Difference Between Cash Games And Tournaments

There are two types of poker primarily played one is the cash game and the other is the poker tournament. Some players specialize in one or the other. They both have advantages for each type of player who favors them. Cash games are often called ring or live action games. Many of them are the most frequently type of poker played at home or “poker night outs”. There is no end time and players can join or leave when they want to.
Cash Games

As mentioned, this is the most common type of poker played. Tournament poker often requires a minimun of players. In cash games, there is a minimum buy-in and somewhere between 20 to 100 the big blinds is the average requirement. For example, a cash game with blinds of $1/$2 could require anywhere between $40 to $200 to join.
Fixed limit games generally require 10 times the small blind to join. Using the above example, that would be $10. This will vary from place to place both in land based casinos as well as online. There are cash games for every budget though, from small stakes to high roller. In online games, these games are grouped by micro stakes, small stakes, medium stakes and high stakes. Often, you can find these by clicking on the labels for micro, small, medium or high stakes.
Six Max and Full Ring Cash Games
A game that seats nine to ten players is called a full ring game. Though in the internet age, the six max is also popular. Six max means there are always six players or less at a table. There is usually more aggressive reraising and the blinds come around more frequently. If you want action, this is the place for you!
Tournament Poker

DFS Tournaments, or GPPs (Guaranteed Prize Pools) are very different to cash games, as they tend to pay out around 20% of the field. The prizes are also very top heavy, meaning you have to aim to finish in the top 5% of the field to win a decent payout. GPPs are a lot different the cash games and they both require very different strategies. Obviously popular sites, large field tournaments and a good bankroll are all great - but how tough is 'the field' regarding cash games on, say, GG Poker compared to its tournaments buyessays? Like cash games, players have to purchase a buy-in to participate in the online poker tournament. Here are the primary differences between poker tournaments and cash games. A poker tournament features only one buy-in amount that every player willing to participate in the competition is expected to buy. Listed below are the main differences between cash games and poker Championship play: Money games are played on one table. Tournaments might be played table but also can contain multiple tables. If you reduce your chips/money in a cash game then you may buy in again and continue playing. In investment terms, cash games are like conservative mutual funds that carry less risk than large tournaments, but also have less of a chance for a quick payday. You have a higher probability of making some money with these games, but their smaller payouts mean you need to be patient and allow your bankroll to grow over time.

Poker tournaments are sometimes known as MTTs or multi-table tournaments. There is usually an entry fee. In many cases, there is re-entry available and there might also be a rebuy/addon feature. One feature of the poker tournament is that blinds increase as the game progresses. This in effect forces the player to bet rather than wait for “good hands”. This also narrows the playing field. But as the playing field narrows, the winnings go up. A great example of a poker tournament format is the WSOP tournaments. Most their games are in tournament structure. The winner gets the most money. But for those who finish at a certain level, they also are “in the money”. There are several types of poker tournaments.
Sit N’Go Tournaments

These tournaments are on demand type tournaments that start when a minimum amount of players join. These types of tournaments are usually running 24/7 at popular poker sites due to many players who sign up. Payouts for sit n’go tournaments vary with amount of players.
Satellite Tournaments

Many land based and online sites offer satellite tournament where a winner or group of winners win a seat to a larger tournament. They offer a discount way to get into costly tournaments. For example, satellite entry fee might $10, while the tournament might cost $200.
Advantages Cash Games and Tournament Poker
As said, both games have their advantages. There are people who solely make a living from playing cash games. One thing they cite is the ability to come and go as they please. This works especially for those with obligations. Picking up kids, walking dogs, cooking food all take time away from the focus needed to play at the peak of focus. Playing a cash game can allow the player to focus for brief period of time without worrying about outside factors. Tournament play on the other hand is where the big money is. Those who specialize in tournament play usually have fewer outside obligations to worry about. And have the time to play a long multiple hour tournament. Tournament length will vary due to the amount of players in the tournament, the more players the more time it will take to finish. Generally, the more money on the table, the more players who will be in the tournament. Though high roller tournaments is the exception but the buy-in is usually so high only a few people can join anyway.

Americas Cardroom, with its increased popularity has a major selection of both poker tournaments and cash games. When you first login to Americas Cardroom, you will see the cash games available. Looking at the menu bar at the top of screen, you will find tournaments, sit n’gos, jackpot poker, and more. Join Americas Cardroom here

Fantasy Football Basics: Cash Games Vs. Tournaments

For all of the daily fantasy sports players out there and any sports fan that is looking to get involved, it is important to understand the different league types you can enter. Competitions on Daily Fantasy Sports platforms like FanDuel or DraftKings typically fall into two categories: the first is what we call “cash games” and the second is known as “tournament games.” Both are unique when it comes to strategy planning and lineup creation. With two separate goals to win, fantasy team managers should have a solid understanding of how both work. This article will focus on fantasy football, identifying benefits of both game types and analyzing the differences to help build your DFS strategy.

