04/09/2008 In Strategy

One of the highlights of online poker is the ability to use statistics to give yourself an edge. What you may give away in not being able to observe physical tells is often more than made up for in the data you can collect and use in online play. One easy way to take advantage of statistics is by using table statistics to find good games.

What Are Table Statistics?

Table statistics are the information provide for you in your poker menu when you are selecting a game. Table selection is a key element in successful poker, even more so in online poker in which you may have a wide number of tables from which to choose. Table statistics will help you find the right table to give you an edge.

How Can You Use Table Statistics to Find Good Games?

The most important statistic you are going to want to look at is average pot size. The larger the average pot size, the better. When this is a big number, you know that you are going to be involved in a juicy, high action game. If you are a tight, solid player and can wait for a big opportunity to pounce, this can mean big profits.

Taking Advantage of a Good Game

Once you’ve found your good game, try to stay alert to how long it stays good. If you enter a high action game and start playing tight, it may encourage other players to follow suit. Furthermore, one or two maniacs may drive the looseness of the game. If they leave, your game may dry up. Always reevaluate the game you are in and move to a better one when things take an unfavorable turn, and if you play on Full Tilt make sure to get Full tilt rake back.