Cash Games Versus Tournaments : How Do I Choose?

In order to help you along the way to playing the best you can, it is important to realize whether you prefer to play in poker tournaments or cash games. While of course you can excel at both, it is very important to understand the differences in the two different play arenas. In a tournament you can’t just buy more chips, when you make your original buy you receive the starting standard amount of poker chips, normally your goal will be to play your best and go as deep in the tourney as you increase your bankroll during the event. The only exceptions to this are rebuy or add on tournaments. Some tournaments allow you to re-buy more chips when you fall below a certain denomination or when you are completely out of chips until the tournament reaches a certain level. In addition, some tournaments offer add-ons this is an additional buy in offered at a set point in the tournament. When entering any event, you should always ask about the availability of re-buys or add-ons as they can be both a help and a hazard in your decision to play the tournament.

Big Prize tournaments bring out some of the best players so beware; a lot of your opponents could have more tournament experience than you and will be more knowledgeable in the long term play. Also the large prize tournaments will bring in players a lot tougher than the players you will often find in a cash game. These players are well versed in setting up complicated traps and aggressive power moves as well as many poker strategies you might not now. Some of these players also understand that tournament play is only about survival and getting the money.

In a tournament you are in for the long run. Unlike in a cash game you can’t just get up walk to the cashiers cage and cash out. No “hit and runs” in these events you play until there is a winner. I prefer poker tournaments because if you are successful and can out last several other players either in a multi table tournament (MTT) or a sit n go (SNG) you can turn your buy in into a larger amount over time. With the Turbo style of tournaments, play progresses faster and the tournament ends quicker with the rapid increase of the blinds. So if you are playing cash games because of the time factor, try turbo tournaments. I hope this helps you in determining which you prefer to play and best of luck to you either way.