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An exciting feature unique to online poker is the ability to play at multiple tables at the same time. Certain card rooms have restrictions on the number of simultaneous tables you can have running, however many have recently enabled players to join up to four poker games at once!

As the variety of poker software continually improves we are seeing custom options also developing to assist in the fun and viability of multi-table play. Reknown for their innovative poker sofware, Ultimate Bet has had a ‘mini-view’ feature that has been popular for quite some time. For those lucky enough to have minimum screen resolution of 1600 x 1200 , Poker Champs has view options that can fit up to 6 tables running fully visible on your desktop. Most players for now will content themselves with moving around different poker tables as well as a lobby accross their desktop into patterns that seem the most appropriate depending on the seating at their tables.

With the prospect of earning more rake from the same players, the poker rooms have been very keen to promote their multi-table capabilities. The debate on whether each of us should actually play more than one table at once usually depends on our poker skill, playing styles and goals.

Recreational players seem to be mostly divided into two camps. Some players love the action, and enjoy playing tons of hands. The pure number of cards being dealt and almost constant action is the only way these players will really pay attention to the game and come out winners, otherwise they are easily bored and distracted by elements outside the game, often proving very costly. others that enjoy a more friendly and relaxed slow-pace game with side chatting. Any players that are easily confused or frusturated at making a strategy or possible a clicking mistake should be forwarned about the pitfalls of playing too many tables.

More serious players also have varying ideas on the subject that usually fall into main two view points. Some pros, intent on maximizing their winnings, will argue that a profitable player would earn at least a percentage of their hourly profit rate at each additional table they play at. Even if the profits per table are somewhat reduced, the total wins should be greater, justifying multi-table action. There are other excellent players that will insist certain playing styles, particularly those that heavily rely on reading other players, need the focus of only playing one table at a time, otherwise losses will likely occur on all fronts as their style is put to a disadvantage.

The practice of playing in tournaments and side games simultaneously has increased, adopted mostly by tournament enthusiasts looking to earn the same card room player rewards as the rest of the cash game players. This trend is only expected to grow as the past year showed many poker software upgrades enabling multi-table options at card rooms that were previously lacking the ability.

Did you know that Baccarat is James Bond’s favorite casino game? Neither did I, but apparently it’s true! Unfortunately I wasn’t able to discover if it is traditional baccarat that 007 likes or if it is one of the many variations. Anyway; just so that every-one is aware of the types of baccarat in existence and on offer, here’s a brief overview of some of the variations:

Mini Baccarat

This is the most commonly found form of Baccarat in American Casinos and online casinos; it is very similar to traditional baccarat but with lower limits to enable wider accessibility. Other variations include: a smaller table, only the dealer handles the shoe, and the table is worked by one dealer only.

Chemin-de-fer

If the name wasn’t enough of a give away, this is a French variation of the originally Italian game, Baccarat. It’s translation ‘railroad’ doesn’t sound quite so romantic but quite fitting due to the main difference between Chemin-de-fer and traditional baccarat; namely that the French variation insists on the passing of the shoe from one player to the next when the first player has lost his hand; this ensures a railroading of the shoe around the table.

Super Pan Nine

This is a slim lined version of traditional baccarat; the decks are reduced by having the 7, 8, 9, and 10 cards removed from the decks. To compensate for the low numbers present three cards are dealt rather than two, with an option for drawing a fourth. In this version a hand of 3 or 4 only will result in the banker drawing a fourth card.

Private Baccarat

This is an unusual variation of baccarat in which the banker may choose whether to deal one or two hands to the player. Should he choose to deal the player two, the player then has the choice to play them both or to pick which one to play. If he picks one the game is as a traditional baccarat game. If however he choose to play both hands he must win both of them in order to beat the dealer; winning one and loosing one results in a tie.

Baccarat en Banque

In this French variation the player is dealt two hands, whilst the dealer is dealt one; betting on the dealers hand is prohibited in this game, and the shoe does not pass from player to player but rather stays with the dealer constantly.

Those are all the variants I know of; I’m sure that 007 could probably enlighten me as to some more, and maybe if I was lucky give me a little tutelage. For the most part it is traditional baccarat or mini-baccarat that you will find; however, it’s always good to be prepared.