Table Selection?

Again thanks for input and a great forum...I have been playing on PartyPoker, NL / PL small stake hold em tables for a month...I currently look for the ideal loose/passive talble to play. I look for betting habits, number of openers per hand and hands going to the river. I never just jump into a game nor do i click the first available...I live on the east coast and I recognize several time zones worldwide are involved. I work a full time job as most , normal day hours so evenings and weekends are my time slots i plan to play...I have found that early morning hours here (of course could be mid day in other areas) have been profitable. Any thoughts or advice on what others look for would be great?
gacowboy

Again thanks for input and a great forum...I have been playing on PartyPoker, NL / PL small stake hold em tables for a month...I currently look for the ideal loose/passive talble to play. I look for betting habits, number of openers per hand and hands going to the river. I never just jump into a game nor do i click the first available...I live on the east coast and I recognize several time zones worldwide are involved. I work a full time job as most , normal day hours so evenings and weekends are my time slots i plan to play...I have found that early morning hours here (of course could be mid day in other areas) have been profitable. Any thoughts or advice on what others look for would be great?
gacowboy

Again thanks for input and a great forum...I have been playing on PartyPoker, NL / PL small stake hold em tables for a month...I currently look for the ideal loose/passive talble to play. I look for betting habits, number of openers per hand and hands going to the river. I never just jump into a game nor do i click the first available...I live on the east coast and I recognize several time zones worldwide are involved. I work a full time job as most , normal day hours so evenings and weekends are my time slots i plan to play...I have found that early morning hours here (of course could be mid day in other areas) have been profitable. Any thoughts or advice on what others look for would be great?
gacowboy

Again thanks for input and a great forum...I have been playing on PartyPoker, NL / PL small stake hold em tables for a month...I currently look for the ideal loose/passive talble to play. I look for betting habits, number of openers per hand and hands going to the river. I never just jump into a game nor do i click the first available...I live on the east coast and I recognize several time zones worldwide are involved. I work a full time job as most , normal day hours so evenings and weekends are my time slots i plan to play...I have found that early morning hours here (of course could be mid day in other areas) have been profitable. Any thoughts or advice on what others look for would be great?
gacowboy

Again thanks for input and a great forum...I have been playing on PartyPoker, NL / PL small stake hold em tables for a month...I currently look for the ideal loose/passive talble to play. I look for betting habits, number of openers per hand and hands going to the river. I never just jump into a game nor do i click the first available...I live on the east coast and I recognize several time zones worldwide are involved. I work a full time job as most , normal day hours so evenings and weekends are my time slots i plan to play...I have found that early morning hours here (of course could be mid day in other areas) have been profitable. Any thoughts or advice on what others look for would be great?
gacowboy

Again thanks for input and a great forum...I have been playing on PartyPoker, NL / PL small stake hold em tables for a month...I currently look for the ideal loose/passive talble to play. I look for betting habits, number of openers per hand and hands going to the river. I never just jump into a game nor do i click the first available...I live on the east coast and I recognize several time zones worldwide are involved. I work a full time job as most , normal day hours so evenings and weekends are my time slots i plan to play...I have found that early morning hours here (of course could be mid day in other areas) have been profitable. Any thoughts or advice on what others look for would be great?
gacowboy

I play the PartyPoker $25 NL tables. I look for tables with 8 or 9 players and average pot sizes of $15 to $20. Even though it can be very profitable to play short handed, I look for full tables because the groupings for starting hands are based on full tables. I don't like tables where the avg pot is too small because I don't think it is worth my time. I don't like tables where the average pot is too big because this can mean there is a lot of betting and I'm looking for weak passive players, not aggressive players.

I play the PartyPoker $25 NL tables. I look for tables with 8 or 9 players and average pot sizes of $15 to $20. Even though it can be very profitable to play short handed, I look for full tables because the groupings for starting hands are based on full tables. I don't like tables where the avg pot is too small because I don't think it is worth my time. I don't like tables where the average pot is too big because this can mean there is a lot of betting and I'm looking for weak passive players, not aggressive players.

