Multi-tabling in Poker – A Beginner’s Guide

Multi-tabling, as the name suggests, is the act of playing on more than one table at the same time. It’s a method that can be employed in many card games, but it’s especially common in poker.

The practice can exist at brick-and-mortar gaming halls, but it’s more likely to be seen at online casinos. Rather than physically move between tables, the player can simply include all their options via a split screen.

Why Adopt a Multi-Table Approach?

Individual players may have their own reasons why they adopt a multi-table approach. For many, they feel it will increase their chances of winning and turning a profit at the end of their session. They may also identify what they believe to be a weak table where they have a better opportunity to win hands consistently.

Others who play online poker at more than one table may view it as a greater challenge. Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand that multi-tabling should only be carried out when you have higher levels of experience and are confident in your gameplay.

Multi-Tabling: The Essentials

If you have reached a level where you have that confidence in your poker skills, you may want to take your first steps towards multi-tabling. Set up your poker room as you would a home office, and get ready for a serious approach. From there, the first question to address is how you want those tables displayed.

To some extent, this may be dictated by the online casino, but generally there will be two options – tiling and stacking. Tiling is popular among players because all the tables are visible at once. They will be adjacent on the screen and unlikely to overlap.

With the stacking system, the tables are placed on top of each other, which means that only the top one is visible. This could be seen as a disadvantage, but it makes sense for those who are playing so many tables that the tiling method isn’t possible.

Play One Single Poker Version

Poker is a game where there are many different versions available. Texas Hold-Em is the most common variant, but there are many others to choose from. The advice, when you’re multi-tabling, is to stay with one single option.

Don’t, for example, have two Texas Hold’Em tables open while also attempting to play Omaha and Razz. Even the most experienced players would find this too confusing, so it’s essential, as a newbie, to stick with one version.

Build Slowly

Another essential tip for new multi-table players is to start with two tables and build from there. With just one extra table in play, it’s easier to follow the patterns of the games while you get used to the multiple table setup. From the two-table position, you can also employ every single tip in this round-up.

Once you gain more confidence, you can step up to two, three tables or more. For the most experienced and skilled players, there really is no limit, but as a beginner, it’s essential to build slowly.

Stick to One Strategy

It’s a good idea to stay with one strategy when you’re managing multiple tables. You will likely have a natural style, whether it’s an aggressive or defensive method, but you can also react to other opponents and how they approach the table.

In multi-table poker, a good option is to play in a tight-aggressive style. This is a basic strategy that involves folding weak and middling strength hands. In contrast, when the player has a stronger set of hole cards, they can play more aggressively. It’s a simple style of play that can be followed across a multi-table format.

The strategy that you use will be down to personal preference, but remember to adopt a singular approach. Many experienced poker players abide by this rule, so it’s essential to use this one strategy if you are new to the concept of multi-table poker.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

It’s obvious that multi-tabling requires higher levels of concentration. Let’s say you are playing in four separate games, and you therefore have four hands in play. When you attempt the practice for the first time, it can be confusing.

It’s also easy to forget which table holds your weakest and strongest hands. Did you have a pair of Kings on table two, or were they on table four? You can, of course, check this on the screen, but this is a fast-paced game where quick reactions are needed.

It’s a good idea to shut out any distractions. Unless you are playing on a smartphone, leave your mobile device in another room so that you won’t receive any calls or messages. Close the door and ensure that anyone else in the home leaves you alone.

Multi-tabling in poker isn’t an option for everyone, but many who take it on find the challenge rewarding. It’s a system that’s available at most online casinos, but if you are considering this approach, remember to take all of these beginner’s tips on board.