Table Flux ??

Just some general musings on how tables are always changing:


The theory of ‘table flux’.

Every table is in a constant state of flux. There is an ‘equilibrium’ level, which is the balance of abilities and styles of all players across all tables in that environment.

Tables which are slightly looser than the equilibrium will gradually tend back to becoming slightly tighter.

Tables which are tighter than the equilibrium will gradually tend back to become looser.

Tables which have many loose/aggressive/poor players and are far from the equilibrium will have a stronger tendency to swing back to becoming much tighter. These volatile tables have greater momentum and will swing further back in the opposite direction.


So why is this?

This is due to the method of table selection used by each type of player.

The poor ‘LAG’ players don't consider or care about table selection. They choose the first tables they see which don’t already have a queue. These tables are often short on players and are typically fairly tight or unattractive to the good players

At the other end of the spectrum, the good players take great consideration in table selection. At a loose table with several soft spots they will often be lined up several players deep looking for a seat. Over time, the bad players will bust out and the solid players will take their spot. Eventually, the bad players will all lose and be replaced by the queue of good players. When this occurs, the table is no longer attractive to the queue of good players and the table numbers will drop.

And then the bad players appear and the cycle repeats!



So what does it all mean to me?

Every ‘good’ table has a limited lifespan. You should always be reviewing and evaluating your edge and keeping a keen eye out for better options. These tables are always appearing then disappearing and you need to jump quickly when you see them!

I heard a quote from Sklansky recently saying that even in the casino, you should ALWAYS be looking around the room for a better table. If you set up camp for the night at one table without considering others, you're throwing away money.