Game Selection: Finding the Softest Tables

Game Selection > Skill

Here's a harsh truth: a 3bb/100 winner at a tough NL100 game makes less than a 8bb/100 winner at a soft NL50 game, especially when you factor in rakeback differences. Choosing where to play is the most underrated skill in poker.

How to Identify Soft Tables

Stats to Watch (If HUD Available)

• Average Players Seeing Flop > 30% — loose tables = more profit
• Average Pot Size — bigger pots mean more action
• Players with VPIP > 40% — recreational players
• Short stackers < 2 — fewer nits waiting to double up

Room-Level Indicators

• Anonymous tables (GGPoker, WPT Global) — regulars can't target you, and you can't be tracked. Good for casual-heavy ecosystems.
• Mobile traffic — Rooms with strong mobile apps attract recreational players who play casually.
• Crypto rooms (CoinPoker) — Attract a different demographic, often recreational crypto traders looking for action.
• Time of day — Weekday mornings are the tightest (only grinders). Evenings and weekends are the softest.

Room-by-Room Game Quality

Use our Room Comparison Tool to see traffic ratings, software quality, and player pool characteristics for each room.

Take our Player Type Quiz to find which room best matches your play style and volume.

The Rakeback + Game Quality Matrix

The optimal room balances two factors:

1. Soft player pool — higher win rate
2. High rakeback — more money back per hand

A room with 60% rakeback but tough games might be worse than a room with 30% rakeback and soft games. The key is to calculate your total hourly rate: win rate + rakeback per hour. Our Rakeback Calculator helps you model this.

Table Selection Checklist

1. Check lobby stats before sitting — look for high avg pot and high flop %
2. Watch 20-30 hands before buying in if possible
3. Sit to the left of the biggest fish (position advantage on their money)
4. Leave tables that become reg-heavy — never be the mark
5. Set table alerts for known recreational players if the room allows