row/colspan is so easy if it's actually explained properly - which is never is to a beginner. the part that no one seems to mention which annoys me is the fact the tables must be symmetrical. row 1 cell 2 if 275 px wide. row 2 cell 2 can't be 350! people don't make symmetrical designs then run into this, then emebd table after table to compensate for not taking the time to line up/fix and it ruins my surfing experience.