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Fast Forward vs Regular tables

As professional online cash game players, we have the option to choose between playing fast-forward type tables (rush, zoom, speed etc.) or regular tables. Professionals tend not to agree on which format is better. That’s why I thought it’s time for a small discussion. Which format do you prefer and why? Here are a few pros and cons for both formats.

Amount of hands

In fast-forward games, you get immediately dealt a new hand after you fold, which means you can play a lot more hands in this format. Fast-forward tables deal up to 3 times as many hands as regular tables. 4 tables of zoom equal 12 regular tables. More hands = more rake back. Some players play up to 8 zoom tables, and to keep up with those guys a ‘regular’ grinder needs to open 24 tables. For the “rake back whore” this could be a reason to play fast forward games.

 

Table selection

When playing fast forward games you can’t table select, which is bad for a professional poker player. We can earn more money if we select our seat and get position on the fish. This is also why pros have a higher win rate in regular games; in fast forward games, we need to battle regs a lot more often. Table selecting is an argument to play on regular tables.

Reads

Another reason to prefer regular tables over fast forward games is the lack of information on villains playing in fast forward games. Good reads give us an edge on opponents. When you play versus a lot of different villains it takes longer to get good reads, especially when the player pool is very big (for example on Pokerstars).

Aggressive regulars could also see this as an argument that favors the fast forward games. Less information creates a different dynamic to the game. Villains don’t have much information on you, so you can get away with a lot of “moves”. The biggest risk is, that you out-level yourself often, so personally, I wouldn’t recommend this at all.

My conclusion

In my opinion for most regulars it’s just better to play regular tables, they are more profitable because you can always have the position on the fish! If you are an advanced player with superior poker skills and great standard lines it could be interesting to play in fast forward games. What is your opinion? Did I miss a few arguments?

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