Is it better to play cash games or tournament?

[wushibala]

You should also try cash games, but they’re not for everyone. The thing is, stronger players usually play there, so it can be difficult for a beginner in cash games.

 

[Kpaprince]

This is a common question for many poker players: is it better to focus on cash games or tournaments? I don’t think there’s a single correct answer, because both formats reward different skills and mindsets.

Cash games offer more stability. You can sit down with a set buy-in, leave whenever you want, and usually face less variance compared to tournaments. I’ve found cash games especially useful for improving post-flop skills and bankroll discipline.

Tournaments, on the other hand, are more exciting and can offer much bigger payouts for a smaller buy-in. However, they come with higher variance and require patience, ICM awareness, and strong mental game—especially during long sessions.

Personally, I think newer players benefit from starting with cash games to learn fundamentals, then adding tournaments once they feel more confident. In the end, the “better” option depends on your goals, time availability, and tolerance for variance.

 

[Sschafell]

I prefer playing in tournaments!

 

[DiegoA22]

Both are a great moment to enjoy but i like more the tournments i wish that 1st place one day or a great position for a big prize

 

[pavel1111111]

I strogly dissagree!!! Cash games are very dangerous!!! În one hand you can lose everythimg you gain in all sesions or even wors lose it all you have!!!

 

[john_entony]

I play cash games quite often to complete challenges on GG Poker and Poker Stars, but I like tournaments much more. Compared to tournament poker, we don't have a strategy when playing in cash games (there are only tactics here).

 

[infonazar]

Both cash games and tournaments can generate income. I am more accustomed to tournaments, so I spend about 95% of my time playing them. However, occasionally, if there are any interesting promotions or challenges, I may also participate in cash games, and although the results are not as favorable as in tournaments, cash games can sometimes be quite profitable.

 

[kolan90]

Cash games are more often chosen to build a professional career.
For those who love emotions and want to get hold of important features, tournaments are the best option.
Many strong players combine both formats.

 

[Hospedar]

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

I totally agree with you!

Tournaments may be fun and have a lot of emotions included in it, but cash games are more "predictable".

I also like to metion that cash games allows you to decide when you want to start and when you want to end your tables, and this is perfect for everyone, specially if you need to study/work and you don't have time enough to spend with hours and hours in a single tournament.

 

[Dushka]

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

100% agree with you

If you prefer control and stability → cash games.

If you enjoy adrenaline and the potential for big prizes → tournaments.

100% agree with you

 

[Mario7]

First, to make it clear - I play micro stakes.
While I am able to generate some profit in cash games, I keep loosing part of it in tourneys.
So, for me cash games are reasonable, tourneys for fun.

 

[Cozmin]

T.urnee I like more

 

[valanddon]

You can win or lose money faster in cash games. Tournaments take to long to play.

 

[daniel.g]

It all depends each have their plus and minus… tournaments take a lot of time.. cash games take a bankroll. Live and online are different as well.. I like cash games live and tournaments games online

 

[R.Melnyk77]

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

I only play cash games when I have cash dollars, which, for example, can be obtained on GG. In general, I only play cash games on GG because it seems to offer the best conditions for cash games, as there are various rewards and interesting challenges.

 

[ElTigre]

Cash = consistency and flexibility
Tournaments = variance and big upside

Personally, I like cash games for the stability and deeper stack play, but tournaments are hard to beat in terms of excitement and the thrill of a deep run.

 

[Garu98]

I'm a beginner and currently play tournaments, but I believe it's easier to maintain consistency in cash games.

 

[Mario7]

And again I have lost the effect of my hard job, grinded in cash games, because I couldn't refrain from playing some silly tournaments...

 

[23maxim88]

I mainly play Hold’em tournaments, but sometimes in the evenings I play cash — only Omaha though.

 

[schtiuky]

for me tournaments but i guess its diffrent for everyone

 

[veszmo]

Interesting opinion. I don't like cash games. I think tournaments are more interesting and exciting where you can also play tactics. What annoys me about cash games is that your opponent can leave the table at any time, there is no chance of revenge.

 

[Jyco]

I think the best approach is to focus on mastering one format and fully commit to it, being consistent and mentally strong, knowing everything that this game we love, poker, involves.

If you’re good at both, cash games usually provide more consistent and stable profits over time. On the other hand, tournaments offer the possibility of a huge score, where one deep run can be worth much more than many cash sessions. In the end, it really comes down to personal preference and what you enjoy the most, so choose the format that motivates you to play and improve.

 

[romerim]

I prefer tournaments for the thrill of competition and the chance to win big prizes with a fixed and controlled investment.

 

[stampide]

For me tournament is better!

 

[martinoni]

Tournaments that can grants bigger prizes