Table selection
Choosing to play in games where the opponents are weakest — and taking the seat to the left of the biggest fish. Table selection is one of the largest edges available and is why serious players are picky. Doing it aggressively online is called 'bum hunting'.
Frequently asked questions
What is table selection in poker?
Choosing which game to sit in, and leaving when it stops being good. In cash games it is a decision you make continuously, not once.
Why does it matter so much?
Because your win rate is determined by the opposition, not just your own play. A strong player in a table of regulars may barely beat the rake; the same player in a game with two recreational players earns several times as much. No amount of study replaces picking the right seat.
What do you look for?
Loose, passive statistics on the lobby display, a large average pot, players with odd stack sizes, and a game where you have position on the weakest opponent. Fast-fold formats remove the option entirely, which is their main cost.