Importance of Table Selection in Poker

When it comes to winning consistently in poker, it’s not just about playing your cards right, it’s also about choosing where and with whom you play. Today, we’re diving into a super underrated but game-changing topic: Table Selection and Seat Selection in cash games.

If you’ve been wondering why some sessions feel like a breeze while others feel impossible, this might be the reason. Let’s break it down.

Why Table Selection is Like Choosing Your Opponent

Imagine you’re a bowler facing Virat Kohli. You know what’s coming, you’re probably getting smashed. But now imagine bowling to someone like me (just a casual player). Your odds of getting a wicket? Way higher!

That’s exactly how table selection works in poker. If you play against pros all the time, you’ll likely lose more. But if you sit with casual or weaker players, you’ve got a much better shot at profiting.

Spotting the Right Table: What to Look For

Picking the right table can be the difference between just playing and actually winning, here’s how to find the easy ones fast.

1. Play When Recreational Players Are Online

Recreational players, aka the “fish”, usually log in:

• On weekends
• During evenings (especially after 9–10 PM)

Why? Because they have limited free time. So your best chance to find soft tables is during these hours.

2. Watch for Small Stack Sizes

If someone is sitting at a ₹25/₹50 table with only ₹1000–₹1500, when the max is ₹5000, they’re likely not a pro. Smaller stacks (less than 100BB) = casual players or players just playing with what’s left in their balance.

Pro Tip: Avoid tables where everyone is fully stacked and deep. Look for a mix, especially under-stacked players.

3. Look for Limpers

If you see players just calling the big blind (a.k.a. limping) over and over without raising, that’s a strong sign they’re inexperienced or just playing for fun. They’re there to see cards, not play aggressively.

4. Players Posting Blinds Without Waiting

Recreational players often don’t wait for the big blind to come to them. They’ll post the blind instantly just to start playing. Why? Because their time is limited, and they want action now.

This impatience is a key indicator you’re dealing with a fish.

5. Mobile Players = More Casuals

On some poker apps, you can see if someone’s playing from mobile or desktop. Mobile players are often just chilling at home or on the go, not deeply focused. Not always, but often they’re less serious.

6. Calling Stations & Maniacs

Some players just never fold. They call every street, no matter what. Others raise randomly or tilt easily. These are gold mines, note their tendencies and exploit them.

Use HUD Stats (Like VPIP & PFR) to Identify Fish

Stats don’t lie. If someone has:

• VPIP (Voluntarily Put Money In Pot) of 35%+, it means they’re playing too many hands.
• A VPIP of 40%+ with a PFR (Pre-Flop Raise) of just 10% or less? That’s a massive red flag. They’re passive, just calling and hoping to hit, definitely recreational.

These are the tables you want to be on.

Pro Trick: Start a New Table

Sometimes all tables are full or loaded with pros. Here’s a trick: start your own table.

Recreational players who join cash tables don’t care who’s already seated. They just want to play. So if you’re first on a new table, there’s a high chance a casual player will sit beside you without realizing they’re up against a grinder.

Seat Selection: Be on the Left of the Fish

Once you’ve found the right table, don’t stop there. Where you sit matters too.

Always sit to the left of the fish. Why?

• You’ll have position on them in most hands.
• You get to see their move before you act.
• You can control pot size and make better decisions.

This position allows you to punish mistakes and extract maximum value. Many pros even switch seats to sit left of the weakest player, it’s called taking the Jesus Seat.

Also explore:

• What is a Fish in Poker?
• Poker Fish vs Poker Shark

Final Thoughts

Winning at poker isn’t just about playing strong hands. It’s about setting yourself up in the right games, at the right time, with the right players, and being in the best spot at the table.

Key Takeaways:

• Play during weekends/evenings when rec players are online.
• Watch for stack sizes, limping, and HUD stats.
• Don’t hesitate to start a new table.
• Always sit left of the weakest player.

Apply these tips consistently, and you’ll see a major boost in your win rate. For more in-depth poker tips, keep checking out our blog and video content!

FAQs on Table Selection in Poker