• Home page
• Guides
• Texas Hold'em
• Cash Game

Strategies for Texas Hold'em Cash Games

This article is all about the cash game in No Limit Texas Hold'em poker, the so-called "king discipline" of the poker scene. Unlike tournament poker, there is no prize money for rankings in cash games. Consequently, there are also no jumps in winnings, no bubble phase, or other side effects that should influence a poker player's game. In tournament mode, it may be possible to make money even if you haven't played every hand well. However, in cash games, it is always important to show your best poker skills in order to play profitably in the long run. Therefore, in this article, we provide some information and tips to improve your game so that you belong to the profitable poker players. Nowadays, most poker players start right away with online poker. Those who stick with it will eventually test their poker knowledge in live poker at the casino. poker-6.com wants to provide an overview of the characteristics of both game philosophies so that you are well-prepared for the game. Similar to the path of most Irish players, we will start with online cash games and later discuss the differences to consider in live poker.

Cash game special features

In Cash Game, the value of chips is synonymous with real money. The regulations stipulate the maximum number of chips one can bring to the table. Typically, players can buy-in for a value ranging from 25 to 200 Big Blinds. What sets Cash Game apart is the ability to purchase additional chips at any time. Even if one has lost their entire chip stack, they can re-enter the game by buying in again.

5 proven cash game strategies for success

When playing at a cash game poker table, whether online or live, there are several peculiarities and differences compared to poker tournaments. Many tournament players, who only occasionally indulge in cash games, find it difficult to adjust their playing style at the cash game poker table. You can benefit from this by considering a few simple things. Stick to these five strategies and play cash games as profitably as possible:

1. Steal blinds

   Seize the opportunity whenever possible to pilfer the blinds, particularly when occupying the button or cutoff positions. This strategic move yields a high success rate and exposes one to minimal risk in cash game settings. Unlock the potential of this maneuver and reap the rewards.

2. Limper at the table

   At Low Stakes tables, players who call too often and play too many hands, commonly referred to as "Calling Stations," present an opportunity for you to gain an advantage. By adjusting your playing style, you can exploit their weaknesses. Limpers at the table are often inexperienced or weak players. Allow your opponents to limp for an extended period and use this as an opportunity to build the pot when you have a strong hand.

3. Double Barrel

   If you have a strong hand, raised after the flop, and one or more players called, it is advisable to make another bet or raise on the turn. This strategy, known as the Double Barrel, will often force even the tightest players to fold, even if they have a high pair, overcards, or a nuts-draw!

4. River Bluff

   Similar to the Double Barrel strategy, bluffing on the river is also an effective tactic to get rid of the many tight players in small stakes cash games. Regardless of the pot odds, many players will fold without having the best hand. This approach is a clever way to exploit their cautiousness and make them relinquish their chips. By strategically representing a strong hand, you can deceive your opponents into thinking that their hand is no match and force them to fold. This maneuver requires skillful execution and a good understanding of your opponents' tendencies. With careful timing and a well-crafted narrative, you can successfully pull off a river bluff and take down the pot without having the winning hand.

5. Aggressive game

   When playing a tournament, there are numerous factors to consider before determining whether to play aggressively or tightly. However, when it comes to a poker cash game, you can almost always adopt an aggressive playing style. Especially at small stake tables, opponents often struggle to handle this approach, making mistakes more likely. It's important to adjust your level of aggressiveness based on the skill level of your opponents.

Online Cash Games: Poker Sites and Table Selection

To maximize your success in playing cash games, it is crucial to choose a poker site that offers optimal conditions for cash game players. Our comprehensive comparison of online poker platforms ensures that you will easily find a site that suits your preferences. Rest assured that our selection guarantees an enjoyable and rewarding cash game experience.

In addition to selecting the poker site, it is equally important to choose the right game. Most poker providers offer a choice between 6-Max and Full Ring cash game tables. In 6-Max, as the name implies, there are only six players at the table. This leads to more action and faster gameplay. Full Ring, on the other hand, is the traditional poker game with 8 to 10 players. For beginners, a Full Ring table may be more suitable, as 6-Max tends to have more experienced players on most sites.

In addition to the number of players, choosing a limit is also necessary. On the major poker sites, limits of all sizes are offered, and the blind sizes range from $0.02 to $400. Similarly, when playing online poker, it is possible to play multiple tables simultaneously, thereby increasing the volume. However, as a beginner, it is always advisable to play only a manageable number of tables that one can oversee and control. The more tables you play, the less time you have for tricky decisions and the less you can analyze your opponents.

