MULTI-TABLING
So you're playing one or two tables at a time every night, and you're making an overall profit. But of course, you want to be making more! Whether you're playing cash, STT's, or MTT's, going up a level can be difficult, facing new better players in a game you're not comfortable in. So instead you decide to play more tables, surely logic dictates that will increase your profits?
Well, in some ways yes, if you've been playing at a profit over a long period of time then doubling your number of tables should increase that profit, if you can play the same way on the extra tables. That last bit however is massively important - can you maintain the same standard of play across more tables? The short answer is no, probably not. Most players' game suffers the more tables they have, whether through paying less attention, having less time to make decisions, or just sheer confusion!
But there are some things you can do to improve this, and make multi-tabling both easier and more profitable!
First up is the actual logistics of playing more tables. A big monitor is useful, and having 2 or 3 monitors is priceless. You can spread your tables out, see more of the action, and miss less. You'll also make fewer mistakes with mis-clicks and the like.
Most poker sites have various options that you can change to improve multi-tabling. Try sitting in the same seat on every table if your site allows it, you'll get used to looking in the same spot each time for your hand and stack, you may only save a fraction of a second, but they all add up. You can use 4-colour decks to make flushes easier to spot, again saving time and making less errors. Turn off or minimise table chat - when you're playing lots of tables there's no time to be chatting.
Make sure you don't position a table where it can be completely covered up by other tables - there's nothing worse than forgetting about a game for 20 minutes. If you're only using one monitor and it's not huge it is still possible, just spread them out well, and there'll always be a bit of each table showing. Perhaps even get used to putting your most important game(s) in the same position(s) each time you play. If your site allows it, load up the maximum number of tables you want to play, and arrange them how you want them, then save the layout, saving you have to move each table every time you load a new one.
Multi-tabling is hard enough without a load of distractions - so choose the least busy background/colour scheme for your tables, turn off the TV, choose a quiet time away from family; concentration is key here. Also avoid having lots of things open on your desktop, not only do they distract you, they also cover up tables and make it harder to find your games in the taskbars. These taskbars can be great for quick navigation, so make sure each table has its own taskbar at the bottom of your screen, by right clicking an empty spot on the taskbar, clicking properties, and un-ticking "group similar task bar buttons".
Sound can be important - most sites have a warning noise when you're about to time out, so keep that volume up high.
So you've got your set up sorted, what about actually playing? Well there are a few things to bear in mind here too.
If you're definitely going to fold a hand, and you have no option to check, then use the "fold" tick box. This however is the ONLY time you should use the tick boxes, never use them to call a raise or check, as you may give away a tell. Only use them if you're definitely folding no matter what.
Try and keep an eye on all your tables. Flick through them constantly, pausing to watch interesting/big pots. Most people find it easier to turn off auto pop up on their turn to act, as with more than a few tables this can be very irritating.
Remember to use your time bank. When faced with a tough decision, rather than spending 20 seconds thinking about it, click time bank and flick round your other tables, making sure you don't miss anything, then come back to your original table and make your play. Don't rush a decision just because another table is flashing - that's what time banks are for.
If you're getting deep in a tournament or in the money in an STT, then this table is where the majority of your concentration should lie. If it's a significant prize pool, then perhaps even sit out of tournaments that have recently started to improve your concentration in the good one.
Finally, don't over do it. Increase your number of tables gradually, and make sure you're comfortable with that many before going any further. Good luck!
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