How to Play Multi Table Online Poker

One major advantage of playing online poker for real money is the ability to multi-table. Multi-tabling allows players to play various games of poker at once, something that is almost impossible in live poker rooms.

In 2009, Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier set a world record by playing 62 $6.50 Sit 'N Gos in an hour on PokerStars on four monitors.

Randy "Nononoko" Lew set the record for the most poker hands over an eight-hour session for a profit. In 2012, he multi-tabled 25-40 tables at a time to play over 23,493 during eight hours.

Multi-tabling has become popular among serious online poker players because it can significantly increase their expected profits or ROI. However, many players don't know how to multi-table in poker or where to start.

In this article, you'll learn how to play multi-table poker games, how to get started, and the tools you'll need to become successful at multi-tabling. We'll also give you some strategies to help you improve your win rate.

Understanding Multi-Tabling

Multi-tabling is simply playing multiple poker games simultaneously. Let's look at how to multi-table in poker, its types, along with the benefits and drawbacks.

Types of Multi-Tabling

There are three ways that you can opt to multi-table online poker. Let’s take a brief look at each:

Tiled - When you tile poker tables, you position your tables like tiles. When you opt to tile your tables, you're limited by your screen size.

Stacking - When stacking poker tables, they will stack on top of each other like a deck of cards. You'll then cycle through each game as you would tab through programs on your computer.

Cascade - This is similar to stacking, but a corner or top of each table is visible on the screen. The advantage of cascading is that you can click directly on tables you wish to access rather than cycle through tables.

Using More Than One Monitor - Some players use multiple computer screens to multi-table. This is often done by gamblers who are tiling tables.

Benefits of Multi-Tabling

There are a couple of significant benefits to multi-tabling. The first is that you increase your hand volume and overall earning potential. Your per-table earn rate will likely be lower than if you single-table, but overall, you'll earn more per hour.

Next, when you are proficient at playing multiple tables, you will reduce your variance due to playing more hands. Wins on others will offset losses on some tables.

Finally, you will gain experience faster than other players as you will see more hands and face more situations. The average multi-tabler will see more poker hands in a year than some live players in a decade.

Challenges of Multi-Tabling

While many people focus on the benefits of multi-tabling, we would be remiss to overlook the challenges.

Firstly, you are more prone to make mistakes when you mutli-table. The more you play, the more decisions you must make.

Nobody is perfect, and you'll make mistakes.

Next, you will be more susceptible to mental and physical fatigue due to constant decision-making and play. While you are "clicking buttons," the mental strain will increase your physical fatigue.

Lastly, you will be susceptible to larger bankroll swings. Instead of a single buy-in, you will be buying into multiple games.

This requires a larger starting bankroll, and you'll risk more of your money at once. Losing streaks will also have greater short-term variance due to playing multiple tables simultaneously.

This variance can be greater while you're learning how to efficiently multi-table.

Assessing Your Readiness for Multi-Tabling

Before taking the plunge into multi-tabling, it's important to honestly assess your skill level to determine if you're indeed ready. First, you must evaluate your current play and whether you are being consistent in your win rate.

Increasing the number of tables will not increase your odds of winning if you're not already a consistent winner.

Next, evaluate your skill set to determine if you can effectively play multi-table poker. Here are the primary skills to look at:

Focus - Can you focus for long periods without getting distracted or frustrated?

Quick Decision-Making - Are you able to make fast decisions on your hands? You should already be at a point where most pre-flop decisions and many post-flop decisions are automatic.

Bankroll Management - Are you already practicing proper bankroll management? If so, can your bankroll support multiple tables? Determine how many tables your bankroll can support before taking the plunge.

Emotional Control - Can you consistently control your emotions, or do you find yourself going on tilt a lot? If you cannot effectively control your emotions when playing a single table, you will not be able to effectively multi-table.

Lastly, let's talk game selection. When you multi-table poker, it is best to stick to one game type.

For example, opt to play all cash games instead of a mix of cash games and tournaments. Mixing Sit' N Go tournaments and multi-table tournaments is typically okay.

Also, stick to one variant. For example, don't mix up Texas Hold 'em and Stud games, as this can lead to mistakes trying to flop back and forth between game strategies.

Strategies for Successful Multi-Tabling

Trying to play online poker without a strategy results in losses. The same is true for multi-tabling. Here are some strategies to help you.

Optimal Number of Tables

You cannot base your skill level for multi-tabling based on your win rate at a single table. As such, it is best to start slow.

Start with two tables, and if you are comfortable making good decisions, and winning consistently, add an additional table.

Afterward, repeat the process. Continue this process until you find that you're making mistakes, feeling overwhelmed, or not winning as much as you'd like.

Time Management and Session Planning

If you want to be successful at multi-tabling, create a plan of attack. Start by planning out your sessions.

Determine how long you want to play and how much you want to win during your session. Also, schedule breaks in your play. This helps to avoid burnout and can even boost your energy levels.

Also, don't be afraid to drop a table or two. You are not required to play the same number of tables each session. If you're usually playing 10 tables but feel less focused at the start of a session, drop down to 8 tables or a number you're comfortable playing.

Tools and Software for Enhanced Multi-Tabling

To become an effective multi-tabler, you must give yourself the appropriate tools to ensure success.

Let's look at some of the tools you should consider using to boost your chances of success.

