Following upon the prior tips regarding the posting of blinds at the poker table, this tip sheds more light onto the peculiarities of returning to a table after taking a break.

It is inevitable that a player will need to take a break from sitting at the poker table or computer, so this is something that all serious poker players should consider.  The question worth asking is, "When is the best time to take a break"?  Some players will say to take a break immediately before it is one's turn to act on the blinds, thus keeping them from paying out that little extra chunk of change.

However, some players disagree with this advice, saying that by doing so, a player gives up the advantage of acting last (as those who post the blinds always get to do).  These players go further and offer a solution of their own.

Instead of leaving the poker table before the blinds, they recommend a player do so when the big blind has reached the player sitting next to them.  This way, they miss out on having to act first (the worst seat at the poker table), and can return after the dealer button has safely passed.

Keep in mind that in a land-based casino players are required to post the big blind upon returning to a table, as well as forfeit the small blind.  However, for the price of a small blind (which can be folded on), these players find the better positioning at the table to be worth it.

As for online poker rooms (which allow players to press the "Post and Fold" button to initiate a break from the table), these rooms often do not require returning players to forfeit the small blind, and in some cases, not have to post the big blind.  Rather, the player simply joins in on the natural flow of the dealer button, which all internet players can use to their advantage (see previous article in this month's series for details).

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