Watching Tables before sitting down

[Poysian]

When I am going to play at a cash table online I like to just watch how each player is playing. How they bet, if they call often, if they fold often. You can't see their cards of course until and if they are shown but you still get a good feel for the table just buy how they are all betting.

If I don't like the way a certain player is betting or playing I'll find another table.

[chewyshoe]

In all honesty, I generally don't bother to do this unless it's like $3+ N/L six ring table. This is because most of the players playing smaller tables don't stick around long enough to make it worth whiled.

If you have the patience though - it's definitely worth whiled, but I like to play my session right away otherwise I get bored quickly.

[De51DaWG]

i agree with chewy that unless playing stakes like NL25+ observing tables is useless because at NL2 and Nl5 most people who double up, scoop up their chips and leave.

However, when i play on FTP, i'll open up a table and let PT datamine hands for like 10-30 before i join the game. that way you have all the stats

[Steve-O]

Big things to watch for are # players seeing the flop and avg pot size. A good table has either: A lot of players seeing the flop cheaply or very few players, 2 or 3, seeing the flop but with very large pots. This usually indicates a loose maniac is at the table, and everyone else is a nit.

[bigmike667]

I always like to go to table that has less people. I don't like playing at a table with its sort of crowded. I usually watch how the players are playing as well, and see how high or aggressive they play.

[tsrumler]

Steve, thats a very good point. I have found out, no matter where I go in the lower limit cash games online, there is always going to be someone who is playing loose and idiotic. I tend to avoid low blind/no limit hold-em online. Sooner or later you are going to be basically forced to call all your stack or a good percentage of it to some morons all in when you have A-A,K-K,Q-Q, A-K, etc.... On the good side, you want those people to do that, I just cant tell you how many times I have been sucked out on, its absolutely rediculous. I swear online poker is rigged.

[davidab157]

It's always good to watch for those who are super aggressive or super passive and position yourself accordingly, ie. to the left of the aggro ones and to the right of nitty tight players.

Also work out who the fish are and try to get position on them.