Once you've establish what game you want to play, and what stakes you'll play, you have one more important decision to make: Which table to join. Let's say you're playing $5 - $10 no limit holdem and you have a choice of 20 tables you can join, which should you pick? Poker table selection is very important. There are things to consider and I'll list them for you.

First, decide what your strategy is going to be. Are you looking to join an aggressive table so you can sit tight and try to double up against a risk taker with a big stack, or do you want to find a tight table were you can bluff and push people around?

Regardless of how you want to play it, your poker software will usually provide you with information such as the number of players at the table, the average pot size and everyone's chip count. Also, you may be able to find out how long a player has been sitting at a table.

What you have to understand is that tables normally have a minimum and maximum buy-in. If you want to play with some aggressive players and attempt to double up quickly, look for a table is short handed, look for players with big stacks (significantly above the max buy-in), look for average pots that are of higher value than most 5/10 tables listed, and try to find a spot where the big stacks have been sitting for a while.

When you find this spot, expect to be pushed around. Big stacks will take advantage of their buying power and will raise you frequently, and by a significant amount. This is not the place to "chase" cards and stick with hands that offer very low pot odds. However, this is the place to stay tight and check raise with a great hand. This is a place where you can double up fast. Consider the human psychology of the big stacks. Like you, they cam at the table with an amount that could not exceed the maximum buy-in. If they've been sitting there for a while, and have been making a lot of cash, two things often happen: Over time, they get tired and loose concentration or grew impatient. Also, they're on a high because they're doing so well at the table. Being impatient while thinking you're practically invincible can really affect their play. If you play your cards right, you'll be giving them a reality check when you double up. But remember, don't repeat their error when you ended up being the big stack at the table. There's a time where it's appropriate to take your money and run!

You could also look for the complete opposite where you end up playing a tight table and play more aggressively, winning pots by making others fold. No mater what style you play and what kind of table you like, take the time to study what's available out there. Don't just pick a table randomly. Turn the information you have access to into an advantage. Also keep in mind that table situations change over time. You may want to move to another table at some point if things are not working out the way you intended, or if the mood of the table changed and no longer favors your play style.

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Cash Games: Choosing the Right Poker Table