At some point in their poker careers, most players face a dilemma of whether to move up buy-in levels or whether to increase the number of tables played simultaneously. While both methods – assuming you already enjoy the best poker rakeback available – will improve your overall profits, there are several factors to consider before deciding which is ideal for you. This article looks at the pros and cons of each from the perspective of a rakeback pro.
#1 – Multi-Tabling
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 hours’. 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.
#2 – Moving Up Levels
Moving up to the next buy-in levels can give up a big boost – in terms of both poker profits and rakeback. However, as you move up you will usually encounter higher skill levels, meaning you will have to keep improving your own game in order to realize those bigger profits. With some sensible bankroll management and dedication to improving your game, moving up levels is a natural progression for the majority of players.
Pros of moving up levels include bigger profits – even if you are not able to beat the games at the same proportional rate. For example, if you are beating 50c / $1 Holdem for 6 big blinds per 100 hands then the move to $1 / $2 might see your initial rate drop to 4 big blinds per 100. However in dollar terms this is $8 at the higher level compared to $6, add to this increase rakeback and your bankroll can grow significantly. Renewing the challenge of poker through trying to beat a new level can also keep the game fresh for many players.
Cons of moving up levels largely concern the increased skill level of the opposition. This can lead to small ‘leaks’ in your game – which were not being picked up on previously – becoming areas which your opponents are now actively exploiting. Study and analysis of your own betting lines and those of your opponents will be required if you are to move through the levels successfully.
Whether you choose the grind, moving up levels – or some combination of the two – doing so without rakeback is simply leaving money on the table. Check out our great selection of rakeback deals today.
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