poker sites do not have any rules about multi-tabling. However Poker Stars recently implemented a 16 table limit due to their concern over poker bot software doing the playing. Also at Full Tilt there is a limit that can be increased with permission.
Now the playing part: For example, what’s the difference playing 5 tables at 2/4 to that of 1 table at 10/20 when exponentially they are about the same if you can play 5 tables as well as you do playing just one? Stat wise, your hourly rate is probably lower playing on 10/20. If you're a 1BB/100 winner at 10/20, you're making maybe about eighteen dollars per hour playing one table of 10/20. I do believe that it’s a myth to say you have much more of an edge single tabling online. I’ve played single table and multi-tables up to 6, but really my win rate doesn't change much at all. I mean I don’t lose more, but I sometimes win more.
You can also consider your skill playing one 10/20 when you’re not comfortable with the level of play than playing five tables at 2/4. If you’re more confident running 5 or six at 2/4, then you might say you have an edge compared to 10/20 if you feel you’re not comfortable with the level of play.
Your best bet is to stay at 2/4 and then two-table first, adding more tables as you get more comfortable. If you reach a point when you consistently win on 5-tabling or 6-tabling, then that’s your sweet spot. Then try single table 10/20 and compare after maybe 5-10K hands.
To help you out, try running a HUD which may violate some online poker rules, so you must be careful, it helps you play off of the stats. I find stats help me make adjustments, for example when I see player's raise % for each position. I'll check that every hundred hands just to see if they’re positionally aware, and work it to my advantage.
Early in my internet poker career, I didn’t believe that multi-table play was possible or profitable until I watched a few friends play four SNGs and 2 cash game tables simultaneously. I can tell you it’s a rush if you’re a sucker for adrenaline. Hey if some people can play mutiple-chess games and 3D-chess, why not multi-table poker?
But lets face it, multi tabling is not for everyone, even if there are no poker rules against it. Sometimes I prefer playing single table, sometimes multiple. Mixing it around helps break the monotony, but since poker is a game of focus, if you lose focus, you might end up tilt. So take on only as many tables as your focus will allow.
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