DFS Cash Games

With so many different options to choose from, many fantasy football fans are confused on which competitions to enter. Let’s start with the cash games. Cash games are considered a main category but will have several subcategories to choose from such as 50/50, head to head, and any number of 3-10 man leagues. Most of the time in cash games, you will need to only beat out 50 percent of your competition. However, there are some winner-take-all leagues. Regardless, all share the same ultimate strategy goal of consistency.

For the 50/50 leagues, teams that at least score within the top half of the contestant pool double their money. Cash games are also known as floor games due to the strategy of wanting a high floor. What this means is that when you build your lineup, you will want to select an overall consistent team that is sure to score a decent amount of points. From the individual player perspective, this means low risk, steady reward athletes who will at least produce average numbers. When it comes to cash games, the skillful aspects of the game take precedence over luck. With that in mind, cash games are the most efficient way to consistently win money over time.

Research and Lineup Construction for Cash Games

Doing research for cash games is extremely important, and will usually separate the winners from the losers. Team managers need to play it smart when it comes to building their cash teams. For example, you enter into a $10 50/50 competition. There are 57 contestants and the top 25 double their money. In this particular cash game, there is no huge prize for taking first, but an equal prize of doubling your money for landing in the top half of contestants. It is pointless to try to risk your money on crafting the biggest “boom or bust” lineup that could win first place. Instead, you want the most consistent team possible. However, one or two medium-to-high risk players are acceptable given the distribution of the salary spread.

Many ask the question, “so I’m just supposed to draft a bunch of average players?” The key is to draft low-risk players while still holding on to at least three all-star players. In many daily fantasy sports situations, star players will get their points on Sunday, but the make or break will fall on the remainder of your team. If you research accordingly to at least score average points with the lower valued players, cash games are yours for the taking.

DFS Tournament Games

Another guaranteed prize pool competition is tournaments, which are the big games that draw the most attention. Tournaments vary in size but will usually have a high number of contestants and, of course, big figure payouts. For the most part, your score will need to range from at least the top 25 percent to bring home any winnings. However, due to the higher risk involved, the top percentile of players will receive significantly larger payouts through a ladder based system. The top players could win life-changing sums of money. The idea of winning it big on just a small entry fee pulls many contestants to cross their fingers. Although the idea doesn’t support probability and statistics, there are metrics to the madness. Tournaments are also known as high ceiling games. Contrary to floor games, these competitions require a big risk, big reward style strategy. There is certainly a larger element of chance in these games as you are hoping for a few valued players to hit it big.

Difference Between Cash Games And Tournaments Near Me

Research and Lineup Construction for Tournaments

Building your lineup for tournaments has some differences and some similarities to cash games strategy. None the less, the research and effort that goes into each lineup should be the same. Similar to cash games, you will still want to draft all-star athletes for at least three or four of your fantasy slots. The remainder of your salary spending separates a majority of the contestants due to so many lineup entries. What this means is that the sleeper players who wind up scoring big are bound to be on someone’s lineup in the tournament. The key is to research which value players will have the best upside.

There is a multitude of statistics to look into, but let’s concentrate on the main categories. The first is offensive production; will your player receive plenty of opportunities to make an offensive play. Knowing the different types of player strengths and weaknesses will give you a better understanding of who will touch the ball. For example, when the New England Patriots play weak defensive teams against the run, Running back LeGarrette Blount will carry the ball over 20 times. On the other hand, against strong run defensive teams, Blount may not even see the field. Researching matchups on both the player and overall team levels will give you insight on the player's upside.

Difference Between Cash Games And Tournaments Games

Another main category is popularity. In big tournaments, you know which big name players will be on a majority of lineups. The research comes into play when choosing the sleepers that few select. The advantage to this is that your unique lineup can shoot to the top in GPP tournaments while others remain in the majority pack. The millionaire winners on daily fantasy sites are the team managers who picked the “boom” value players. By taking a risk, you free up salary for consistent all star players thus creating the highest ceiling team possible.

Difference Between Cash Games And Tournaments 2019

Conclusion

Difference Between Cash Games And Tournaments Today

When playing on a DFS platform make sure to know your limits and above all have fun! Check out our other strategy articles to become the best fantasy sports player you can be.