In the good old days before the internet, one of the most mind-boggling events would be watching a chess grandmaster playing simultaneously against any number of players. This would be an awesome sight – twenty or thirty chess boards with different people playing against a single person moving from board to board – and winning every match, too.

There can be no doubt that simultaneous chess games are being played on the internet – and the idea of “simultaneous” plays have spread into other games. Among the more popular such “multi-player” sports, however, is playing poker at multiple tables at the same time.

Many online poker players have gone into playing multiple tables – in the case of some, because it is a challenge that they can’t walk away from; in the case of many others, because it is seen as a chance to improve their win rates (and increase their bankrolls at the same time).

Multiple Table Poker: Is It For You?

There are a few things to think about before you decide to jump into playing multiple tables.

First of all, ask yourself “WHY?” If you’re doing it to test yourself, or you think that it will be a fun way to spend some free time – go ahead and give it a go. In other words, if fun is your motive – go ahead and have some fun.

If, on the other hand, you’re going in because you think it will be quick and easy way to earn some money or credits – think again.

Keep in mind that internet poker is a fast-paced game – and most of the people at your level of play are used to snap decisions and quick calls. If you’re playing at two or more tables, you have to move quickly from table to table and make snap decisions within seconds of each other. Your brain will be trying to deal with the flood of constantly changing information as you shift from one table to the next, and sooner or later, you’ll begin making mistakes.

It may well be that you’re carrying an image from one game to another – and make a call based on the wrong memory. Or you’ll already be thinking ahead to the next game – in which case, you may decide to fold without realizing that you were holding on to a winning hand.

Bottom line – you won’t be giving each table its proper “due” in terms of your time and attention – which won’t be fair to either you or your opponents at the different tables.