I play the PartyPoker $25 NL tables. I look for tables with 8 or 9 players and average pot sizes of $15 to $20. Even though it can be very profitable to play short handed, I look for full tables because the groupings for starting hands are based on full tables. I don't like tables where the avg pot is too small because I don't think it is worth my time. I don't like tables where the average pot is too big because this can mean there is a lot of betting and I'm looking for weak passive players, not aggressive players.

I play the PartyPoker $25 NL tables. I look for tables with 8 or 9 players and average pot sizes of $15 to $20. Even though it can be very profitable to play short handed, I look for full tables because the groupings for starting hands are based on full tables. I don't like tables where the avg pot is too small because I don't think it is worth my time. I don't like tables where the average pot is too big because this can mean there is a lot of betting and I'm looking for weak passive players, not aggressive players.

I play the PartyPoker $25 NL tables. I look for tables with 8 or 9 players and average pot sizes of $15 to $20. Even though it can be very profitable to play short handed, I look for full tables because the groupings for starting hands are based on full tables. I don't like tables where the avg pot is too small because I don't think it is worth my time. I don't like tables where the average pot is too big because this can mean there is a lot of betting and I'm looking for weak passive players, not aggressive players.

I play the PartyPoker $25 NL tables. I look for tables with 8 or 9 players and average pot sizes of $15 to $20. Even though it can be very profitable to play short handed, I look for full tables because the groupings for starting hands are based on full tables. I don't like tables where the avg pot is too small because I don't think it is worth my time. I don't like tables where the average pot is too big because this can mean there is a lot of betting and I'm looking for weak passive players, not aggressive players.

I haven't noticed yet if the time of day matters much.

Generally, I'm with Eric (playing NL $25), i.e., 8 or 9 players with avg pot sizes of $15 or more. But I also like to see at least half of the table having less than $25 or $20. This could mean these players have been losing (possibly because they are poor players). On the flipside, I also don't like to enter tables where there is even one player with a LOT of money, i.e., $80 or more. With their tall stacks, a lot of these (presumably good) players tend to bully around and try to put you all-in often.

Additionally, I also don't like when ALL players at the table are above $25 -- even by a little. This could indicate that the suckers have already left the table.

I don't always find tables that meet all this criteria, but these are what I look for first.


On occasion, I'll play short-handed tables (2 or 3 players) just to practice playing short-handed and practice for home game tournaments.

I haven't noticed yet if the time of day matters much.

Generally, I'm with Eric (playing NL $25), i.e., 8 or 9 players with avg pot sizes of $15 or more. But I also like to see at least half of the table having less than $25 or $20. This could mean these players have been losing (possibly because they are poor players). On the flipside, I also don't like to enter tables where there is even one player with a LOT of money, i.e., $80 or more. With their tall stacks, a lot of these (presumably good) players tend to bully around and try to put you all-in often.

Additionally, I also don't like when ALL players at the table are above $25 -- even by a little. This could indicate that the suckers have already left the table.

I don't always find tables that meet all this criteria, but these are what I look for first.


On occasion, I'll play short-handed tables (2 or 3 players) just to practice playing short-handed and practice for home game tournaments.

I haven't noticed yet if the time of day matters much.

Generally, I'm with Eric (playing NL $25), i.e., 8 or 9 players with avg pot sizes of $15 or more. But I also like to see at least half of the table having less than $25 or $20. This could mean these players have been losing (possibly because they are poor players). On the flipside, I also don't like to enter tables where there is even one player with a LOT of money, i.e., $80 or more. With their tall stacks, a lot of these (presumably good) players tend to bully around and try to put you all-in often.

Additionally, I also don't like when ALL players at the table are above $25 -- even by a little. This could indicate that the suckers have already left the table.

I don't always find tables that meet all this criteria, but these are what I look for first.


On occasion, I'll play short-handed tables (2 or 3 players) just to practice playing short-handed and practice for home game tournaments.

I haven't noticed yet if the time of day matters much.

Generally, I'm with Eric (playing NL $25), i.e., 8 or 9 players with avg pot sizes of $15 or more. But I also like to see at least half of the table having less than $25 or $20. This could mean these players have been losing (possibly because they are poor players). On the flipside, I also don't like to enter tables where there is even one player with a LOT of money, i.e., $80 or more. With their tall stacks, a lot of these (presumably good) players tend to bully around and try to put you all-in often.

