Online poker gaming has allowed players to play more than one game at a time. This method of playing is known as “multi-tabling” and has become increasingly popular among serious players in recent years.
One of the most notable poker players to practice this strategy is Randy “Nanonoko” Lew. Nanonoko set the world record in 2012 for the most poker hands played in 8 hours at 23,493 hands in total. Multi-tabling allowed him to achieve this record, wherein he played at 25-40 poker tables at any given time during the attempt.
While not everyone aims to beat the world record, multi-tabling provides excellent benefits to players looking to improve their game. However, it’s also essential to weigh the risks involved in multi-tabling.
Rewards Of Multi-Tabling
Players aiming to advance their skills in online poker see multi-tabling as one of the most effective tools. From being able to maximize time to the possibility of higher hourly profits, players can experience several advantages.
Maximizing Time Efficiently
Unlike live poker games, multi-tabling poker sites allow players to play many games simultaneously. This is especially beneficial for players who are either pressed for time but still want to be able to play as much as they can.
Moreover, multi-tabling pushes players to decide on their moves more quickly than those who don’t. This inadvertently shortens the time between hands and helps players become more efficient in their decisions.
Developing Skills And Strategies Faster
Skills formation and development are crucial in poker. The very foundation of any serious poker player is the ability to learn and adequately execute skills such as bankroll management, bluffing, betting, and the like.
As mentioned above, multi-tabling demands quick decision-making from its players. Because of this, players are then forced to learn and perfect poker skills faster to ensure their choices would bring the best results.
Furthermore, the increased volume in the games participated by the player allows the player to be exposed to different scenarios and results in a shorter period. By multi-tabling, players can apply the knowledge they acquire from each game to the next.
Reduction In Variance
Variance is the sum of all unpredictable outcomes, such as a bad beat or an unexpected victory. By playing more hands, the player minimizes this variance.
More hands balance out any irregularities, making a player’s long-term results reliable and consistent. This results in sound bankroll management for the player.
Practically, this results in the player’s win rate not taking sudden spikes or drops over time. Instead remains steady on its course. Multi-tablers, therefore, stand to gain from this feature, as it helps create a secure playing environment with balanced outcomes and reduced risk levels.
Higher Profits Per Hour
In live poker, players typically go through 25 hands per hour. This is few compared to those who play poker online, as they play approximately 62 hands on a 9-max table to 75 hands on a 6-max table in an hour.
Once a player starts multi-tabling, the number of hands they would go through exponentially increases depending on the number they’re capable of playing. This increase in hands opens a more significant opportunity for the player to increase their bankrolls faster than on a single table.
However, it goes without saying for this reward to be obtained, the player must have the competency to handle playing games simultaneously and succeed in those games.
Risks Of Multi-Tabling
Multi-tabling may allow players to increase their hourly profits and maximize their time, but it can also come with certain risks. Players must know these risks before choosing to multi-table, which could lead to more harm than good.
Mistakes And Losses Are Accelerated
Playing poker at multiple tables may seem intimidating for some players, but for experienced risk-takers, it can be a powerful tool to increase acquisitions.
However, it’s essential to understand that playing on multiple tables also increases the potential for mistakes and loss. As the number of tables increases, so does the potential for oversight or error that can lead to significant losses.
Poker pros know how to balance the variation of their decisions while multi-tabling and have cultivated strategies that keep mistakes and losses under control.
For those not as comfortable with risk or new to working multiple tables, starting small and focusing on managing each hand first can help develop concentration and protect against catastrophic losses.
Loss Of Focus On Individual Strategies
“Individual strategies” are those that have developed over time and are tailored to the specific game or player.
While multi-tabling can help develop strategies quicker, it may also lead to the generalization of strategies and loss of focus on the individual game.
It is important to remember that no two poker games are the same. Each would have its dynamics and should be treated and played independently. Players must recognize the nuances in each game to apply the necessary strategies correctly.
Furthermore, players should remember that each player has their unique style. Focusing on one game can help them recognize their opponent’s playstyle and develop appropriate strategies to take full advantage. Should the player decide to try multi-tabling, they need to keep the focus on their individual strategies and not overturn them out of panic.
Attention Allocation Issues
Attention allocation issues can be a significant risk for players when playing poker, especially on multiple tables simultaneously. It involves managing competing priorities and related decisions to win a hand.
An inexperienced player may focus too much on one table and miss essential cues from another. Multitabling requires quick thinking and astute decision-making. If not managed correctly, it could lead to poor decisions and ultimately result in a loss of your hard-earned bankroll.
A good poker player needs strong concentration skills and heightened awareness when multi-tabling. Without those skills, attention allocation issues will become increasingly challenging to manage, and any gains made could be lost quickly.
Weighing Both Sides
Multi-tabling is a tool that should be handled with care. It has pros and cons and should be used accordingly by those experienced with the risk it entails.
By understanding the risks involved in multi-tabling, players can make educated decisions on how best to use this feature for their benefit.
Ultimately, multi-tabling helps players increase their bankroll funds per hour while teaching them essential decision-making skills they can carry over from each game to the next. This encourages consistent bankroll growth over time, which benefits any poker player.
However, if done carelessly, it could lead to more damage. With thoughtful consideration and awareness of the risks associated with multi-tabling, players can increase their chances of success at the table when playing poker.
