Poker is one of those games that everyone seems to know a bit about. This could be from movies or just chatting with friends. It is fair to say that poker is super popular (and has been for hundreds of years now).
Not everyone knows that there are different ways to play poker. Cash games are one of these popular ways to play. If you’ve heard the phrase but you’re not quite sure what it means, you’re not alone. It is one of the main ways to play poker – we’ve got you covered with a full explanation…
Cash Games – Just One Way to Play Poker
Poker has exploded in popularity over the years. Poker once meant sitting around a table at someone’s house or in a smoky casino. Online games mean people can play poker at any time. They can play in huge tournaments with thousands of players or join smaller cash game tables for a quick session. There’s more choice than ever before.
Online poker sites have lots of different formats and styles. This variety means people who are interested can find something that suits them. Some might prefer to compete in a big tournament against many players. Some might like a quiet cash game table where you can join and leave whenever you want. Because of this flexibility, poker has become even more popular worldwide.
Choice is very important for a lot of players. Sites like Thunderpick are examples of those with numerous ways to play. People can log in to Thunderpick and see a variety of different games. There are even some variations of poker. The game is still evolving, and we see different varieties beyond Hold’em (still the most popular).
Another big part of the appeal of online poker is that you can play at any level. Beginners can start at tables where bets are smaller if they wish. Experienced players can go for higher stakes. This wide range of options is especially true for cash games. Players can choose exactly how much they want to play with which makes cash games accessible to almost anyone.
So What Exactly is a Cash Game?
Cash games are one of the simplest ways to play poker. Unlike tournaments, cash games don’t have a fixed start and end time. Players can join and leave the table at any point. They buy chips for real money. Each chip has a direct cash value and is what is used to bet.
In a cash game where chips are worth $1 each, buying 50 chips means a player will have $50 in play. If they win a hand and gain 20 more chips, they now have $70 worth of chips. Players can get up and exchange those chips back into cash. Simple as that.
Cash games usually have minimum and maximum amounts you can buy in for. This keeps the game balanced. Tables are often described by their “stakes”, such as 1/2 dollars (or other currencies). That means the small bet (blind) is £1, and the larger bet is £2. Players know exactly what they’re getting into because the stakes stay the same.
Cash games don’t have a prize for first or second place like tournaments. Players try to gradually build their stacks by winning individual hands. Because there’s no pressure to reach the final table, many players prefer the steady pace of cash games. They can come and go as they please.
Some of the players whom people associate with winning big tournaments are also players of cash games. Dan Negreanu’s Masterclass devotes a whole section to the art of playing cash games.
The rules of each hand are the same. Things like the hierarchy of card and hand values will remain the same in either game. But the game overall is slightly different based on whether someone is trying to reach a final or not. Strategy has to be different in a tournament setup.
Cash Games vs. Tournaments – The Big Differences
It’s important to understand the differences between cash games and tournaments. Tournament players pay a single entry fee and get a certain number of chips. Once they lose all those chips, they are out of the tournament. Players keep playing until one person has all the chips. Winners are paid based on finishing positions, and usually with the top few players getting a cut of the money.
Cash games work differently. Players use their own money as chips, and there is no elimination. They can always buy back in and keep playing. It’s a continuous game. This is a variation when compared to tournaments that eventually come to a definite end.
Tournaments require more time commitment. Players need to stay in until they are knocked out or win. Cash games are more relaxed. Players can hop in for ten minutes or stay for hours. It depends entirely on their preferences and schedules.