Additionally, I also don't like when ALL players at the table are above $25 -- even by a little. This could indicate that the suckers have already left the table.

I don't always find tables that meet all this criteria, but these are what I look for first.


On occasion, I'll play short-handed tables (2 or 3 players) just to practice playing short-handed and practice for home game tournaments.

I haven't noticed yet if the time of day matters much.

Generally, I'm with Eric (playing NL $25), i.e., 8 or 9 players with avg pot sizes of $15 or more. But I also like to see at least half of the table having less than $25 or $20. This could mean these players have been losing (possibly because they are poor players). On the flipside, I also don't like to enter tables where there is even one player with a LOT of money, i.e., $80 or more. With their tall stacks, a lot of these (presumably good) players tend to bully around and try to put you all-in often.

Additionally, I also don't like when ALL players at the table are above $25 -- even by a little. This could indicate that the suckers have already left the table.

I don't always find tables that meet all this criteria, but these are what I look for first.


On occasion, I'll play short-handed tables (2 or 3 players) just to practice playing short-handed and practice for home game tournaments.

I haven't noticed yet if the time of day matters much.

Generally, I'm with Eric (playing NL $25), i.e., 8 or 9 players with avg pot sizes of $15 or more. But I also like to see at least half of the table having less than $25 or $20. This could mean these players have been losing (possibly because they are poor players). On the flipside, I also don't like to enter tables where there is even one player with a LOT of money, i.e., $80 or more. With their tall stacks, a lot of these (presumably good) players tend to bully around and try to put you all-in often.

Additionally, I also don't like when ALL players at the table are above $25 -- even by a little. This could indicate that the suckers have already left the table.

I don't always find tables that meet all this criteria, but these are what I look for first.


On occasion, I'll play short-handed tables (2 or 3 players) just to practice playing short-handed and practice for home game tournaments.

Good point Xianti, I forgot to mention that I get nervous when I see a table where all the players have $$$. At the tables I choose, you can only buy in for $25 so if the avg player has $50 or so then you have a pretty good idea that the suckers they took it from are long gone.

Good point Xianti, I forgot to mention that I get nervous when I see a table where all the players have $$$. At the tables I choose, you can only buy in for $25 so if the avg player has $50 or so then you have a pretty good idea that the suckers they took it from are long gone.

Good point Xianti, I forgot to mention that I get nervous when I see a table where all the players have $$$. At the tables I choose, you can only buy in for $25 so if the avg player has $50 or so then you have a pretty good idea that the suckers they took it from are long gone.

Good point Xianti, I forgot to mention that I get nervous when I see a table where all the players have $$$. At the tables I choose, you can only buy in for $25 so if the avg player has $50 or so then you have a pretty good idea that the suckers they took it from are long gone.

Good point Xianti, I forgot to mention that I get nervous when I see a table where all the players have $$$. At the tables I choose, you can only buy in for $25 so if the avg player has $50 or so then you have a pretty good idea that the suckers they took it from are long gone.

Good point Xianti, I forgot to mention that I get nervous when I see a table where all the players have $$$. At the tables I choose, you can only buy in for $25 so if the avg player has $50 or so then you have a pretty good idea that the suckers they took it from are long gone.

Good points...I also look at the chip stack sizes but you made me think about the one or even two guys with the large stacks??? That is now on my checklist for game selection! I have noticed on some tables in my search the "maniac" or loose/aggressive player or players. I've read and heard others say to stay away from those tables...or beware! I have had some success playing against these guys...and my approach has been more direct and not attempt any bluffing or slow playing.

Good points...I also look at the chip stack sizes but you made me think about the one or even two guys with the large stacks??? That is now on my checklist for game selection! I have noticed on some tables in my search the "maniac" or loose/aggressive player or players. I've read and heard others say to stay away from those tables...or beware! I have had some success playing against these guys...and my approach has been more direct and not attempt any bluffing or slow playing.

Good points...I also look at the chip stack sizes but you made me think about the one or even two guys with the large stacks??? That is now on my checklist for game selection! I have noticed on some tables in my search the "maniac" or loose/aggressive player or players. I've read and heard others say to stay away from those tables...or beware! I have had some success playing against these guys...and my approach has been more direct and not attempt any bluffing or slow playing.