Choosing the perfect limit: Mastering bankroll management

When choosing a limit, it is essential to adhere to strict bankroll management to avoid risking the entire gaming capital. Every player in the world experiences ups and downs in their poker career because, in addition to skill, the factor of card luck influences the bankroll. These fluctuations in the game are called upswings and downswings. It is entirely normal for these phenomena to occur. For this reason, when playing online cash games, it is advisable to have a bankroll of at least 20 buy-ins. For example, if you are playing a limit with a 5 cent big blind and a maximum buy-in of 5 dollars, you should have a bankroll of at least 100 dollars.

No one can assure that one will never lose their entire bankroll, but with a rational management of funds, the likelihood is significantly reduced. If one is able to consistently beat the current limit and possesses a sufficient roll, they can eventually ascend to a higher limit without any concerns. However, if one's bankroll falls below 20 buy-ins, it is advisable to revert back to a lower limit.

Finding the perfect table for No Limit Hold'em cash games.

Blinds	Min./Max. Buy In	Recommended bankroll
0,01/0,02	0,80/2	40 €
0,02/0,05	2/5	100 €
0,05/0,10	4/10	200 €
0,10/0,20	8/20	400 €
0,15/0,30	12/30	600 €
0,25/0,50	20/50	1.000 €
0,50/1	40/100	2.000 €
1/2	80/200	4.000 €
2/4	160/400	8.000 €
3/6	240/600	12.000 €
5/10	400/1.000	20.000 €

How do I play before the flop?

The success at cash game tables heavily relies on the preflop play. It is crucial to assess the starting hands accurately. Considering one's position at the table, a decision must be made whether to bet with the hand cards. It is fundamental to mention that, in most cases, one should either fold or place a bet in cash games. Opting to call the blinds (limping) in order to see as many flops as possible does not yield favorable results in the long run.

When it comes to explaining suitable starting hands in No Limit Texas Hold'em based on position at the table, we can categorize them into the following positions: Early Position (UTG - UTG+2), Middle Position (MP1 - MP2/3), Late Position (CO and BU), Small Blind (SB), and Big Blind (BB). In total, there are various positions that determine the strength of your starting hands in this popular poker game.

Group 1 â Early Position

This particular group occupies the immediate seat behind the Big Blind, making them the first to act. When seated in any of these three positions, it is advisable to only play with truly strong hands, commonly referred to as premium hands. These hands include the Nuts (two Aces), pocket Kings, Queens, and Jacks. Additionally, AKs (suited: of the same suit) can be played from this position. The probability of hitting a three-of-a-kind on the flop is approximately 12%. Even without making a set, premium hands often remain in a favorable position after the flop.

If you're looking to play, the go-to move should be a 3-bet. This means putting down a bet that's three times the value of the big blind.

Group 2 â Middle Position

When occupying a middle position, the advantage lies in the fact that three or more players have already placed their bets or folded. This makes it easier to make a decision. If a player has previously made a 3-bet/4-bet, it is likely that they are holding a premium hand. It is best to assume that the opponent is playing the same starting hands as oneself. This approach should be maintained at least until a few hands have been played against the opponent, allowing for a better assessment of their playing style.

If you have folded to yourself, you can slightly expand your range. Now you can also play hands like TT, 99, 88, AQs, AJs, and AK. It would be best to re-enter with a 3-bet. If you have a starting hand for early position, you can also call if there has been a previous bet. With AA or KK, another raise is also a viable option.

Group 3 â Late Position

Playing from certain positions requires expanding your range, especially if no one has raised before. The following cards should then be included in your range: 77, 66, 55, A10s, AQ, AJ, KQs, ATs. When you're on the button, you can also play additional combinations of the same suit with an Ace, or higher suited connectors like JTs.

In assessing the opponent's bets in earlier positions, it is important to evaluate their range using this framework. It is crucial to only call if one is confident in holding a better or equivalent hand. Conversely, if one is certain of being stronger, raising becomes a favorable move.

Group 4 â Small Blind

Playing aggressively is essential in this position. After that, only the Big Blind remains. By placing a bet, there is a good chance of stealing the Big Blind and making a small profit. Of course, one cannot know whether their hand is better than the opponent's. However, the opponent also doesn't know how strong their own hand really is. As a result, they will frequently fold small suited connectors, high cards with a low kicker, and so on, even if they may have the better hand. If faced with a reraise, it is necessary to reassess the situation and significantly narrow down the range for a call or a re-raise.

