Multitabling
Playing 4, 8 or even 16+ tables can seem crazy to those new to online poker. However many players successfully and profitably do exactly that. Learning to multi-table is best done slowly, adding one more table at a time until you find the sweet spot between additional rake and reducing profits. The central concept is that multi-tabling reduces the profit per table, yet is balanced by the bigger overall profits from playing the games simultaneously. For example, making $10 each per hour from 2 tables is not as good as $7 each per hour from 4 tables.
Pros of multi-tabling to increase your rakeback include this being an easy strategy to implement. As long as you are able to focus on many simultaneous decisions, adding tables gradually is within the capabilities of the vast majority of poker players. With the help of software showing opponent statistics this becomes even more straight forward.
Cons of multi-tabling are that this form of profitable poker can quickly become a ‘grind’ in the negative sense of the word. Cutting down on tricky post-flop decisions can make things can seem pretty robotic, which may take away your enjoyment of the game and desire to ‘put in the hour’s. Secondly, while multi-tabling can improve profits fast, it will not see your game improve long-term – you will be too busy clicking to do much learning.
If you're a winning poker player, one way that you can increase your profits from the game is to move up in stakes. However, another creative way to increase your profits is simply to play more than one table at a time.
If you're playing at a room like Full Tilt Poker that offers rakeback for every single hand you play, and even the ones that you don't, using the dealt method of rakeback calculation, you will see a pretty nice chunk of increased profit by simply playing more tables.
Now I am not saying that you should today open up 25 poker tables and see how it goes. But, I am saying you should have at least 2 open. In fact, if you don't, go open them now. If you've multi tabled before, try two tables at your usual stakes. If you haven't ever played more than one game at a time, then head on over to the freebie tables until you misclick yourself all in a couple times.
Once you have the hang of it, go ahead and head to your usual cash or tournament table.
A good starter strategy for lower stakes (say ten bucks) sit n go players is to try to play four tables at a time, earning rakeback on all four of them simultaneously, and just make the money consistently. Not necessarily make 1st, just make the money.
That's what we call grindin baby.
If you're more a cash player. We're still talking lower levels here. Let's say you're consistantly making 15 bucks an hour at one table.
Even if you're hourly return dips a bit, say to ten bucks an hour, you've doubled it. As you adjust to the increased amount of action and get back into your comfort zone, you'll get used to playing your maximum profit hands, folding the junk (saving you money in the long run), and keeping up your hourly rate.
All the while, you're getting paid rake on 4 tables!