Good points...I also look at the chip stack sizes but you made me think about the one or even two guys with the large stacks??? That is now on my checklist for game selection! I have noticed on some tables in my search the "maniac" or loose/aggressive player or players. I've read and heard others say to stay away from those tables...or beware! I have had some success playing against these guys...and my approach has been more direct and not attempt any bluffing or slow playing.

Good points...I also look at the chip stack sizes but you made me think about the one or even two guys with the large stacks??? That is now on my checklist for game selection! I have noticed on some tables in my search the "maniac" or loose/aggressive player or players. I've read and heard others say to stay away from those tables...or beware! I have had some success playing against these guys...and my approach has been more direct and not attempt any bluffing or slow playing.

Good points...I also look at the chip stack sizes but you made me think about the one or even two guys with the large stacks??? That is now on my checklist for game selection! I have noticed on some tables in my search the "maniac" or loose/aggressive player or players. I've read and heard others say to stay away from those tables...or beware! I have had some success playing against these guys...and my approach has been more direct and not attempt any bluffing or slow playing.

Yeah. PartyPoker is notorious for having a lot of maniac bettors, i.e., those that go all-in almost every hand when they have a decent chip stack. Even if you have a fairly strong hand, there's no game in going all-in this often, and you're likely to bet everyone out and cut your profits short.

I hate these idiots.

When you see someone doing this at a table, there are two things you can do:
1. Sit tight and wait until you have the nuts and then call the idiot.
2. Just leave the table.

Yeah. PartyPoker is notorious for having a lot of maniac bettors, i.e., those that go all-in almost every hand when they have a decent chip stack. Even if you have a fairly strong hand, there's no game in going all-in this often, and you're likely to bet everyone out and cut your profits short.

I hate these idiots.

When you see someone doing this at a table, there are two things you can do:
1. Sit tight and wait until you have the nuts and then call the idiot.
2. Just leave the table.

Yeah. PartyPoker is notorious for having a lot of maniac bettors, i.e., those that go all-in almost every hand when they have a decent chip stack. Even if you have a fairly strong hand, there's no game in going all-in this often, and you're likely to bet everyone out and cut your profits short.

I hate these idiots.

When you see someone doing this at a table, there are two things you can do:
1. Sit tight and wait until you have the nuts and then call the idiot.
2. Just leave the table.

Yeah. PartyPoker is notorious for having a lot of maniac bettors, i.e., those that go all-in almost every hand when they have a decent chip stack. Even if you have a fairly strong hand, there's no game in going all-in this often, and you're likely to bet everyone out and cut your profits short.

I hate these idiots.

When you see someone doing this at a table, there are two things you can do:
1. Sit tight and wait until you have the nuts and then call the idiot.
2. Just leave the table.

Yeah. PartyPoker is notorious for having a lot of maniac bettors, i.e., those that go all-in almost every hand when they have a decent chip stack. Even if you have a fairly strong hand, there's no game in going all-in this often, and you're likely to bet everyone out and cut your profits short.

I hate these idiots.

When you see someone doing this at a table, there are two things you can do:
1. Sit tight and wait until you have the nuts and then call the idiot.
2. Just leave the table.

Yeah. PartyPoker is notorious for having a lot of maniac bettors, i.e., those that go all-in almost every hand when they have a decent chip stack. Even if you have a fairly strong hand, there's no game in going all-in this often, and you're likely to bet everyone out and cut your profits short.

I hate these idiots.

When you see someone doing this at a table, there are two things you can do:
1. Sit tight and wait until you have the nuts and then call the idiot.
2. Just leave the table.

All good points. Here is some other stuff I look at when shopping tables and deciding when to leave.

Who has position on you? Giving immediate position to the tall stack (likely a good/confident player) or a marked strong (semi-loose) player or maniac could cost you big. Taking position on a strong, somewhat loose player can put a big dent in their skill advantage. Giving position to weak players, habitual 50c betters and extremely tight players can be desirable. Maybe it's a mistake, but I avoid bad seats at good tables.

How much Pre-flop raising is going on? Are players from Mid/Early position able to limp in? What's the tolerance for pre-flop raising? Does everyone drop on a $2 raise pre-flop. How many players are usually seeing the flop?

