Poker in 2026: How to Profitably Select Weak Opponents and Manage Rake

Cash game players from 2010 look with sympathy at current regulars due to the significant portion of profit eaten by rake, less generous loyalty programs, and fewer fish at the tables.

To assess the profitability of a game, one must consider the size of the rake, own winrate, fish's looserate, and type of fish. The rake in popular rooms for limits from NL10 to NL500 is provided, with data from Primedope and Greenline.

Aurora notes that with 24% and 30% VPIP, the winrate can be the same, but the final rake will decrease. Viktor Vikro13 compiled a table of looserate dependence on VPIP and the style of the fish. The difference between VPIP and PFR helps determine the aggressiveness of the fish. High WWSF and low WonSD indicate the level of aggression, while WTSD over 30 signals a calling station.