What “Table Type” Means In Online Poker
Table type usually refers to how many players sit at the table.
Common formats:
- Full Ring: 9–10 players (sometimes 8)
- 6-Max: 6 player
- Heads-Up: 2 players
Fewer players means:
- blinds come around more often
- you’re forced to play more hands
- aggression becomes more important
More players means:
- you can wait for stronger hands
- multiway pots happen more often
- value betting is more straightforward
If you want the full series overview first, start with Online Poker Guide: Rules, Strategy & Tips. This article explains the major table types, what changes strategically, and which one is best for your learning style.
Full Ring Poker (9–10 Players)
Full ring is the most “traditional” poker format. It’s often slower and more patient because there are more players to act behind you.
What Full Ring Feels Like
- fewer hands played per hour
- tighter ranges from most players
- more multiway pots at low stakes
- big hands tend to collide less often, but when they do, pots get large
Full Ring Strategy Basics
- play tighter in early position
- don’t force action out of boredom
- value bet strong hands because calls are common
- respect raises (especially from tight players)
Full ring can be a good learning environment if you like a calmer pace and want more time to think.
6-Max Poker (6 Players)
6-max is the most common online cash format and is widely used in tournaments too. It’s faster and forces you into more decisions.
What 6-Max Feels Like
- blinds hit you more often
- more stealing and re-stealing
- wider ranges overall
- more heads-up pots postflop
Why 6-Max Feels More Aggressive
With fewer players, if everyone waited for premium hands, the blinds would eat them alive. So players open more hands and fight more for pots.
6-Max Strategy Basics
- open wider in late position
- defend blinds more intelligently (but don’t go crazy)
- learn to handle aggression (c-bets, 3-bets)
- stay focused, because you’ll face more spots per hour
If you want a preflop foundation that fits any table type, revisit The Essentials Of Preflop Strategy In Online Poker.
Heads-Up Poker (2 Players)
Heads-up poker is intense. You are in the blinds constantly, and you’ll play a high percentage of hands.
What Heads-Up Feels Like
- almost every hand is played
- constant pressure and aggression
- rapid swings in momentum
- small mistakes become expensive
Heads-up is not usually the best starting point for beginners because:
- it requires strong hand-reading skills
- variance feels brutal
- you’ll be forced into many marginal spots
Heads-Up Strategy Basics (Beginner-Level)
- position matters massively (button is huge)
- top pair goes up in value
- bluffing frequency increases
- you must adjust quickly to opponent tendencies
If you like challenge and rapid learning, heads-up can be great later, but it’s usually better after you have a stable 6-max or full ring foundation.
How Table Type Changes Starting Hands
The biggest difference across formats is range width.
- In full ring, early position should be tight because many players are behind you.
- In 6-max, you play wider because there are fewer players to wake up with strong hands.
- In heads-up, you play very wide because folding too much is a guaranteed loss.
A simple way to think about it:
- More players = stronger starting hands required
- Fewer players = you must play more hands to survive
How Table Type Changes Postflop Play
Postflop also changes.
Full Ring Postflop
- more multiway pots
- one pair hands lose value in multiway action
- bluffing works less often because someone usually has something
- value betting becomes the main profit driver
6-Max Postflop
- more heads-up pots
- bluffing and pressure work more often
- position becomes even more important because pots are contested
Heads-Up Postflop
- wide ranges collide constantly
- top pair and second pair become common showdown winners
- reading patterns and adjusting is everything
Which Table Type Is Best For Beginners?
It depends on what you struggle with.
Full ring is great if you:
- want more time to think
- prefer tighter, simpler ranges
- want fewer high-pressure spots
6-max is great if you:
- want more practice hands per hour
- want to learn modern online poker faster
- are comfortable with more aggression
Heads-up is best if you:
- want intense skill-building
- already have fundamentals
- enjoy battling and adjusting quickly
Most beginners do well starting with full ring or 6-max at micro stakes, then experimenting later.
Common Mistakes When Switching Table Types
- playing full ring ranges in 6-max (too tight, blinds destroy you)
- playing 6-max ranges in full ring (too loose, dominated often)
- trying heads-up too early and tilting quickly
- defending blinds without a plan
A quick fix: before a session, remind yourself what format you’re playing and adjust your default range.
Quick Takeaways
- Full ring is slower and tighter, with more multiway pots
- 6-max is faster and forces more aggression and wider ranges
- Heads-up is intense and requires frequent adjustments
- Fewer players = blinds matter more and you must play more hands
- Pick the format that matches your learning pace and focus
Mini FAQ
Is 6-Max Harder Than Full Ring?
It can feel harder because it’s faster and more aggressive, but it also helps you learn quicker.
Do I Need Different Strategy For Different Table Types?
Yes. Your starting hands widen as the table gets shorter, and postflop aggression increases.
Should Beginners Play Heads-Up?
Usually not first. Start with full ring or 6-max, then try heads-up once fundamentals feel stable.
Where To Go Next
You’ve now learned how table size changes ranges, aggression, and decision pressure online.
If you want to reinforce this, the best next move is to understand the skill that stays relevant in every format: bankroll management. The faster and more aggressive the game, the more important it is to protect your roll and avoid emotionally-driven reloads.
Continue with How To Manage Your Online Poker Bankroll.
