Creepy Jackalope
Rock Star
Silver Level
Originally I think I started to multi-table pretty much out of boredom. I wasn't a very good player at the time, and single table play was just sort of boring to me. I know that sounds a little silly but it's the truth. I enjoyed donking around, and wanted to do it faster.
By the time I was really putting some effort into my game, I was playing 6-8 tables at a time. Of course, that's too many when you're really trying to pay attention. So ultimately I cut that number in half.
I'm a winning player at my stakes now, and rarely play more than 6 tables at a time. I am capable of playing more, but my play becomes a little more automated than I would like.
I think a degree of automated, robot like play kicks in once you start playing any more than 2, but a little bit of that is ok. To me, it's about finding a nice balance between volume, ability to focus and think, and keeping yourself amused.
I think being able to multi-table is a worth while goal for a player to achieve, but it should never become a bigger priority than thinking about your moves and improving your game.
By the time I was really putting some effort into my game, I was playing 6-8 tables at a time. Of course, that's too many when you're really trying to pay attention. So ultimately I cut that number in half.
I'm a winning player at my stakes now, and rarely play more than 6 tables at a time. I am capable of playing more, but my play becomes a little more automated than I would like.
I think a degree of automated, robot like play kicks in once you start playing any more than 2, but a little bit of that is ok. To me, it's about finding a nice balance between volume, ability to focus and think, and keeping yourself amused.
I think being able to multi-table is a worth while goal for a player to achieve, but it should never become a bigger priority than thinking about your moves and improving your game.
dudemanstan
Visionary
Silver Level
That was a very insightful post, and I'm very grateful for having read it. Thanks. And thanks OP for the thread.
Arjonius
Legend
Silver Level
I think you should establish that you're a decently +EV player at one table before you try multi-tabling. At that point, go to two tables. Watch your play and win rate. Your play will probably become slightly more automatic, but not much since you'll usually still have more time to act than you need. Your win rate per 100 is likely to drop a bit, but will rise per hour. After that, you can continue to add tables each time you get comfortable with a particular number.
Just considering money, the goal is to add tables until your win rate per hour tops out. But there are other things to consider too, such as how much you enjoy playing more vs less and whether the incremental win rate is subjectively "worth it". Also, when you're trying to work on specific parts of your game, it's probably better to play fewer tables than you can in order to increase your ability to focus on what you're trying to improve.
Just considering money, the goal is to add tables until your win rate per hour tops out. But there are other things to consider too, such as how much you enjoy playing more vs less and whether the incremental win rate is subjectively "worth it". Also, when you're trying to work on specific parts of your game, it's probably better to play fewer tables than you can in order to increase your ability to focus on what you're trying to improve.
C
cotta777
Visionary
Silver Level
A Good insight there by creepy jackalope.
I only started multi tabling 4 or more when I was playing standard non turbo games.
I also had the same problem I go into auto mode and find myself observing not as great.
As a result I would grind for hours each day only making a small profit from sit n gos.
I found what worked better for me was playing 2 tables a higher stake maybe 3 tables.
I focused alot better for example -
I would be slowly grinding up a bankroll playing 4-6 tables.
yet I could play 2 cash tables at 50NL and maintain Gold status there are times grinding sit n gos/mtts i've missed silver status
I only started multi tabling 4 or more when I was playing standard non turbo games.
I also had the same problem I go into auto mode and find myself observing not as great.
As a result I would grind for hours each day only making a small profit from sit n gos.
I found what worked better for me was playing 2 tables a higher stake maybe 3 tables.
I focused alot better for example -
I would be slowly grinding up a bankroll playing 4-6 tables.
yet I could play 2 cash tables at 50NL and maintain Gold status there are times grinding sit n gos/mtts i've missed silver status
vinylspiros
PIRANHA-------->< (((º>
Silver Level
Derail/ fail
G
GWU73
Visionary
Silver Level
I started adding tables as I felt I could keep up with the game, as situations became more standard. I actually did better as I added the tables because I was better able to remain disciplined. The best multi-tabling scenario for me ever was 2 tables of Rush Poker. I had the benefits of only playing at 2 tables at any given moment , while seeing 600 + hands per hour. I played nitty tight: 14/11 at 50nl. My win rate was lower per 100 hands, but I was still averaging $15 per hour over a large sample; due to the volume.
Creepy Jackalope
Rock Star
Silver Level
This is a double edged sword. I think it's true sometimes. You are less likely to get bored, and more likely to stay engaged if you are multitabling within your comfort zone.
But..
If you go outside your ability then it quickly spirals out of control. There are also plenty of times when you get bored or distracted despite multitabling. Then you are playing sub-optimally on multiple tables.
Both of those scenarios get disheartening real fast!
bkniefel
Visionary
Silver Level
i started playing 2 after knowing what i was doing on one.
after that, just kept it simple and added one until i felt the same way as adding the first one.
i typically dont go much higher than 4 because i think that sometimes you need to think about position instead of just click click click.
after that, just kept it simple and added one until i felt the same way as adding the first one.
i typically dont go much higher than 4 because i think that sometimes you need to think about position instead of just click click click.
H
houtlijm
Enthusiast
Platinum Level
i started off multitabling pretty fast. just try 4 tables on your screen and you'll see it's still going quite slow. ad 1 table each 15 minutes and check for yourself the number of tables you are still comfortable with
redcross
Rock Star
Silver Level
I actually play much better poker while multi tabling. I think the reason is because i find no use in chasing. I see better hands more often and dont have that desire to play lower quality hands. Its an attention saving thing for me.