Tournaments vs Cash Games
Level 5 - Lesson 1
Key Takeaways (Quick Summary)
- •Tournaments: fixed buy-in, big prizes, take long time, need survival
- •Cash: can leave anytime, instant profits, stable strategy, easier bankroll
- •Tournaments rely on ICM - chip value changes based on tournament stage and remaining positions
- •Cash is better for beginners - less pressure, faster learning, ability to play with smaller amounts
Two Completely Different Worlds
Tournaments and cash games are two different types of poker - each requires completely different strategy, mindset, and skills!
Basic Differences
Cash Games
- Chips = real money
- Can leave anytime you want
- Can rebuy
- Blinds are fixed
- No time pressure
- Play to maximize profit
Tournaments
- Chips ≠ direct money
- Play until end or elimination
- No rebuy (or limited)
- Blinds increase constantly
- Increasing time pressure
- Play to survive and reach end
Detailed Comparison
| Criterion | Cash Games | Tournaments |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Open - play as you wish | 2-12 hours+ |
| Variance | Relatively low | Very high |
| ROI | 3-10 BB/100 | 20-50% ROI (for winners) |
| Bankroll | 20-30 Buy-ins | 50-100 Buy-ins |
| Skills | deep-stack, postflop | short-stack, push/fold |
| Pressure | Low | High (especially endgame) |
Strategic Differences
1. Chip Value
Cash:
$100 chips = $100 real
Fixed and direct value
→ Play for value
Tournament:
Chip value changes constantly
Chip EV ≠ $ EV
→ Play for survival
2. All-in Decisions
Cash:
• All-in only with strong +EV
• Can rebuy
• No problem with calculated risk
Tournament:
• All-in = life or death
• No rebuy (or limited)
• Avoid flips unless necessary
3. Stack Size Strategy
Cash:
• Always deep-stack (100BB+)
• Postflop very important
• Time to think
Tournament:
• Constantly decreasing
• Push/fold very important
• Quick decisive decisions
4. Hand Selection
Cash:
• Suited connectors excellent
• Small pairs profitable
• Speculative hands good
• High implied odds
Tournament:
• Big cards better
• High pairs more important
• Avoid speculative
• Showdown value important
Which is Better for You?
✓ Cash Games suitable if:
- Want stable and relatively predictable income
- Prefer flexibility in time
- Postflop is your strong skill
- Don't like high variance
- Want to know your profit immediately
✓ Tournaments suitable if:
- Love the thrill and competition
- Have patience to play for hours
- Short-stack play is your strength
- Can handle variance
- Dream of big win
💡 Optimal Solution:
Play both! Most pros play cash for stable income and tournaments for big wins and fun.
Transition Tips
From Cash to Tournaments:
• Learn push/fold charts
• Think about ICM
• Be more patient
• Calculate M-ratio (your stack ÷ orbit cost)
• Don't play every hand like cash
From Tournaments to Cash:
• Develop postflop skills
• Learn implied odds
• Widen your hand range
• Don't fear calculated all-in
• Chips = money - don't play scared
Common Mistakes
❌ Playing tournaments like cash: You'll get eliminated early
❌ Playing cash like tournaments: Too tight = little profit
❌ Same bankroll for both: Tournament variance destroys cash roll
❌ Not specializing: Choose one and master it first
Lesson Summary
Tournaments and Cash Games = two completely different games in one!
There is no "better" game - each has its own charm and challenges. The real winner is the one who masters both!