Learn how to play poker

Tournament and Cash Poker: Not the Same

You think poker is still poker, whatever the form may be? That is where you are wrong. You see, there is quite a big difference in playing tournament poker and cash poker. No one can know for sure which of these two is harder to play, but for sure, you will need different strategies for each one.

Pressure:

In terms of pressure, tournament poker and cash poker vary from each other. Tournament poker players are pressured to win because, if they don't, they will be eliminated. To stay in the game, they have to win consistently. They have to play their very last chip because that's the rule of the game.

This is where cash poker is different. In cash poker, you play for your money; it is your decision when to stop. You can stop playing if you think you have enough money already.

Tournament poker players do not have that kind of luxury. They have to fight to the very end or else, they get nothing. In tournament poker, "the winner takes it all". Of course, there are consolation prizes, but you do not get to decide how much you would get, because it's a fixed amount, and only those who make it to the final table is entitled to such consolation prizes, anyway.

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Tournament poker has now become more of a sport than just a simple casino game. It has garnered popularity and respect, and those who play, and win, in tournament poker are looked up to.

In comparison, cash poker players who win a lot, also are popular to some degree, but not as well-known as the tournament players are. It's as if the real measure of greatness in poker is winning in the tournament, not in winning millions of dollars. That is why a lot of poker players try hard to enter tournaments to prove their prowess.

It is advised therefore, that before entering tournaments, one should first practice with cash games. Once you think you are ready, you can sign up for these tournaments, and play with supposedly the greatest poker players in the world, or at least in your area.

Some people do not believe that you need to win in tournament poker to prove that you're an excellent poker player. It's enough for them to win big money in cash games. They consider their fat bank accounts to be their poker "trophy". They do not feel any drive to enter poker tournaments just so people will recognize them.