Multi-Tabling Software

If you're ready to take the plunge and want to maximize your multi-tabling, you should consider multi-table software.

jurojinpoker.com is a powerful, all-inclusive software program that combines all the tools you need to succeed at poker and multi-tabling.

It includes table management software, tiling software, options for table actions and hotkeys, and a fully functional HUD to help improve your performance.

The program is compatible with many major poker sites, including PokerStars, GGPoker, 888 Poker, Ignition, and ACR Poker, as well as subscription-based sites like WPT Global and Club GG.

Jurojin offers full support for its product and has a blog and Discord channel where you can learn more about the software, chat with other users, and learn more about its features.

Best of all, the software is completely free for micro-stakes players.

Full-access plans start at just $9 per month for higher limits. With Jurojin Poker, you can get all the tools you need for multi-tabling in one place, eliminating the need to manage multiple programs.

Poker Tracking Software

Many of you know tracking and analyzing your play is important. There are many tools out there that can help you analyze your play and help you make better decisions.

Programs like Hold 'em Manager and Poker Tracker will allow you to track your play and play of other opponents, and you can use this data to analyze your play.

These programs will help you improve your strategy, find leaks, and make better data-driven decisions.

Table Management Software

One of the biggest obstacles for new multi-tablers is managing tables. Fortunately, programs like Table Ninja and StackAndTile will handle many table management functions for you.

These programs allow you to set up everything about your multi-tabling sessions, from the size and orientation of tables to setting up hotkeys for betting. They can even handle certain functions like rebuying into cash games.

These programs help you reduce your keystrokes and clicks and help you speed up your play rate.

HUDs (Heads-Up Displays)

You'll often hear about HUDs, aka Heads-Up Displays, being used in poker. HUDs are programs that track the action in online poker games. They compile data on your play and the play of others at the table.

This information tracks all critical aspects of play, such as how many hands your opponents play, how often they raise pre-flop, and more. This data is then available to access in real time while playing the game.

The use of HUDs in online poker is controversial. Some people view the software as an unfair advantage, and some people even view it as a form of cheating. Some online poker rooms, including Bovada and partypoker, have banned the use of HUDs.

If you plan to use HUD software, check to ensure your poker room allows them.

Note-Taking and Hand Review Tools

You'll often hear poker pros recommend taking notes on sessions and opponents. This is particularly true for real money online poker. Programs like Evernote and PokerSnowie will help you keep track of your sessions and help you improve your game.

After each session, you should review your hand histories to look for leaks or areas where you can improve. Hand review tools can help you modify your strategies to make better decisions in future sessions.

Analyzing and Adjusting Your Multi-Tabling Approach

Just as you'd work on your game when you started to learn how to play poker, you must adjust your multi-tabling strategies. Here are a few things you need to incorporate into your daily routine once you start multi-tabling.

Session Reviews

After each session, you should review your multi-tabling sessions to look for leaks, mistakes in your play, or patterns in opponent play.

Also, review what you did right in your play to reinforce those decisions for future sessions.

You can use various tools to review previous sessions. Note-taking software, HUDs, and multi-table software like JUROJIN all have hand history and session review options that can help you review your play.

Adjusting Your Strategy

It is important to recognize when to adjust your strategies and table count. Start by honestly evaluating your strategies and win rate.

Are you consistently winning at the games you're playing and posting the win rates you need? If so, it may be time to add tables.

Otherwise, evaluate why you fail to meet your goals and consider lowering your table count.

Next, you must continually adapt your poker game strategies based on various factors. These include the quality of competition, overall game dynamics, and even ancillary considerations like rake and player traffic.

Strategies that worked in the past or that work now may not work as well six months or a year from now. That's why it is important to continually adapt your strategy.

Continuous Learning

Poker is constantly evolving. As such, you must continuously work on your game to remain competitive. Start by staying up-to-date with the latest game strategies and poker tools.

This can be done in various ways, such as reading poker books, studying poker training courses, studying the play of successful professionals, and more.

Also, consider joining one or more online poker communities to gain additional insight from other players.

Popular online poker communities include Two Plus Two Forums, Poker Strategy Forum, Reddit Poker, and CardsChat.

Online forums are great as you have a wealth of poker knowledge and experience, and you can use these forums to learn new strategies, make friends, and improve your game.

Practice Multi-Tabling & It Will Pay Off!

Learning how to multi-table in poker must be developed like any other skill in poker. Fortunately, there are many tools like Jurojin that can help you quickly improve and become profitable.

Remember that you must continually work on your game and evaluate your play regularly to remain competitive and profitable.

Finally, as you start your multi-tabling journey, remember that it takes time to become a successful multi-tabler and proficient at multiple tables. You may experience downswings while increasing your table count.

Stick with your game plan and work on your games, and you'll enjoy success with time.

Multi-tabling is a fun way to improve your ROI and reduce overall variance at online poker. It takes time to develop, but the rewards will be worth the hard work.

James Guill is a journalist and ex poker professional with over 15 years of experience writing in the world of poker. His coverage includes major poker tournaments and industry news for a variety of reputable poker publications. He has worked with IveyPoker, PokerNews, PokerJunkie, Bwin, and the Ongame Network. Currently at Legal US Poker Sites, James provides thorough analysis of crucial hands played in the top tournaments in the world.