Group 5 â Big Blind

As the final player, the big blind is tasked with making a decision, making it the most favorable position in the pre-flop game. As mentioned in the previous section, the small blind and the player on the button will often attempt to steal the blinds. If these players raise noticeably frequently, it is advisable to call or even raise with reasonably decent hands. In this way, one can capitalize on advantageous opportunities and potentially gain an edge in the game.

By adhering to these general guidelines, you will find yourself in fewer challenging situations during your preflop play and consequently establish a solid foundation for a profitable cash game. Following these rough principles should help keep you out of sticky situations during the preflop stage, allowing you to build a strong groundwork for a cash game that yields profits. When one adheres to these broad guidelines, they will encounter far fewer difficult situations in their preflop play, thereby establishing the groundwork for a cash game that can generate profits. If you stick to these broad guidelines, you'll encounter fewer challenging situations in your preflop play, enabling you to lay the foundation for a profitable cash game. By adhering to these general guidelines, you can minimize the number of difficult situations you encounter in your preflop play and establish the groundwork for a cash game that is profitable.

Playing postflop correctly

After a flop, one can follow some simple rules: if you hit a good hand, such as a top pair or better, you should place a bet during the subsequent betting rounds (streets). However, if the opponent makes a bet or a raise and the community cards suggest that the opponent likely holds an even better hand, one must be able to fold their hand. This is especially true in situations where you hold one or two high pairs or a set, but the opponent could complete a flush or a straight through an unfavorable board. It is crucial to be able to recognize such scenarios and fold accordingly.

If you haven't hit anything on the flop or don't believe you have the strongest hand, it's important to be able to assess your chances of improving your hand. To make this assessment, there are two factors you should consider. Firstly, by counting the number of cards that can improve your hand (outs), you can calculate the probability of winning the pot. Secondly, you should also take into account the pot odds to decide whether your call is worth it based on the size of the pot. Acquiring this basic knowledge is essential for a successful poker game.

Play tight!

One advantage of cash games is that players are never under time pressure. The blinds do not increase, and one can always buy more chips. This allows players to patiently wait for their chance and avoid rushing. Players can afford to wait for good starting hands. Especially in early positions, it is advisable to only enter the game with strong hands. The later the position, the more one can also play with slightly weaker hands. Once someone is in the game, however, it is important to play aggressively and bet or raise. Additionally, since not all opponents are known at the beginning of a game, it is best to take a calmer approach. If the first few hands do not contain strong cards, it is better to fold and use the gained time to analyze the opponents.

Distinctions compared to live poker

When it comes to online cash games, there are several significant disparities compared to live poker at a casino. On one hand, the selection of tables is limited at a casino, and not all limits are always played. Primarily, it is advisable to familiarize oneself with the offered limits and game variations before visiting a casino. It is not recommended to play limits that one does not feel comfortable with. Furthermore, it is important to consider the differences in pace and dynamics between online and live poker.

Furthermore, the gameplay in live poker is generally much more challenging. Unlike online poker, where players can conveniently see their own and their opponents' stacks displayed on the screen, in live poker, one must personally maintain order and control over their chips. Once chips are pushed into the center, this move cannot be undone.

One notable distinction between online and live poker lies in the pace of the game; online poker allows for a significantly higher number of hands played per hour. This disparity is unsurprising given the automation of tasks such as shuffling and chip counting. In this context, the computer simply outperforms the human, exhibiting swiftness and efficiency.

The computer can provide additional advantages in online poker. Nowadays, there are various programs available that store and analyze data from played hands. For instance, you can display the number of hands you've played against Player XY, how often they've placed a 3-bet preflop and a continuation bet after the flop, or how frequently they fold in the big blind when facing a raise. You have the freedom to choose which information you need for your game. In a casino, these options are naturally unavailable. All the information can only be gathered through high attentiveness and concentration. With increasing experience, you can easily filter out the important details. If necessary, you can even jot down a few notes on a piece of paper. Knowing which cards opponents have shown down makes it easier to assess their range in later situations.

It is worth mentioning that, generally, when it comes to live poker, one should ideally have a minimum of 50 buy-ins to be able to discuss a sensible and responsible bankroll management.