How liberally are people calling bets after the flop? Some games anything less than a pot sized bet on a small pot gets called. Others, everyone drops on a 50c bet unless they have top pair or strait draw or better. Usually a player trait, although the table seems to influence this as well.

All good points. Here is some other stuff I look at when shopping tables and deciding when to leave.

Who has position on you? Giving immediate position to the tall stack (likely a good/confident player) or a marked strong (semi-loose) player or maniac could cost you big. Taking position on a strong, somewhat loose player can put a big dent in their skill advantage. Giving position to weak players, habitual 50c betters and extremely tight players can be desirable. Maybe it's a mistake, but I avoid bad seats at good tables.

How much Pre-flop raising is going on? Are players from Mid/Early position able to limp in? What's the tolerance for pre-flop raising? Does everyone drop on a $2 raise pre-flop. How many players are usually seeing the flop?

How liberally are people calling bets after the flop? Some games anything less than a pot sized bet on a small pot gets called. Others, everyone drops on a 50c bet unless they have top pair or strait draw or better. Usually a player trait, although the table seems to influence this as well.

All good points. Here is some other stuff I look at when shopping tables and deciding when to leave.

Who has position on you? Giving immediate position to the tall stack (likely a good/confident player) or a marked strong (semi-loose) player or maniac could cost you big. Taking position on a strong, somewhat loose player can put a big dent in their skill advantage. Giving position to weak players, habitual 50c betters and extremely tight players can be desirable. Maybe it's a mistake, but I avoid bad seats at good tables.

How much Pre-flop raising is going on? Are players from Mid/Early position able to limp in? What's the tolerance for pre-flop raising? Does everyone drop on a $2 raise pre-flop. How many players are usually seeing the flop?

How liberally are people calling bets after the flop? Some games anything less than a pot sized bet on a small pot gets called. Others, everyone drops on a 50c bet unless they have top pair or strait draw or better. Usually a player trait, although the table seems to influence this as well.

All good points. Here is some other stuff I look at when shopping tables and deciding when to leave.

Who has position on you? Giving immediate position to the tall stack (likely a good/confident player) or a marked strong (semi-loose) player or maniac could cost you big. Taking position on a strong, somewhat loose player can put a big dent in their skill advantage. Giving position to weak players, habitual 50c betters and extremely tight players can be desirable. Maybe it's a mistake, but I avoid bad seats at good tables.

How much Pre-flop raising is going on? Are players from Mid/Early position able to limp in? What's the tolerance for pre-flop raising? Does everyone drop on a $2 raise pre-flop. How many players are usually seeing the flop?

How liberally are people calling bets after the flop? Some games anything less than a pot sized bet on a small pot gets called. Others, everyone drops on a 50c bet unless they have top pair or strait draw or better. Usually a player trait, although the table seems to influence this as well.

All good points. Here is some other stuff I look at when shopping tables and deciding when to leave.

Who has position on you? Giving immediate position to the tall stack (likely a good/confident player) or a marked strong (semi-loose) player or maniac could cost you big. Taking position on a strong, somewhat loose player can put a big dent in their skill advantage. Giving position to weak players, habitual 50c betters and extremely tight players can be desirable. Maybe it's a mistake, but I avoid bad seats at good tables.

How much Pre-flop raising is going on? Are players from Mid/Early position able to limp in? What's the tolerance for pre-flop raising? Does everyone drop on a $2 raise pre-flop. How many players are usually seeing the flop?

How liberally are people calling bets after the flop? Some games anything less than a pot sized bet on a small pot gets called. Others, everyone drops on a 50c bet unless they have top pair or strait draw or better. Usually a player trait, although the table seems to influence this as well.

All good points. Here is some other stuff I look at when shopping tables and deciding when to leave.

Who has position on you? Giving immediate position to the tall stack (likely a good/confident player) or a marked strong (semi-loose) player or maniac could cost you big. Taking position on a strong, somewhat loose player can put a big dent in their skill advantage. Giving position to weak players, habitual 50c betters and extremely tight players can be desirable. Maybe it's a mistake, but I avoid bad seats at good tables.

How much Pre-flop raising is going on? Are players from Mid/Early position able to limp in? What's the tolerance for pre-flop raising? Does everyone drop on a $2 raise pre-flop. How many players are usually seeing the flop?

