For poker players, particularly those looking to make a profit, finding the “softest” poker games can be a game-changer. Soft poker games are those where the competition is relatively easy, with less experienced players or players who are less skilled. Finding these types of games can give you a significant edge, as you’ll be able to make more consistent profits. In this guide, we’ll explore how to find the softest poker games online in the UK, covering factors to consider, the best platforms poker sites uk, and strategies to help you identify and exploit softer games.
1. Choose the Right Poker Sites
The first step in finding soft poker games is selecting the right poker sites. Some sites attract a larger number of recreational players, while others are home to more serious competitors. Sites that focus on casual players or those with a broader range of poker games often tend to have softer competition. Here are a few top poker sites in the UK where you may find softer games:
- 888poker: Known for being beginner-friendly, 888poker attracts many recreational players who are still learning the game. The site offers a variety of cash games, tournaments, and low-stakes tables, making it a good choice for finding softer games.
- Unibet Poker: Unibet Poker is another site that caters to recreational players. Its user interface is designed to be easy to navigate, and the site often features softer competition at lower stakes. The relaxed atmosphere at Unibet is ideal for players who want to avoid the pressure of facing highly skilled professionals.
- Grosvenor Poker: Grosvenor is a well-established UK brand that appeals to both recreational and professional players. While the site offers serious cash games and tournament action, its focus on community-oriented play can lead to softer games, especially in lower stakes tables.
- Partypoker: Although it hosts a lot of experienced players, Partypoker also attracts recreational players due to its variety of games and regular promotions. Partypoker’s softer games can often be found in lower-stakes cash games and micro-stakes tournaments.
2. Focus on Lower Stakes Games
If you’re looking for soft poker games, focusing on lower stakes is often a good strategy. At these levels, you’ll encounter more recreational players who are still learning the nuances of poker. While you might not win huge amounts at the lower stakes, these games offer a greater likelihood of encountering weak players who make frequent mistakes, giving you more opportunities to capitalize on their poor decisions.
Typically, the softer games are found in stakes ranging from £0.01/£0.02 to £0.25/£0.50, although some sites may offer even lower limits. Beginners often feel more comfortable at these lower levels, as they’re less intimidating, which results in a less competitive atmosphere.
3. Play During Off-Peak Hours
Another tactic for finding softer games is to play during off-peak hours. The time of day can affect the quality of players at the tables. During peak hours, you may encounter more experienced and professional players who know how to exploit weaknesses in your play. On the other hand, during off-peak hours, you’re more likely to find casual players who are just enjoying the game without any serious strategy or skill.
In the UK, peak hours tend to be in the evenings, particularly after work hours (5 PM to 9 PM). To find softer games, try playing during mid-morning or late at night when fewer serious players are online. During these hours, the tables tend to be filled with less experienced players, increasing your chances of encountering soft games.
4. Use Poker Tracking Software
Using poker tracking software is a useful tool for identifying soft games. Software like PokerTracker or Hold’em Manager allows you to track your own play and analyze the tendencies of other players at the table. This can help you identify players who are making frequent mistakes or who are playing in a non-optimal way. By observing these players, you can identify softer games and exploit their weaknesses more effectively.
While poker tracking software can help you understand your opponents’ tendencies, it’s important to note that some sites may have restrictions on the use of such software, so make sure to read the terms and conditions of each platform to avoid any issues.
5. Look for Sites with Smaller Player Pools
Smaller poker sites or those with less traffic may offer softer games due to their smaller, less competitive player pools. While these sites may not have the same level of action as bigger platforms like PokerStars or 888poker, they can provide an opportunity to face weaker players. The less popular the poker room, the higher the likelihood that you will encounter casual players who are just playing for fun rather than for profit.
In addition, smaller sites often offer great bonuses and promotions to attract new players, which can be beneficial for those looking to play soft games with minimal financial risk.
6. Play in Tournaments with Smaller Buy-Ins
In addition to cash games, tournaments can also provide opportunities to find soft poker games, especially at lower buy-in levels. Tournaments with smaller buy-ins often attract less experienced players who are not as skilled at tournament strategy. These players tend to make more mistakes, which you can take advantage of as you advance through the event.
Look for daily or weekly tournaments with buy-ins under £5, as these tend to attract more recreational players. While the competition may be soft in the early stages, it’s important to stay focused as you progress, as the quality of players will typically improve in later stages.
7. Join Poker Communities and Forums
Many online poker communities and forums offer valuable insights into the best poker sites with softer games. Players share their experiences, discuss strategies, and point out where they’ve encountered weaker competition. Websites like TwoPlusTwo, PokerStrategy, or Reddit’s r/poker can provide up-to-date information on soft games in the UK, and you can learn from others’ experiences.
Joining these communities can help you connect with other players, ask for advice, and share tips for finding softer poker games. Additionally, some forums even offer exclusive freerolls or promotional deals for members, which can help you maximize your playtime while minimizing risk.
Conclusion
Finding the softest poker games online in the UK is all about knowing where to look and when to play. By focusing on sites with recreational players, targeting lower stakes games, and playing during off-peak hours, you can increase your chances of finding softer competition. Additionally, using poker tracking software and joining online poker communities can provide valuable insights into the best places to play. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these strategies can help you find the softest poker games and ultimately improve your chances of making consistent profits.
