What’s your strategy for entering a new cash game?

I'm no longer a cash game player, but when I used to play, I was almost always playing with the same people. So there wasn't much to worry about besides the table position.

When I started playing online poker, I still played a few cash game hands... On those occasions, I used to open some of the tables I was interested in and watch the dynamics of the game and the players for a few minutes, but still nothing groundbreaking that would give me a huge advantage (although some information is better than none, of course).

I generally tend to play conservatively, except when we're on the button... haha
Joking aside... back when I played live cash games, we never folded hands from the button, except in pots with a lot of action before us...

And I also think the buy-in affects how we play... Maybe we tend to be tighter as the buy-in increases? I believe that would be the case for me!

Taking a risky bet to significantly increase your starting stack might be good one day or another, but don't gamble everything against multiple opponents in a single hand and wait for the right moment to win a good number of chips from one or two of them!

My approach to entering a new cash game is all about patience and information first. I start tight and observant, watching how opponents play their tendencies, bet sizing, and overall style before getting heavily involved. Early on, I avoid marginal spots and focus on solid, high-value hands.
Once I get a feel for the table, I begin adjusting targeting weaker players, exploiting predictable patterns, and opening up my range when the situation allows. Position is key, so I prioritize playing more hands in late position where I have more control.
The goal isn’t to win big immediately it’s to understand the game, minimize risk early, and then capitalize when the right opportunities appear.

nabmom said:

Do you have a specific approach for when you first sit down at a cash game? Do you play tighter or looser for the first couple of orbits? Why? Does the buy in or location ever influence your approach?

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If I am playing live, I am usually on vacation, so I’m in a mellow mood…the key for me is longevity…I don’t want to bust out early, so, as other posts suggest, I always buy in for the table maximum and play conservatively to start.

Nice question and great to see the different strategies adopted by people. I think the strategy each describes reflects their personality and is always interesting to see.
I generally start tight but if a situation arises early on to loosen up and make a win then so be it.
I think the important thing is also consider the other new starters at the table and keep a close eye on them!

Damo

I’ve played cash games before, but in the Zoom format, where you switch tables after every fold. This format can require a different strategy compared to regular cash games, but I found it really effective, you can patiently wait for strong hands and then have a good opportunity to build your stack quickly.

If i was to enter a new cash table i would.

Play on the tighter side for the first few orbits to get a feel for the mood, players and playing styles of the those at the table.

When I first sit down at a cash game, I usually start a bit tighter than my normal style, not overly cautious but selective enough to avoid marginal spots early on. The main goal in those first few orbits is to get a feel for the table rather than force action, so I pay close attention to who’s playing too many hands, who’s aggressive, and who seems more passive. Once I gather enough information, I gradually adjust my approach depending on the table dynamics. If the table is loose, I tighten up and focus on value, and if it’s tight, I start opening up more and taking advantage of spots. The buy-in can also influence how I approach the start, especially if it’s higher than what I’m used to, as I tend to be a bit more careful until I settle in. Location plays a role too, since live games often feel softer compared to online games where players are generally more aggressive. Overall, I find that starting slightly tight and then adapting based on what I observe works best for me.

I only started playing cash games this month, I thought it was similar to tournaments, just to find out that cash games are more ruthless and brutal.
The best way is playing tight and making good hand, because you aren't competing for first prize in cash games

I follow my own rules throughout, but I start watching my opponents from the first round and take notes diligently.

I'm grinding mostly MTTs for a few years now, but I still play a few cash game sessions as I follow 2 Twitch streamers that play CGs and are very good players and also teach/explain quite well (both are poker coaches too and also ambassadors for 888 poker* so pretty much at the top of the field...), plus I've started playing poker both live and online by playing CGs and especially when I might have limited time for my poker session(IRL things are coming up unexpectedly sometimes when we get older* family/work...); back on topic- my strategy for when I enter a new cash game, both live and online, doesn't change and I just try to make the best decisions in each spot without fear of what my opponents might do and/or stack sizes/buy-in... of course I try to pay attention to the table and learn as much as possible about my opponents(especially when playing live), as some small details can be very important and make the difference between a winning/losing session...

I play online. I try to table select, trying to take tables with relatively high average VPIP or someone playing straddle (ideally both). When someone straddles, I try to sit on their right or at least not at the first 2-3 positions acting after straddle. Also preferably, if possible I choose a place acting after potentially weaker/fishy player (high VPIP, but not straddler) and before NITty player (very low VPIP). I play my normal game from the beggining, do not adjust it because I have just sitted.

nabmom said:

Do you have a specific approach for when you first sit down at a cash game? Do you play tighter or looser for the first couple of orbits? Why? Does the buy in or location ever influence your approach?

Click to expand...

start tight

it is always good to search for the right table, depends on your mood. When im getting first time the day online i would choose a table that isnt full and action is overload in each hand, for example you play omaha cash game and you wanna groove in slowly it would be my advice choose a table with 3-4 players when it is limited to 6 places, this is a good choice for action and not too much if you wanna play a bit slower and get warm with it.
In my opinion it is always necessary to find the weakest player @table, also players who loose big pots and getting a bit angry ;-) - this must be in your mind to take ya chance in the right spot.