How liberally are people calling bets after the flop? Some games anything less than a pot sized bet on a small pot gets called. Others, everyone drops on a 50c bet unless they have top pair or strait draw or better. Usually a player trait, although the table seems to influence this as well.

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

Personally, I look for tables that have an average pot of $16 - $20. I will also play tables with higher average pots, but I find that those are actually more difficult for me to play. You can win big pots, but you have to be willing to take a lot of risk, which I tend not to do.

So, $16-20 suits me well. The next item I look for are the stack sizes. I like a table that has an average chip stack of $25... if the average is much higher than that, then the table has a lot of winners, with the suckers possibly long gone.

Finally, with seat selection, I don't really care about where the button is at that particular moment. What I do look for is a seat to the left of the big chip stack. The big chip stack is either a skilled player or a maniac bettor. In either case, if I sit to the left of the player, I will have position over him and be able to adjust my game based on his play. If I find he his a very good player, I can choose to avoid his pots. If I find he is a maniac, I can wait for him to put his chips in before making my move.

And, of course, if I find that I do not like the table (too aggressive or too tight), I start the hunt all over. One of the benefits of PartyPoker is the multitude of tables to select from!

Personally, I look for tables that have an average pot of $16 - $20. I will also play tables with higher average pots, but I find that those are actually more difficult for me to play. You can win big pots, but you have to be willing to take a lot of risk, which I tend not to do.

So, $16-20 suits me well. The next item I look for are the stack sizes. I like a table that has an average chip stack of $25... if the average is much higher than that, then the table has a lot of winners, with the suckers possibly long gone.

Finally, with seat selection, I don't really care about where the button is at that particular moment. What I do look for is a seat to the left of the big chip stack. The big chip stack is either a skilled player or a maniac bettor. In either case, if I sit to the left of the player, I will have position over him and be able to adjust my game based on his play. If I find he his a very good player, I can choose to avoid his pots. If I find he is a maniac, I can wait for him to put his chips in before making my move.

And, of course, if I find that I do not like the table (too aggressive or too tight), I start the hunt all over. One of the benefits of PartyPoker is the multitude of tables to select from!

Personally, I look for tables that have an average pot of $16 - $20. I will also play tables with higher average pots, but I find that those are actually more difficult for me to play. You can win big pots, but you have to be willing to take a lot of risk, which I tend not to do.

So, $16-20 suits me well. The next item I look for are the stack sizes. I like a table that has an average chip stack of $25... if the average is much higher than that, then the table has a lot of winners, with the suckers possibly long gone.

Finally, with seat selection, I don't really care about where the button is at that particular moment. What I do look for is a seat to the left of the big chip stack. The big chip stack is either a skilled player or a maniac bettor. In either case, if I sit to the left of the player, I will have position over him and be able to adjust my game based on his play. If I find he his a very good player, I can choose to avoid his pots. If I find he is a maniac, I can wait for him to put his chips in before making my move.

And, of course, if I find that I do not like the table (too aggressive or too tight), I start the hunt all over. One of the benefits of PartyPoker is the multitude of tables to select from!

Personally, I look for tables that have an average pot of $16 - $20. I will also play tables with higher average pots, but I find that those are actually more difficult for me to play. You can win big pots, but you have to be willing to take a lot of risk, which I tend not to do.

So, $16-20 suits me well. The next item I look for are the stack sizes. I like a table that has an average chip stack of $25... if the average is much higher than that, then the table has a lot of winners, with the suckers possibly long gone.

Finally, with seat selection, I don't really care about where the button is at that particular moment. What I do look for is a seat to the left of the big chip stack. The big chip stack is either a skilled player or a maniac bettor. In either case, if I sit to the left of the player, I will have position over him and be able to adjust my game based on his play. If I find he his a very good player, I can choose to avoid his pots. If I find he is a maniac, I can wait for him to put his chips in before making my move.

And, of course, if I find that I do not like the table (too aggressive or too tight), I start the hunt all over. One of the benefits of PartyPoker is the multitude of tables to select from!

