When a person rushes into multi-tabling, they just end up losing more money than they would have had they only played one tournament at a time.  So obviously, some preparations need to be made before one starts playing multiple tables at once.  Here are a few tips to aid in this preparation.

Slowly Adjust

As stated before, there are plenty of players who want to multi-table as soon as possible.  Unfortunately, not everyone is ready for quick jumps in the amount of tables they play.  Wait until you’re a winning player at the level you are at before adding more tables.  Once you start profiting from your current level, slowly adjust by adding one table at a time.

Raise and Re-Raise Often

Many players wonder if they should change their playing style when making the move to multi-tabling.  The answer is definitely yes!  You’ll want to get in pots by raising or re-raising since you don’t have as much time to deal with drawing hands and multi-way pots.  Raising and re-raising helps keep the number of players in pots small and also helps you save time so you can watch the other tables.

Play in a Good Environment

It’s tough enough to concentrate when you are playing several tables at once.  It is even tougher to concentrate when you have the TV on, music in the background, and friends in the room.  So unless you’re an extremely skilled multi-tabler, either cut the distractions or wait until they are at a minimum before playing.

Screen shot of multitable poker action at Carbon

One of the biggest benefits of playing online poker is the ability to multi-table. When you’ve got money in one more than one game, you’ve got a shot at more hands, more pots and more fish.

Extending your range and exposing yourself to more actionable situations are the key benefits here. Hit the bathroom first, set up your second monitor, and you’re ready to roll.

Getting Started

Whether you’re playing Texas Hold’em, Omaha or any variation of poker, you want to slowly start multi tabling. Wait until you’ve got a great handle on single game action and are well adapted to the quicker flow of online play.

This probably goes without saying, but walk before you run. Add one table at a time, hotshot. I know the feeling of wanting to get out there and beat the world, but getting in over your head slows down other games and loses you money. If you can’t react properly and see what’s going on for each call, bet and fold, you’re out of luck (and cash).

Strategy

Think about value. Multi-tabling gives you the option of playing slowly, tightly and profitably. For patient players, this lets you wait for great hands and bluff minimally. It’s still important to vary your approach to betting and calling, but tight play excels while playing a few tables.

Stay focused. I’m the type of player that likes a little bit of noise, music or interaction during a poker game, but multi-tabling is different. Keep it quiet, especially while adding new tables or trying different games.

Find Your Optimal Table Number

If you’re multi-tabling, you’re obviously serious enough about playing online poker games to be attempting to make money at it, right? With that being said, you’re going to need to calculate how much more money you’re pulling by adding extra tables. Some players find they reach a point of profitability, and any more tables than that can detract from their winnings.

This can be attributed to limited decision time, forced action and missed pots. As mentioned earlier, the important thing to remember is your comfort level and your ability to process all of this information.

And there you have it! You’re ready to hit multiple tables. CarbonPoker’s multiple windows grid feature allows you to view numerous poker tables with ease.

After winning an unopposed hand, CarbonPoker gives you the power to show the table the unrevealed cards, or hide them forever.

How it Works

Basically, if you win a hand unopposed, you can choose to “rabbit” and show the table the final cards that would have been dealt (but in no way affect the hand).

Ie: if your aggressive betting took the pot after the flop had been dealt, using the Rabbit Hunt option will show the rest of the players the Turn and the River.

The only catch here is that you’ll also need to expose your two hole cards.

Why Would I do This?

While this is usually only a feature found at home games, CarbonPoker lets you take your psychological online poker game to the next level by showing that table you were bluffing, or that you had the nuts all along. This type of transparent play can actually keep your opponents guessing.

Also – this is a great way of rubbing your buddy’s nose in it when you beat his hand with rags.