Table selection

I've read and re-read Fnord's post on table selection and the comments underneath in the poker strategy section. It's mentioned that when first looking for a table, an average pot size of around $20 is desirable for $25NL with $0.5 BB.

Seeing as I've only just started playing online, was wondering what people would recommend as a good place to start in terms of average pot size. I'm playing mainly on $25NL although I have dabbled in $10 and $5NL (wasn't a fan of $5NL) and for the $25NL tables (BB = $0.25) I've been choosing tables where the average pot has been around $7-$10 where I can spot weak players. Should I be looking at tables with higher average pot sizes or wait a bit until I'm more used to online play vs live play?

i dont know if im doing the right thing but i look for high average pot size and alot of players seeing the flop (60%+) thats the only advice i can give on this...seems to work for me

I like to be the table bully, so often I'll find that I can play my A-game at weak tables, i.e. with low average pot sizes. But I certainly wouldn't say this is the way to make most money.

The nice thing about high average pots at a low limit table is that you can just sit and wait to destack people and clean up a lot of money. You don't have to take many risks, just jam as much money in the pot when you know you have the best of it. Play your AA and KK super aggressive preflop, hopefully getting someone all-in, and take whatever cheap flops you can with pocket pairs and suited connectors and be patient and take someone's stack when you get that set, straight, or flush.

This strategy is not so hot if you are playing, say a $200 buy-in table with average pots of $150. This is because of the much higher likelihood that the other players will notice what you are doing and just not pay you off.

There are many successful strategies to beat a low limit no limit table with pots nearly as big as the max buy-in. The reason you like these tables is because people are willing to put their chips in the middle of the table. If you are a good player, you should love to see a table with chips flying around.

Just be ready for some variance

I think Fnord's post dates back to when party had 50BB stacks, so their 25NL tables had .25/.50 blinds, rather than .10/.25. I was on party recently and the largest average pot size for 25NL was maybe $10 - $12 which is still pretty high I reckon. It's certainly much better than the rock garden that is Absolute Poker, where the average pot is rarely much above $5 on the $50NL tables, which kinda sucks.

Regarding your question, if you are a tight player, you want to go for the highest possible average pot, and the highest % of players to a flop. If you like to be the bully, you would probably want the opposite, so go and play at Absolute

wouldn't .25/.50 with $50 stacks make it $50NL? I don't understand poker.

You want a table with 30%+ VP$IP and anything over $7 average. Pretty much the highest avg pot you see listed now is 12-13. Keep an eye on your GameTime+ stats for the table. When the VP$IP drops below 25% your table is filling up with rocks and it could well be time to find new waters.

Originally Posted by biondino

wouldn't .25/.50 with $50 stacks make it $50NL? I don't understand poker.

It's before my time, but I believe Party Poker used to have a 50BB max buyin rather that 100BB, so their 25NL tables had .25/.50 blinds.

Look for players who PT deems as fish or calling stations.In the ITH book Matthew Hilger advises sitting down at tables with shortstacks as well.I mainly look for a good VP$IP on PokerAce,and for 3-4 people seeing the flop on average with limpers callling raises and cold calling 2 bets.

I've been going for the biggest average pot size I can find recently and it seems to be working a lot better (usually this is $10-$13). Thanks

I stay away from marginally profitable games, thats a leak for a lot of people.