Personally, I look for tables that have an average pot of $16 - $20. I will also play tables with higher average pots, but I find that those are actually more difficult for me to play. You can win big pots, but you have to be willing to take a lot of risk, which I tend not to do.

So, $16-20 suits me well. The next item I look for are the stack sizes. I like a table that has an average chip stack of $25... if the average is much higher than that, then the table has a lot of winners, with the suckers possibly long gone.

Finally, with seat selection, I don't really care about where the button is at that particular moment. What I do look for is a seat to the left of the big chip stack. The big chip stack is either a skilled player or a maniac bettor. In either case, if I sit to the left of the player, I will have position over him and be able to adjust my game based on his play. If I find he his a very good player, I can choose to avoid his pots. If I find he is a maniac, I can wait for him to put his chips in before making my move.

And, of course, if I find that I do not like the table (too aggressive or too tight), I start the hunt all over. One of the benefits of PartyPoker is the multitude of tables to select from!

Personally, I look for tables that have an average pot of $16 - $20. I will also play tables with higher average pots, but I find that those are actually more difficult for me to play. You can win big pots, but you have to be willing to take a lot of risk, which I tend not to do.

So, $16-20 suits me well. The next item I look for are the stack sizes. I like a table that has an average chip stack of $25... if the average is much higher than that, then the table has a lot of winners, with the suckers possibly long gone.

Finally, with seat selection, I don't really care about where the button is at that particular moment. What I do look for is a seat to the left of the big chip stack. The big chip stack is either a skilled player or a maniac bettor. In either case, if I sit to the left of the player, I will have position over him and be able to adjust my game based on his play. If I find he his a very good player, I can choose to avoid his pots. If I find he is a maniac, I can wait for him to put his chips in before making my move.

And, of course, if I find that I do not like the table (too aggressive or too tight), I start the hunt all over. One of the benefits of PartyPoker is the multitude of tables to select from!

Originally Posted by Eric

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

I have been focusing more on marking good/regular players lately. Marking fish (at the lower limits) is less worthwhile since they churn a lot. Having lots of solid players fill empty seats or take position on you is a good sign to leave before you start loosing your edge.

Originally Posted by Eric

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

I have been focusing more on marking good/regular players lately. Marking fish (at the lower limits) is less worthwhile since they churn a lot. Having lots of solid players fill empty seats or take position on you is a good sign to leave before you start loosing your edge.

Originally Posted by Eric

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

I have been focusing more on marking good/regular players lately. Marking fish (at the lower limits) is less worthwhile since they churn a lot. Having lots of solid players fill empty seats or take position on you is a good sign to leave before you start loosing your edge.

Originally Posted by Eric

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

I have been focusing more on marking good/regular players lately. Marking fish (at the lower limits) is less worthwhile since they churn a lot. Having lots of solid players fill empty seats or take position on you is a good sign to leave before you start loosing your edge.

Originally Posted by Eric

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

I have been focusing more on marking good/regular players lately. Marking fish (at the lower limits) is less worthwhile since they churn a lot. Having lots of solid players fill empty seats or take position on you is a good sign to leave before you start loosing your edge.

Originally Posted by Eric

Good points about position. I've had several sessions where I stay at the table so long that it is a completely different environment from when I first sat down. If I get someone new behind me who raises too much then it can impact my decision on how long to stay at the table.

As a general rule I try not to leave a table where I'm winning even if the players are good. However, once I lose a hand or two and I know the players are solid then I'll get out and find a better table.

I have been focusing more on marking good/regular players lately. Marking fish (at the lower limits) is less worthwhile since they churn a lot. Having lots of solid players fill empty seats or take position on you is a good sign to leave before you start loosing your edge.

Yeah. That's another good point. I also make notes of players that are obviously strong and skilled (as opposed to getting lucky).

Yeah. That's another good point. I also make notes of players that are obviously strong and skilled (as opposed to getting lucky).

Yeah. That's another good point. I also make notes of players that are obviously strong and skilled (as opposed to getting lucky).

Yeah. That's another good point. I also make notes of players that are obviously strong and skilled (as opposed to getting lucky).

Yeah. That's another good point. I also make notes of players that are obviously strong and skilled (as opposed to getting lucky).

Yeah. That's another good point. I also make notes of players that are obviously strong and skilled (as opposed to getting lucky).

