Is it better to play cash games or tournament?

[Chebchoub]

In my opinion cash games generally provide a more reliable, controllable income stream for skilled players than tournaments, because they offer steadier expected-value per hour, greater control over variance, and easier bankroll management

They both differ in terms of enjoyment and some strategies; the most important thing is choosing the right time and place, and applying the bankroll rules.

 

[RALF_AK]

...i prefer playing MTTs because the prize pool is higher with a lower investment... cash games may seem attractive at first, but I believe that in the long run the losses can be significant...

 

[888NOX888]

I've never been able to play cash, I lose all the time, so I chose tournament poker, and I like this game.

 

[tuitui]

I've been playing tournaments like 95% of the time and now I tried some longer cash game sessions. Oh dear it is boring! That kind of feels like work.

I actually thought I would enjoy it, but apparently I do not. Stakes and situation remain the same over and over. There is no clear progression in the game, but decisions are repeated in a similar way from hand to hand. This makes the experience so flat. Also realized I am not as good in cash as in tournaments, so I will take a break from cash now.

 

[chicbulls2]

i like tournaments, a long grind, but all the money is at top so can be frustrating

 

[Toruk Makto]

I always say that tournaments are better!

 

[flattershay]

Cash if you confident in your postflop game skills and you like to play actual poker. Tournament if you dream about getting big score one day. Plus it's more easier than cash too.

 

[Dougana]

Tournaments are so difficult! You need to have a big bankroll, cash is a Little more easy, but also you can lost a lot of money really easy.

 

[Newzooozooo]

I prefer tournaments because, in my opinion, everything is much simpler in tournaments with expenses and bankroll management. At least for me, everything is simpler
I don't like cash games because it's hard for me to stop and not continue playing if the limit for the session has been spent. I don't have this problem with tournaments

 

[rufininha14]

To make a living from poker, I believe you have to invest in paid games. But if it's just for a hobby or to make extra income occasionally, you might play freeroll tournaments. However, to build a bankroll and live off poker, you undoubtedly have to play paid games.
Traduzir

 

[anasslaaleg]

It all depends on your goals and playing style. Cash games offer a stable environment, flexible scheduling, and less pressure: ideal for improving and mastering your game. Tournaments, on the other hand, provide adrenaline, potentially significant winnings, and a competitive atmosphere, but demand patience and intense concentration. If you prioritize stability, opt for cash games. If you enjoy challenges and high payouts, tournaments might be a better fit.

 

[Rmi]

On both sides you have to know so as not to lose the bank, but I prefer the dynamics of MTT more

 

[DiazPoker3101]

I like playing tournaments — cash games never really caught my attention. But each format has its own complexity.

 

[Mbushe]

In my opinion I would have to say tournaments, I guess since poker is more of a hobby for me and cash games tend to eat money much faster, they also bring out the greed in me to the maximum so I prefer tournaments.

 

[GrannySmit77]

It depends how much time I have to invest in that particular session. If it's my day off and I have plenty of time, I might decide to play a tournament. If I can only play for a very short period of time, I choose online cash games. I can't say I'm very lucky with online cash games, but I'm just a recreational player. Most of the time I try to limit the damage.

 

[Ruslan L]

It is most profitable to play in freerolls
But in general, you should only play what brings you profit. You definitely shouldn't play what brings you losses. If cash games and freerolls bring you losses, then your choice should be obvious: you should play in freerolls

 

[s0ftdumps]

In my opinion, cash games generally offer a more reliable and controllable income stream for skilled players than tournaments. The EV per hour is steadier, variance is significantly lower, and you have far more control over table selection, session length, and stake sizing. Bankroll management is also much simpler—you’re not exposed to massive downswings tied to top-heavy payout structures.
Tournaments can obviously produce huge spikes and are exciting, but the long stretches of negative variance can be brutal, even for strong players. Cash games reward consistent decision-making and allow skill edges to compound over time rather than relying on occasional deep runs.

Cash games are far easier to stabilize from a bankroll and mental game perspective, and being able to quit, change tables, or adjust stakes on demand is a massive edge that tournaments just do not offer.

That said, I think the comparison can get skewed if it is framed purely as income reliability. Tournaments reward a different kind of skill, ICM pressure, population exploitation, and endurance, and some players genuinely convert those edges better than small, repeatable cash game spots.

 

[Reddog888]

As long as you feel happy and comfortable with your choice, playing any genre is fine.

 

[Rachidao]

Depends os the style of the player, me personally MTT works better.

 

[phantoma69]

i like more cash games but make better money on tournaments!

 

[hardongear]

I enjoy both. Cash tables during the week and 10+ min blind level MTT's on the weekends. If I'm honest I'm better, more consistent and make more $$$ playing cash.....I simply love the challenge MTT's offer more. That's why both.

As for which is better that will depend on what each person personally prefers.

As me in 2026 I've challenged myself to switch from full-ring to 6 max so my number of MTT's played this year will be very low to maybe none. If I play any it likely be in the bigger series Pokerstars offers.

Cheers!!!

 

[navicula]

To me, the best way to play is simply doing what you like.

 

[Roller]

Tournaments offer the thrill of big payoffs for small buy-ins, test endurance and adaptability, and reward long-term strategy over many levels, but variance is much higher but both have their edges/benefits.

 

[successlaw]

If you want some big variance you choose tournaments otherwise cash game for low variance

 

[Julpukka]

I love to play low buy in tournaments. When I go to big tournaments im very stressed. Maybe one day I will have ability to play also bigger tournaments, but for now I will stay at low buy in games. Cash games arent for me