You probably already know that game selection is critical to winning. You are playing a game of skill, and if the other players are less skilled than you, sooner or later you will show a profit. However, you may not know how to pick the best game, so this column will explore how to assess which table you should select.
Generally, I'll discuss cardroom play. If you play online, observing games should be easier, as you can watch a few target games on your screen. Nevertheless, you should know what to watch for.
When you walk into a cardroom and put your name on a list or two, what should you do next? If you have an hour or so to wait, relax somewhere. The games will change enough in that time that looking at them immediately would not help you much. If your waiting time is shorter, note the table numbers of the games you may want to play and observe them. It's legal to walk around the casino and park yourself near a table for a few hands, though you usually can't stand there forever.
In addition to watching the games you generally play, also check out those that you may be willing to play, perhaps one limit higher or lower than usual, or perhaps a form of game that you don't generally play. You have some time anyway, so it does not hurt to look. Even though you normally play $20-$40, someone could be throwing a party at a $10-$20 table that could have more potential than any of the $20-$40 games.
Look for the following:
• Good players
• Errors
• Free big-blind plays
• Multiway pots
• Someone to ask
• Happy players
Good players: One of the great questions in game selection is, "Top down or bottom up?" That is, are you looking for a game with weak players or one with few good players? If you play low stakes, you are unlikely to run into too many tough players, so you should look for poor players.
If you play middle- or higher-limit games in a large cardroom with several games going, look for games without good players. Players who show a consistent profit are a drain on any game. Unless they are offset by one or more terrible players, the game cannot be that good. Of course, if you are so much better than even the good players, you can take any game. But then, you need to think about playing higher.
Errors: In any poker game, you make your money from other players' mistakes. Thus, when reconnoitering games, look for errors. The quickest errors to detect are playing too many hands, cold-calling raises, and going too far with a nearly hopeless hand.
Free big-blind plays: Few things in hold'em are more profitable than the ability to get consistent free plays in your big blind. You have to put the money up regardless, but being allowed to see the flop without spending more gives you a big edge with your random holding. You can't flop a miracle if you have been forced to fold.
Therefore, look for games with a lot of open-limping. Players who consistently call the big blind are a real asset. This is an important predictor, and it is easy to tell from observing a few hands. Aim for these games.
Multiway pots: Games with multiway pots (four or more players typically seeing the flop) tend to be good. You can play more hands, and playing hands is fun. Although you will lose pots more often, the ones you win will be larger. You also will be getting the price to play your draws, so you can enter from late position with good drawing hands.
What about games with multiway pots but a lot of raising? Some games get a few overly enthusiastic players who cap nearly every deal preflop. The pots are big, but are these good games?
They can be, but only if you have great patience, expertise in how to play these games, and the bankroll and temperament to withstand huge swings. Most people should avoid these games, even though the pots are huge.
Someone to ask: One of the best ways to assess a game is to ask someone. You can ask the players already in that game if you know someone you can trust. That trust is twofold: Can you trust them to tell you the truth, and is their idea of a good game the same as yours? I often ask a local player, "How is the game?" or, "Should I move over here?" and get honest answers. Of course, if you do this, you will be expected to return the favor when you are in a game.
Floorpersons and dealers are also reasonable sources of information. In a strange casino with multiple games, offering a floorperson a gratuity while asking which game seems like the best one will work wonders for your game selection. In smaller rooms where dealers deal the same tables over and over, asking a dealer about the games will also help. In larger rooms, asking a dealer who just came off a table how the action is, or whether the game is good, can also give you some insight.
Happy players: Games play better when players are having fun. Laughing, joking people are not only more fun to play with than a bunch of morose individuals, but they tend to play more haphazardly. It's not that you can't play well and have fun, but most folks who are having fun are a bit less focused on winning.
Table-talk also matters. Seek tables where people are talking sports, shows, wine, or anything other than poker. Not only are intense poker conversations counterproductive, they remind everyone that their play will be scrutinized after the hand, so they had better toe the line. Post-hand strategic discussions ("I would have raised on the flop, but I put you on a pair and a draw, and thought I should wait for the turn so that I could isolate the initial bettor …") are awful for the game. Avoid tables where such conversations are commonplace.
Conclusion: What good does all of this observation do when you are going to have to sit at your assigned table anyway? Be willing to change tables for a better spot. Get up once every hour or so and take a quick look to see if any of the other games have changed considerably. Some pros simply keep their names on the change lists so that they won't miss an opportunity to get to a more favorable spot.
The more time you spend in good games, the better your profits will be. Understanding how to determine the best spot in the room, taking the time to do it, and making the effort to get there can make a big difference in your end-of-the-year bankroll.
Barry offers poker lessons tailored to the specific strengths and weaknesses of the individual student. Please visit his web site at www.barrytanenbaum.com or e-mail him at [email protected].