Yeah,

I love having position right after the IDIOT with the big stack who feels the need to raise every single hand preflop. I ran in to one of these guys yesterday, but every time I had him trapped, he would back down from my raise or he would fold after the flop when my bet would scare him out.

Also, good points about staying away from table where a couple of guys have a 40 or 50 stack lead on everyone else. The fish have already left most likely.

Also, even if I do find a table with a fish or 2, if I only catch maybe 3 decent hands out of like 30 or so, I pack up and look for a new table. I find some of my best tables are the ones I sit down at and start hitting big hands right off the bat. Those are the best, because most players have no idea how to read you. On the downside, unless you have been watching the table before sitting down, you don't know how they play either.

Yeah,

I love having position right after the IDIOT with the big stack who feels the need to raise every single hand preflop. I ran in to one of these guys yesterday, but every time I had him trapped, he would back down from my raise or he would fold after the flop when my bet would scare him out.

Also, good points about staying away from table where a couple of guys have a 40 or 50 stack lead on everyone else. The fish have already left most likely.

Also, even if I do find a table with a fish or 2, if I only catch maybe 3 decent hands out of like 30 or so, I pack up and look for a new table. I find some of my best tables are the ones I sit down at and start hitting big hands right off the bat. Those are the best, because most players have no idea how to read you. On the downside, unless you have been watching the table before sitting down, you don't know how they play either.

Yeah,

I love having position right after the IDIOT with the big stack who feels the need to raise every single hand preflop. I ran in to one of these guys yesterday, but every time I had him trapped, he would back down from my raise or he would fold after the flop when my bet would scare him out.

Also, good points about staying away from table where a couple of guys have a 40 or 50 stack lead on everyone else. The fish have already left most likely.

Also, even if I do find a table with a fish or 2, if I only catch maybe 3 decent hands out of like 30 or so, I pack up and look for a new table. I find some of my best tables are the ones I sit down at and start hitting big hands right off the bat. Those are the best, because most players have no idea how to read you. On the downside, unless you have been watching the table before sitting down, you don't know how they play either.

Yeah,

I love having position right after the IDIOT with the big stack who feels the need to raise every single hand preflop. I ran in to one of these guys yesterday, but every time I had him trapped, he would back down from my raise or he would fold after the flop when my bet would scare him out.

Also, good points about staying away from table where a couple of guys have a 40 or 50 stack lead on everyone else. The fish have already left most likely.

Also, even if I do find a table with a fish or 2, if I only catch maybe 3 decent hands out of like 30 or so, I pack up and look for a new table. I find some of my best tables are the ones I sit down at and start hitting big hands right off the bat. Those are the best, because most players have no idea how to read you. On the downside, unless you have been watching the table before sitting down, you don't know how they play either.

Yeah,

I love having position right after the IDIOT with the big stack who feels the need to raise every single hand preflop. I ran in to one of these guys yesterday, but every time I had him trapped, he would back down from my raise or he would fold after the flop when my bet would scare him out.

Also, good points about staying away from table where a couple of guys have a 40 or 50 stack lead on everyone else. The fish have already left most likely.

Also, even if I do find a table with a fish or 2, if I only catch maybe 3 decent hands out of like 30 or so, I pack up and look for a new table. I find some of my best tables are the ones I sit down at and start hitting big hands right off the bat. Those are the best, because most players have no idea how to read you. On the downside, unless you have been watching the table before sitting down, you don't know how they play either.

Yeah,

I love having position right after the IDIOT with the big stack who feels the need to raise every single hand preflop. I ran in to one of these guys yesterday, but every time I had him trapped, he would back down from my raise or he would fold after the flop when my bet would scare him out.

Also, good points about staying away from table where a couple of guys have a 40 or 50 stack lead on everyone else. The fish have already left most likely.

Also, even if I do find a table with a fish or 2, if I only catch maybe 3 decent hands out of like 30 or so, I pack up and look for a new table. I find some of my best tables are the ones I sit down at and start hitting big hands right off the bat. Those are the best, because most players have no idea how to read you. On the downside, unless you have been watching the table before sitting down, you don't know how they play either.

Good points, everyone.

-'rilla

I won't even sit in NL cash games anymore unless it is loose or aggressive