Game selection means choosing which poker format, stake, and platform to play based on where you have the highest expected win rate and hourly profit.
Game selection is the most underrated skill in poker
| Factor |
Impact |
| Skill gap |
Larger edge vs weaker players |
| Rake |
Lower rake = higher win rate |
| Traffic |
More games = better selection |
| Format |
Some formats have softer fields |
| Question |
What to Look For |
| Who plays here? |
Recreational vs reg heavy |
| What stakes? |
Different demographics |
| What time? |
Fish play certain hours |
| What format? |
Some formats attract softer players |
| Factor |
Impact |
| Rake structure |
Affects bottom line |
| Rakeback/VIP |
Can add 10-30%+ to earnings |
| Traffic |
Need games running |
| Software |
Quality of life |
| Security |
Cheating prevention |
| Format |
Typical Toughness |
| NLHE Cash |
Most studied, tough |
| PLO Cash |
Growing, still softer |
| MTTs |
Varies by buy-in |
| Spins/Jackpots |
Attracts recreationals |
| Mixed games |
Specialists only |
| Strategy |
Application |
| Play where you crush |
Max win rate stake |
| Move up slowly |
Prove yourself first |
| Be willing to drop |
Ego aside |
| Time |
Typical Field |
| Evenings/weekends |
More recreational |
| Weekday mornings |
Reg-heavy |
| During sports events |
Degens playing |
| Holidays |
Mixed |
| Platform Type |
Consideration |
| Major networks |
More traffic, tougher |
| Regional sites |
Softer but less volume |
| Private clubs |
Can be very soft |
| Live poker |
Usually softer than online |
| Sign |
Problem |
| All regulars at table |
No money coming in |
| Very low traffic |
Limited options |
| High rake, no rakeback |
Eating your edge |
| Known cheating issues |
Risk |
| Wrong |
Right |
| "I'll beat anyone" |
"I'll play where I make most" |
| "Low stakes are beneath me" |
"Win rate > stake ego" |
| "This site is convenient" |
"This site is profitable" |
Game selection can double your win rate without improving your skills. Choose stakes, times, and platforms where recreational players are present and rake is reasonable. Ego about stakes costs money. Play where you make the most per hour.