What is Multi-tabling in Poker?

Multi-tabling is a poker strategy in which a player plays multiple tables at the same time. This is typically done online, but it can also be done live. Multi-tabling can be a great way to increase your profits per hour, but it is important to do it carefully. Many recreational poker players choose to multi-table in the hopes of multiplying their winnings.

Skilled players choose to play at multiple tables simultaneously to increase their hourly earnings, giving priority to this approach over aiming for specific investment returns. The core concept of multi-tabling revolves around the idea that if you can succeed in poker at one table, you could potentially succeed at two, three, four, or more tables at the same time. Most online poker platforms come equipped with features that make multi-tabling easy.

Multi-tabling Methods

To become proficient at multi-tabling, you need an efficient method to manage your poker tables. There are two primary techniques: tiling and stacking.

Tiling

Tiling is widely favoured for multi-tabling. In tiling, you arrange your table windows side by side, ensuring minimal or no overlap. This way, you can see every table completely. Most online poker rooms offer resizable windows, allowing you to adjust table sizes. The number of tables you can handle without overlap depends on your monitoring ability and monitor size. While some players use multiple monitors, a single one usually suffices.

Tiling allows you to oversee all the action across tables, a clear advantage. With preset buttons, you can quickly fold weak hands and focus on other tables. Plus, you can track games and study opponents, even when not actively playing a hand.

Stacking

For those juggling many tables, stacking is ideal. Here, table windows are layered, keeping them in the same screen area. Make sure your poker software brings a window to the forefront when it’s your turn to bet. Stacking suits players into mass multi-tabling sit-n-goes, where decisions are more standardized and automated than in cash games.

Stacking offers its perks. On a moderately sized monitor, you can play on more tables simultaneously, potentially increasing table size. Plus, active tables consistently appear in the same spot, eliminating the need to move your cursor for each bet.

So, which approach is better? It’s mostly personal preference. If you’re new to multi-tabling, try both methods to find what suits you best.

Pros and Cons of Multi-tabling

Pros of Multi-Tabling:

• Earn a higher hourly win rate: If you are a winning player, multi-tabling can help you earn a higher hourly win rate. This is because you will be able to win more money in the same amount of time.
• Play more hands per hour: This is the biggest benefit of multi-tabling. By playing multiple tables at once, you can see more hands and learn the game faster.
• Clear bonuses faster: Many poker rooms offer bonuses to new players. By multi-tabling, you can clear these bonuses faster.
• Generate more rakeback: Rakeback is a percentage of the rake that you are paid back by the poker room. By playing more hands, you will generate more rakeback. BLITZPOKER is offering a 20% rakeback if you have been missing the action on BLITZPOKER for quite a while now. So if you are able to generate a rake above 10,000 INR in September, you will be eligible for this offer.
• Build a larger database: By playing more hands, you will build a larger database of hands. This can help you to improve your game by understanding your opponents’ tendencies.
• Stay focused and engaged: Multi-tabling can help you stay focused and engaged in the game. This is because you are constantly having to make decisions.

Cons of Multi-Tabling

• Deteriorating play quality: If you are not careful, multi-tabling can lead to a deterioration in your play quality. This is because you are not able to focus on each hand as much.
• Less time for each decision: When you are multi-tabling, you have less time to make each decision. This can lead to you making mistakes.
• Indecision and tilt: Multi-tabling can lead to indecision and tilt. This is because you are constantly having to make decisions and it can be difficult to stay focused.
• More hands to analyze: When you are multi-tabling, you have more hands to analyze. This can be time-consuming and can take away from your focus on the game.
• Misclicks and time-outs: Multi-tabling can lead to misclicks and time-outs. This is because you are having to make quick decisions and it is easy to make mistakes.
• Higher variance and larger swings: Multi-tabling can lead to higher variance and larger swings. This is because you are playing more hands and the outcome of each hand is more random.
• Fatigue: Multi-tabling can lead to fatigue. This is because it is mentally demanding to play multiple tables at once.
• Limiting the development of your game: If you are multi-tabling too much, it can limit the development of your game. This is because you are not able to focus on each hand as much and you are not able to learn from your mistakes.

How to Multi-Table Poker Profitably | Poker Multi-Tabling Tips

Starting Small and Gradually Increasing

• It is best to start with a few tables and gradually increase the number as you become more comfortable.
• Playing too many tables at once can be overwhelming and lead to mistakes.

Taking Breaks

• Multi-tabling can be mentally and physically draining. It can be helpful to take short breaks every hour or so to get up and move around, or to step away from the system altogether for a few minutes.
• Taking breaks should help you stay focused so that you can avoid making mistakes.

Sticking to One Game

• It is generally better to stick to one game type when multi-tabling.
• This will help you stay focused so that you can avoid making mistakes.

Table Adjustments

• The number of tables you play should be determined by your focus level.
• If you are not feeling up to it, open fewer tables and allow yourself more time to think. This will help you avoid making mistakes and protect your bankroll.

Avoiding Distractions

• It is important to avoid distractions when multi-tabling.
• This means turning off your chat box, closing any unnecessary tabs, and finding a quiet place to play.

Start Your Tournaments at Different Times

• There are two schools of thought on when to start tournaments when multi-tabling.
• Some players prefer to start all of their tournaments at the same time, while others prefer to stagger them.
• The best approach for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style.

Additional Tip: You can also use free multi-table poker software like Table Optimizer

Multi-Tabling FAQs

What Does Multi-tabling Mean In Poker?

Multi-tabling is the practice of playing multiple poker games at the same time. This is possible on online poker sites, which allow players to open multiple tables on their screens.

Should I Multi-table In Poker?

Whether or not you should multi-table in poker is a personal decision that depends on a few factors. Here’s what to consider:

• Your experience level: If you’re new to poker, it’s best to start with one table at a time. Multitabling requires a lot of focus and discipline, and it can be easy to make mistakes if you’re not used to it.
• Your playing style: Some players are better suited for multi-tabling than others. If you’re a very aggressive player, you may find it difficult to manage multiple tables at once.
• Your bankroll: Multitabling can be risky if you don’t have a large enough bankroll to support it. If you lose a lot of money at one table, it can quickly put a dent in your bankroll.

If you’re an experienced player with a good understanding of the game and a large enough bankroll, then multi-tabling can be a great way to increase your profits. But it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the number of tables as you become more comfortable.