For many UK poker players, success at the tables isn’t just about skill—it’s also about game selection. Even experienced players can struggle to make a profit at tough tables filled with regulars. On the other hand, soft tables with more recreational players can dramatically increase your win rate. This makes finding the softest tables one of the most important skills in online poker. In this guide, we’ll explore what “soft” tables are, why they matter, and how to identify and join them on best poker sites uk.
What Are “Soft” Tables?
A soft table is one with more inexperienced or recreational players than regular, skilled opponents. These games typically feature loose play, frequent mistakes, and bigger pots—conditions that can significantly benefit disciplined players. Soft tables exist at all stakes but are more common at lower and mid-stakes levels.
Why Soft Tables Matter for Your Profitability
Poker is a skill game, but it’s also competitive. Even the best players will struggle to win consistently at tough tables filled with other top players. By focusing on soft games, you lower your variance, increase your expected value (EV), and improve your bankroll growth. This approach is called “table selection” and is a cornerstone of professional poker strategy.
How to Identify Soft Tables on UK Poker Sites
- Look for High VPIP (Voluntarily Put in Pot)
Many poker clients show average pot sizes or how many players are seeing the flop. Tables with a higher average pot size or more players per flop indicate looser, softer games. - Observe Player Behaviour
Take a few hands to watch before joining. Look for signs of weak play, such as excessive limping, small bet sizes, or calling too frequently. - Time of Day
Soft tables are more common during evenings and weekends when recreational players are online. Early weekday mornings typically attract more serious grinders. - Buy-In Levels
Lower-stakes games usually have softer competition. If you’re new or trying to build a bankroll, start with micro- or low-stakes tables. - Table Size
Full-ring tables (9-10 players) can often be softer than short-handed tables, as casual players prefer a less aggressive pace. - Use Site Filters
Most UK poker sites allow you to filter tables by stakes, number of players, and other metrics. Use these filters to locate softer games quickly.
UK Poker Sites Known for Softer Games
- 888poker UK
888poker is widely regarded as one of the softest sites on the UK market. Its focus on recreational players, easy-to-use software, and frequent promotions attract a more casual audience, creating softer tables. - partypoker UK
While partypoker caters to both serious and casual players, it has invested in making its games fairer and more appealing to newcomers. Its Power Series tournaments and “Fast Forward” poker often feature softer fields. - Bet365 Poker (iPoker Network)
Bet365 Poker’s integration with the iPoker network means it shares liquidity with a range of other European sites, leading to diverse player pools and many soft tables at low stakes. - Grosvenor Poker
Linked to the UK’s largest casino chain, Grosvenor Poker attracts many live players trying online for the first time, which can mean softer cash games and tournaments. - Smaller UK Poker Rooms
Some lesser-known UK poker rooms may also have softer fields due to lower traffic and fewer professional grinders.
Tips for Maximising Your Edge at Soft Tables
- Play Solid, Tight-Aggressive Poker: Exploit loose play by focusing on premium hands and value betting strongly.
- Don’t Bluff Too Much: Recreational players call more often, so save your bluffs for ideal spots.
- Take Notes on Players: Build a database of regular opponents and their tendencies to improve your table selection in the future.
- Use Seating Scripts or Waitlists: Many sites let you join a waitlist for specific tables—use this to target softer games.
The Role of Tournaments vs. Cash Games
Soft tables aren’t limited to cash games. Many UK poker tournaments, especially freerolls and low buy-in events, feature weaker competition. Look for sites with satellites, bounty tournaments, or special promotions to find softer tournament fields.
Why UK Players Have an Advantage
The UK’s regulated poker market prioritises fair play and attracts a broad mix of players. This creates opportunities to find softer games on reputable sites without worrying about security or fairness. Additionally, UK-friendly time zones mean players have access to peak global traffic hours, increasing their chance to find soft tables.
Conclusion
Finding the softest tables on UK poker sites can be just as valuable as improving your poker skills. By focusing on player behaviour, table stats, and timing, you can consistently seat yourself in games with a higher chance of profit. Platforms like 888poker, partypoker, Bet365 Poker, and Grosvenor Poker are excellent places to start. Combine smart table selection with disciplined strategy, and you’ll give yourself a significant edge in the UK online poker scene.
