Questions for the massive multi-tablers

So... Can you guys who doing massive amounts of tables come give us lesser mortals some advice on how you are pulling it off effectively?

I'm especially interested in hearing from zach and bw, but anyone feel free to chime in!

So..a general question list:

1) What type of monitor(s) are you using?

2) cascade/tile?

3) are you using a hud? which one? what stats do you display on the table?

4) I assume you avoid fast tables?

5) How do you deal with changing tables and table selection? Do you find it challenging to keep up when you need to change multiple ones in short order?

6) Finally can you describe how your poker approach changes when on 12/18/24 tables vs say 2 or 4?

Tygran said:

1) What type of monitor(s) are you using?

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24" with 1920x1200 resolution

Tygran said:

2) cascade/tile?

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Tile with overlap

Tygran said:

3) are you using a hud? which one? what stats do you display on the table?

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HEM's HUD, I currently display vp$ip, pfr, att. to steal, fold BB to steal, 3-bet, cbet, fold to cbet, number of hands.

Tygran said:

4) I assume you avoid fast tables?

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Not at all. My computer starts to lag and such when I get over 18 so that's been my limit plus there aren't a ton of fast tables that run at 200nl FR, so I haven't ever been able to reach my max or experiment the impact, but honestly I would rather say play 15 tables all fast than 24 tables of normal if I were getting similar hands/hour.

Tygran said:

5) How do you deal with changing tables and table selection? Do you find it challenging to keep up when you need to change multiple ones in short order?

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I play a flexible number. Honestly my table selection isn't that strict and I won't quit unless I really feel I have absolutely no edge on the table. If there are 7 regs and a huge fish at the table, I'll stay. That said assuming there are better ones I'll get on lists and play with one less for a bit if there's a semi-tough one.

Tygran said:

6) Finally can you describe how your poker approach changes when on 12/18/24 tables vs say 2 or 4?

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When I play 2 or 4 it takes a lot of discipline not to go crazy and play like 35/32 instead of my typical 13/11ish. If I can control myself though I think even optimal play 2 or 4-tabling is probably closer to 16/14 or so it just takes a bit more concentration that I can't do 18-tabling. 18-tabling I just stick to very positional play. I will most of the time muck AQs UTG unless it's a table I remember to be extremely tight. In position I will open raise a ton and flat and 3-bet with a pretty wide range all villain-dependent (his style and position). I'm planning on getting a new laptop soon with a good amount of memory/RAM/whatever else makes it run fast (I'm a computer science major, I deal with software, don't ask me anything specific about hardware lol) to dedicate to just poker (ie poker sites, HEM, Camtasia, teamviewer/mikogo, and that's about it). If/when I do I'll make at least one video 18-tabling and probably comment afterwards. As it is now my computer freezes trying to run camtasia with 6 tables up .

i like what zach the guitar monster said, about 13/11 ish, 17 is too hi for this short game but they say it works overall, myself i am almost 11 ish (scarey) but everyody knows... in mtt might go to 50 tho... he he...

Hey Tygran I just got to this thread sorry for bringing out of the closet. I use a 24" monitor at 1920x1200 and play 9 tables and they barely overlap and it looks gorgeous.

I even can spend time watching a "fun video" or two like the classic:
Revenge of the Beach Bash Banger Brothers VII: Return of Vicki Climax and the Stacked Six

Yea I have a 22" monitor and have played up to 12 tables with them overlapping. I'm also using HEM.

Check out these tips for multi tablers.

I'm quite new to multi-tabling but so far I've found that I like to cascade with two stacks of at least 5 tables each. This keeps them large enough to see well, automatically pops them up when it's my turn, minimizes the distance I have to move the mouse, and allows me to drag a table to a clear spot on the screen if I need to watch it a little more carefully. It also allows the lobby to remain in view. I'm using a new 18-inch laptop.

When I tried tiling, I couldn't easily find the table that needed attention. There must be a trick.