
You’ve watched Matt Damon square off against John Malkovich in a poker game in 1998’s “Rounders,” or you’ve had a fun evening playing Hold’em poker for matchsticks with a group of friends that ignited a need to learn more about this mysterious game of poker which, as you scratch the surface, doesn’t quite seem what it appears to be.
A cursory search on the Internet offers terms like “flush draw,” “stakes,” and “big blind.” You then probably join a legal online poker site, play a few hesitant games and gradually become accustomed to the general play and rhythms of the game.
You play cash games and tournaments, without regard to the intricacies of both. Top ranked hands have a better chance of winning the pot, right? Play the player, not the cards in your hand? Check.
Turns out there is an ocean of difference between poker tournaments and cash games. For anyone who is curious to get a solid understanding on everything concerning cash game poker, here is a good place to start.
Basics of Poker Cash Games
Before you sit down to play a game, you’d need to choose from a variety of options. Hold’em or Omaha? No limit or Limit? Your bankroll, of course, determines at which stakes you play. Small bankroll, small stakes, that type of thing. Highly skilled? Play from low stakes to nose bleeds, any stake really. Beginner? Stick to the small stakes. Then, would you prefer to play in a poker cash game or have a go at a poker tournament?
What are poker cash games? Easy. You buy some chips, join a few other players for a game. Unique to cash games is that the value of your chips at any given time represents an equivalent value in hard cash. You can count the amount of money you have in the game right there at the table.
A beginner’s guide to poker cash games gives an overview, which will set you off on the right foot.
A good way to demystify the characteristics of cash games is to compare them to poker tournaments. On the face of it, they are similar, but they are worlds apart, especially strategically. Poker pro Darren Elias breaks down the comparison of cash games vs. tournaments nicely. His write-up will be useful for players who are comfortable with the basics of the game, and looking to start playing in a different format than they’re used to.
Common Questions About Poker Cash Games
Here are a few common questions (with replies) regarding poker cash games.
Are Poker Cash Games Profitable?
According to statistics, poker cash games are more profitable than poker tournaments.
Cash games are generally more readily available too. You could customize your playing time around your personal schedule, unlike the set times for tournaments. Some would even say cash games are the workhorses and the earners while tournaments are for the prestige.
How Much Can You Earn from Poker Cash Games?
Several factors influence the answer to this question: where you are in the world, your skill level, the stakes at which you play, just to name a few.
Can You Make a Living Playing Cash Game Poker?
The same applies here. This is highly influenced by diverse factors, probably most importantly your level of expertise. Very few people are able to make a living from playing cash game poker.
How to Win in Poker Cash Games?
We’ll have to stick to the basics. Know the game inside out. Play aggressively. Be aware of the value of position in the game at any given moment, and milk it for what it’s worth. Mix up your style of play to keep your opponents guessing.
What Are the Denominations for Poker Cash Games?
If you play at a casino, you’ll typically see the following chip values for cash games: white ($1), red ($5), blue ($10), and green ($25).
How Much to Bring to a Poker Cash Game?
There is some consensus that you should try to start off with around 100bb in a cash game. This would protect you from the wrath and aggression of big stack players and would also enable you to pressure those with shorter stacks really effectively.
How Long Should You Play Cash Game Poker?
This is an individual choice, but know that your mental capacity for the game and your stamina naturally decline over a period of time. Know yourself and your limits.
Are Home Cash Poker Games Legal?
This differs by state. You’d have to confirm with the local and state gaming regulations.
Are There Any Real Cash Games That Pay Real Money?
Yes, real cash games always deal with real money.
Do Poker Players Pay Taxes on Cash Games?
In the US all gambling winnings are taxable. This includes any winnings on poker cash games.
How Do Casinos Make Money on Poker Cash Games?
The casinos take a percentage, called the rake, of each pot played. It typically ranges from 2.5% to 10% of each hand.
Are Cash Games Harder Than Tournament Poker?
Cash games and tournament poker are two different animals and cannot be compared. Cash games need a different set of strategies to tournament poker and vice versa. Cash games are flexible with time, so you can join and leave whenever you like, while tournament games run for a set period of time, from two hours to days and weeks. For this reason, tournament poker can be physically and mentally more taxing.
Play Online with BetMGM Poker
After having considered which type of poker game suits your personality and your temperament best, play online poker at BetMGM and get a chance to put it to the test. However you may go about it, it would be a valuable learning curve on your poker journey. Experience is the best teacher. Sign up now and get started with the BetMGM Poker welcome bonus.
Poker cash games are a fun way to test your poker skills and maybe win real money. Read this article for answers to all the questions you may have.