Cash game poker offers a fundamentally different challenge from tournaments. With chips having direct monetary value and blinds staying constant, the strategic approach requires adaptation. This guide covers essential cash game concepts for beating the games.
Cash Game Fundamentals
Unlike tournaments, cash games allow you to:
- Buy in and leave at any time
- Reload if you lose your stack
- Choose your opponents through table selection
- Play consistent strategies without adjusting for blind increases
These factors make cash games more about consistent edge exploitation than survival.
Table Selection
Table selection is the most underrated skill in cash games. The difference between a tough table and a soft table can be the difference between winning and losing.
What to Look For
- High VPIP players: Players who voluntarily put money in the pot often (40%+) are usually recreational
- Large average pot size: Indicates action and loose play
- High players-per-flop: Multiple players seeing flops means weaker ranges
- Short stacks: Often indicate recreational players
What to Avoid
- Tables with multiple known regulars
- Tight games with low average pot sizes
- Tables where you don’t have an identifiable edge
If you’re the fifth-best player at a table of six, you’re losing money. Be honest about where you rank.
Stack Management
Always buy in for the maximum allowed. Deep stacks provide:
- Maximum implied odds on speculative hands
- Ability to put maximum pressure on opponents
- Flexibility to make plays across multiple streets
- Protection against short-term variance
If you can’t afford to buy in for the maximum at a stake, you should play lower.
Position and Range Construction
Cash game ranges are generally tighter than tournament ranges because you’re not under pressure from escalating blinds.
Opening Ranges by Position
- Under the Gun: 10-12% of hands (premium pairs, AK, AQs)
- Middle Position: 14-18% of hands (add AJo, KQs, TT-77)
- Cutoff: 22-28% of hands (add suited connectors, smaller pairs)
- Button: 40-50% of hands (very wide, most suited hands, all pairs)
Bet Sizing Strategy
Precise bet sizing is crucial in deep-stacked cash games.
Preflop
Open to 3x the big blind from early position, 2.5x from late position. Add 1bb per limper. In live games, adjust for the player pool—often need larger sizes.
Post-Flop
- Continuation bets: 50-75% of pot on most textures
- Value bets: Size to maximize value from calling range
- Bluffs: Minimum size needed to fold out opponent’s range
- Polarized rivers: Large bets (75-125% pot) with strong value and bluffs
Exploitative Play
Cash games reward exploitation. Unlike tournament play where you face different opponents each hand, you often play extended sessions against the same players.
Common Player Types
The Calling Station
Never bluff these players. Value bet relentlessly with any made hand. They’ll pay you off with third pair.
The Nit
Steal their blinds frequently. When they show aggression, they have it—fold unless you’re very strong.
The Aggro-Fish
Let them bluff into you. Call down lighter than usual and trap with strong hands. Don’t try to outplay them—let them outplay themselves.
The Solid Regular
Avoid marginal spots. Look for tables with more recreational players instead of battling other regs.
Bankroll Management for Cash Games
Cash games have lower variance than tournaments but can still feature significant swings.
- Recreational players: 10 buy-ins minimum
- Serious players: 20-30 buy-ins
- Professionals: 40-50 buy-ins
These recommendations assume you’re a winning player at your stake. If you’re still learning, keep more buy-ins as you’ll experience higher variance from mistakes.
Session Management
Unlike tournaments with defined endings, cash games require discipline about when to play and quit.
When to Play
- When you’re mentally sharp and focused
- When good games are available
- When you have adequate time (don’t rush)
When to Quit
- When the game becomes tough (weak players leave)
- When you’re tired or tilting
- When you’ve hit a planned stop-loss
- When external factors are affecting your focus
Don’t quit just because you’re winning (winning player fallacy) or play longer to chase losses. Make decisions based on game quality and your mental state.
Common Cash Game Leaks
Playing Too Many Tables
More tables means less attention per decision. Quality beats quantity for most players.
Ignoring Table Selection
Ego leads many players to sit in tough games. Humble yourself and find the fish.
Tilting After Bad Beats
Bad beats happen. The chips always come back if you’re playing well. Tilt is the true leak—not the beats themselves.
Not Adjusting to Opponents
Playing a default strategy regardless of opponents leaves money on the table. Pay attention and exploit weaknesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I know if I’m a winning cash game player?
A: Track your results over at least 50,000 hands (online) or 500+ hours (live). Short-term results are meaningless due to variance. Use tracking software and analyze your play objectively.
Q: What’s a good win rate to aim for?
A: Online, 2-5bb/100 hands is solid at most stakes. Live games can yield 10-20bb/hour against recreational players. Win rates decrease as you move up in stakes due to tougher competition.
Q: Should I play 6-max or full ring?
A: 6-max requires more aggression and plays bigger pots. Full ring is more patient and positional. Choose based on your personality and the games available at your stake.