[lork]

I am looking for thoughts and opinions on which tables you prefer and why. If both tables $1/$2 and playing about 75 hands/hour, the blinds at a 6 player table is costing you $18.75 /hr to sit while the while the 9/10 table is around $12/hr. The pots at 9/10 table are probally a little bigger because of the added players , but at a 6 player table, while the pots are smaller, you will probally win more pots because there are fewer players. Do you find that the moron players usually gravitate to the 9/10 tables because of the larger pot sizes. What do you all think?

[chris]

I prefer shorthanded play. None of the sites I play at have 5 or 6 max NL tables, so I look for tables with four players or less already playing. In NL I don't think # of players vs pot size has much bearing. You only need to get one all-in to double up. Even in limit, I prefer short handed because I can play more hands, and even against poor players it's easier to pull fancy plays because you have less players to go through.

[pritz]

I prefer smaller too, but only because I play for enjoyment. Making money is great, but the stakes I play are solely recreational in relation to my job income. Because of this, I prefer games where I can be more involved.

Also, I like the added opportunity for trying moves at a short table, as opposed to a full table where there is a much better chance someone is holding a big hand.

[chris]

Yep, If I were to make a living at poker, I would need to be playing 20/40 or higher. Since I'm interested in making money, but I don't depend on the cash, I don't go around looking for a juicy full table full of fish. I look for a short handed table with reasonable players. It's also one of the main reasons I don't play at Party. I Play at Paradise 90% of the time and at Poker Stars the rest. From what I hear, these are supposed to be the toughest sites, even at lower limits.

[pritz]

well online is a different story for me I think. Im actually very interested in getting started with some lower limits online, but this would be solely for making $$$ since my expereince online is nowhere near as enjoyable as a real-life live game.

I also hear a ton of complaints about "fishermen" on this forum, which is another reason I doubt the satisfaction I get from good poker would be found in a typical online game. I mean, I know I stated earlier that I play poker mainly for enjoyment....but if its as bad as most of you make it out to be I gotta get some of that easy $$$ online!

[razor]

I prefer 8-10 person tables. I've just always played ring game like that, so I'm used to it I guess.

[quickie]

i like more people cuz you can choose your hands and when to bet strong. I hate to bet strong from the start, cuz it can be disastrous..or pay off by doubling up.

[ballen]

u got it all wrong m8.
it is not the size of the bets or the cost, but what type of player u r that really matters.

if u r a bluffer or a very loose player, goto the 6max table where you can easily steal blinds.

i only play 9/10 tables, cos i don't like cheap blind thieves, who raise 10x preflop, hoping all will fold.
chances are that in a big table, at least ONE player will have a decent hand and will make you pay dearly!!
hope u can see my perspective...

[johnf]

that seems to be a common/correct dividing line...

tight players want bigger tables... can wait longer, get blinded less before they play great hands...

aggressive/looser players want short handed tables...

I used to attempt a very tight style of play... and wanted a full table... and did poorly if there were only 4 or 5 players...

I've since started playing no-limit... and trying to adopt a modified "Doyle Brunson" style... quite a bit looser... actually preferring to see low suited connectors...

and I now play at Royal Vegas Poker (used to play at Paradise poker) - Royal Vegas has 6 player max tables... and I do well with this style at these smaller tables.

[norshvind]

I play lots of single table tourneys with anywhere between 7 to 11 players , and there are major differences between a full table and shorthanded play. It is important to adjust your game play to each situation from beginning to end.
If there is alot of pre flop action maniacs, that is when you sit back and learn how not to play. Take advantage of the position you are in , maybe play a medium hand here and there to throw others off, but don't call a stupid all in bet with a hand that is not premium!(unless there are 3 or less players).
those maniacs might get LUCKY but that is all ,and in the long run, they won't be on top.

[ThomasR]

I prefer tables with fewer players - limits don't really play a part in my decision unless they are out of my bank rolls league.

Yes, a lot of the idiots do tend to go for the bigger pots and bigger limit tables because they think it's better for their image - in reality, you can be much more profitable biding your time, playing tables where you think you can extract consistant, small pots rather than risking it all on a few big pots at another table.