The world of online poker offers two distinct experiences – cash games and tournaments. While the core rules remain the same, mastering each format requires strategic adjustments. Here’s a breakdown of key differences to consider:

Cash Games: All About The Long Grind

• Focus on Profitability: Cash games aim to maximize profit over the long term. Any situation with a positive expected value (EV) is a good play, even if it means occasionally losing a hand.

• Adaptability is Key: You’ll encounter a constant flow of new opponents at cash game tables. Be prepared to adjust your strategy based on table dynamics and player tendencies.

• Aggressive Play Can Be Rewarding: Maintaining a slightly aggressive image can put pressure on opponents and build your pot size with strong hands.

• Bluffing Strategically: A well-timed bluff can win pots when your hand has a decent chance of improvement or when opponents are overly cautious.

Tournaments: Survival Of The Fittest

• Emphasis on Survival: The ultimate goal in tournaments is to stay in the game and accumulate chips as the blinds increase and the field shrinks.

• Tight Play Early: Focus on building a solid chip stack in the early stages when blinds are low. Prioritize strong starting hands and avoid unnecessary risks.

• Adapting to Stages: Adjust your strategy as the tournament progresses. In the middle stages, consider stealing blinds and exploiting weaker players. As the field narrows, patience becomes key.

• Folding Strength: Don’t be afraid to fold even decent hands if the pot odds don’t favor you and calling could cripple your chip stack. In tournaments, survival trumps short-term profit.

Choosing Your Weapon: Starting Hand Selection

• Cash Games: You can afford to be a little looser with starting hand selection in cash games, especially in late position where you have more information about your opponents’ hands.
• Tournaments: Particularly in the early stages of tournaments, tighten up your starting hand selection and prioritize strong hands with good pot odds.