This lesson will focus on the differences between regular-speed tables and fast-fold tables, or more specifically, PokerStars’ Zoom. At the end of the day, poker is poker, however, there are some slight strategical differences that you should be aware of before jumping in with both feet.
ZOOM IS FAST, LIKE REALLY FAST
The first (and most obvious) difference is the speed of Zoom compared to regular tables. You get to play more hands per hour which in theory should help you improve at a faster rate. If you’re dealt a hand that you don’t want to play, simply click the fast fold button. This will move you to another table where you’ll be dealt another hand almost instantaneously. This doesn’t change the anything in regards to card distribution, such being dealt AA more often, but it sure may seem like it.
Playing Zoom means you no longer have to wait around for playable hands. And due to the speed of hands dealt, you should see around four times the amount of hands per hour as you’d see at a regular table. This is a win-win for both recreational players and full-time grinders.
Recreational players hate sitting around waiting for hands – they’re at the table to have fun and hit flops.
With Zoom, the fun players can take a seat and start splashing about immediately. It’s also more exciting for them to not have to observe hands they’re not involved in. Of course, this could also have the complete opposite effect, as some loose players may choose to fast-fold hands they would otherwise play at regular tables.
For the more serious player, playing Zoom is advantageous based purely on the increased amount of hands. More hands per hour means a higher hourly rate, conceivably, as well as the rate at which they can improve since they will be exposed to certain situations at a much higher frequency throughout each session. Zoom tables are somewhat tighter, however, so typical bb/100 win rates will generally be smaller, but again, you’re dealt four times as many hands per hour, so there’s definitely a trade-off.
TABLE DYNAMICS
The second major difference between Zoom and regular tables has to do with table dynamics. In Zoom, you’re moving to a different table with every new hand dealt. With player pools in the hundreds at most Zoom games, you may see the same person only one every 25 hands. Therefore, it will be a lot harder to gain a realistic sample of hands on your opponents compared to regular tables where you build data on the same opponents each and every hand. This could be a positive or a negative depending on how you look at it, but the fact is, you won’t have as much information on your opponents when playing Zoom.
What this does is eliminates having to worry about the changing table dynamic of the tables you’re at and creates a different dynamic to the game altogether. If you’re a player who relies on an exploitative strategy, you’ll have some adjustments to make due to the lack of information on the player pool. Likewise, your opponents won’t have a ton of information on you either but the important point here is to take very standard lines, almost ABC-like, in many situations. Of course, there are valid arguments for increased aggression in common situations to take advantage of the over-folding nits who are playing super by the book.
GAME SELECTION
Last but not least, and probably the biggest difference, in my opinion, is the lack of game selection. When playing Zoom, you’re part of one big player pool all rotating in and out of the same tables. You can’t choose who you play against or the seat you’re in – it’s completely random.
One could argue that this is good for the games because it eliminates “bumhunting”. And while this may be true, this is why win rates will always be higher on regular tables. And, as mentioned earlier, recreational players no longer feel the need to play a ton of hands. The temptation just isn’t there due to the fast fold button. This doesn’t mean that their postflop decisions are any better but you’ll definitely see less ridiculous hands at showdown.
CONCLUSION
So hopefully now you understand the main differences between playing Zoom and regular tables. If maximizing your win rate is important, play regular tables. If you want to challenge yourself and play a ton of volume, play Zoom. It’s really up to you. As you continue through this series, please keep this lesson in mind to interpret any subtle differences in strategy.
