Table selection is one of the easiest ways to boost your poker profits without changing your actual strategy at the table. These five practical table selection tips will help you spot softer games faster, avoid tough lineups, and put yourself in the most profitable situations possible.
Look For Talking And Laughing
Home game players are not looking to make money. They’re trying to blow off steam and get away from the stresses of daily life. These folks are more likely to make conversation and crack jokes.
Have you ever tried to focus on a poker hand when someone is talking with you? It’s not easy, is it? Guess what? These people don’t care about paying attention. That’s what you learn when they’re joking around and not paying attention to the game. This is good for you.
Look For Alcohol And Limping
Casual players love to limp in and see cheap flops. Good players usually will not limp in. They prefer to raise when they come in. So one great table selection tip is to find a spot where you see a lot of limping.
Social players love to drink and party when they’re slinging chips in. Good players will not drink much or anything at all. They want to focus more on the game. So a table where everyone has a beer is a great target.
Look For People Dressing Up
When a grinder shows up to the cardroom, he or she knows they are going to be there for some hours. They dress comfortably to be prepared for the occasion.
The guys who wandered in from the bachelor party who have been drinking since 2:00 PM? They’re dressed up! They’re gambling, baby! They’re there to talk to girls, sling some chips, and grab some drinks. They’re not taking this seriously. This is the table for you.
Look For A Lack Of Men In Their 20s to early 40s.
When I was a teenager, I was broke. In my 20s, I had a ton of energy, but not a ton of money. In my 30s, I started getting better at my craft and hammering some real checks.
Sound familiar? This is how many people’s lives go. When they’re young they’re broke, but they’re getting an education and learning. They’re on the job learning their craft.
It’s usually later in life that you start making real money. That’s when you’re more likely to dump some buy-ins at a local game to blow off some steam.
Remember To Talk And Smile
This is less a table selection tip than it is a reminder. It doesn’t matter how good of a table it is if you show up in an awful mood. I’ve seen one quiet asshole ruin what was a great game. Don’t be this person.
Conclusion:
These table selection tips aren’t about judging people — they’re about recognizing where attention is low, emotions are high, and mistakes happen naturally. When you choose fun, relaxed lineups and bring positive energy yourself, you create an environment where both the game — and your edge — can thrive.
Want to read more from APT Head Pro Alex Fitzgerald? Try his article about the 6 Tips to Control the Table and Dictate the Action
