Poker cash games. Ah, they are the true test of skill, patience and sometimes, how well you can bluff to save your skin. Sure, they’re fun. But that’s not to say you shouldn’t take them seriously. Good cash game strategy just might keep you from donating your stack to the chip charity also known as your opponents.
So take some hints and tips from us and make sure you’re not the human ATM at your next poker cash game.
Cash game strategy for starting hands
Now let’s start at the start with our cash game strategy. And that means starting hands. You know the feeling. You get dealt something that looks like it could be the hero of a fantasy novel. Well hold your horses, Gandalf. Not every hand is a quest worth embarking on.
In cash games, being picking is your best friend. Play strong starting hands and fold the ones that look like they need a miracle to win. Because, let’s face it, miracles are in short supply when the dealer’s involved…
Position, position, position
No, you haven’t just tuned into a real estate show. It just so happens that this is as important in poker as it is in property.
Your position at the table is like being line at a buffet. The later you are, the more choices you have. Being in a late position lets you see what moves your opponents make before you have to decide. This info is gold, like finding out your blind date is a vegan before ordering the steak tartare.
Cash game strategy for betting
Now let’s chat betting. If you’re not betting like you’re trying to buy the pot a nice dinner, you’re doing it wrong. Aggressive betting puts pressure on your opponents. It forces them to make tough decisions. But remember, there’s a thin line between being aggressive and being the person who thinks shouting makes them right.
So you should also know when to fold. Sometimes retreating is the best way to fight another hand.
Bluffing
Ah bluffing. The art of convincing everyone you’ve got the goods when you’re really just holding a pair of socks (or a 2-7, God forbid). But bluff with caution. If you bluff too often, your opponents will start calling you out like you’re the boy who cried flush. So mix it up. Keep them guessing. And when you do bluff, do it with confidence.
Cash game strategy for managing your bankroll
When you’re playing cash games, managing your bankroll is oh so important. It’s one of the most important things in all of cash game strategy. In tournaments, you pay one entry fee and that’s it. But with cash games, you can keep going indefinitely. And therein lies the problem. Know your cash limit for this session. Know how much you want to win before you call it a day, or indeed how much you’re willing to lose. And how much time you want to spend playing.
Because managing your bankroll is like managing a zoo. You need to know which animals (or bets) are safe to feed and which ones are likely to bite your hand off. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your risk. And never, ever play with money you can’t afford to lose. Because unlike Monopoly, you can’t just flip the board when things go south like my big brother used to do every Christmas.
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