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Guide on Texas Hold’em: Tournaments vs Cash Games


Online poker has many popular variations that you can try. One of the most prominent examples is Texas Hold’em. Most online casino players are aware of this version. Still, the majority of those players do not realize that, depending on the format in which you play this game, the rules, prizes, and gameplay change significantly.


So, what are those differences, and how can making the right choice make a difference for the player? Let’s dive into the in-depth guide on Texas Hold’em and discuss all those matters in detail.

What makes Poker Special?

Before we explain the different formats and their use cases, it is crucial to understand how poker differs from other gaming genres. In Poker, regardless if you are playing American Poker on GoToSpin, or any other variation, players play against other players, not the house or dealer. As players compete against one another, not the house, the house charges a fee known as “rake” on the winning amount.


The game's skill-based mechanics make Poker stand out in a crowded casino space, as, in theory, it is possible to have long-term winning streaks and winning players. However, variance still plays a role in the outcome, and even the most impressive winning streaks must end at some point.

Basic Rules of Texas Hold’em.

The gameplay of Texas Hold’em is similar to the classic version. In this game, each player received two private cards, which are referred to as “hole cards,” and five additional community cards that are dealt face up on the poker table.


The goal is to make the best hand possible with the hole cards and community cards you have in front of you. Just like the Fruit Poker on Vegas 7, this version also has four betting rounds, which are


  1. Pre-flop
  2. Flop
  3. Turn
  4. and River


Rules might seem simple at first; however, the decisions that you make during the game are not, and therefore, understanding the core principles, as well as the format that you are playing, is significant.

Online Cash Games

If you are looking for the purest form of Texas Hold’em poker, then you need to try the online cash games. In this setting, the poker chips represent real money, and players can leave or reload their bets whenever they want. Key features of these games include


  • Instant rebuy options for players
  • Stable stack sizes
  • Technical and controlled decision-making process
  • and Constant forced bets  


Taking significant risks while playing this game is not recommended, as winning online cash games requires precision and consistency. In the following passage, we will explain the fundamentals of these game strategies so you can better understand the system and play more strategically.

Strategy Fundamentals

Playing too many hands at one sitting is not recommended if you want to become a better Texas Hold’em player. If you observe the best poker players in this format, you will see that they fold frequently and act decisively when they play. On top of this, most of those experienced players tend to


  • Expand the range slightly in late-game positions.
  • Avoid marginal hands
  • Play tight from the early position.
  • Know when they need to fold.


Keep in mind that only beginners or inexperienced players think that folding is a weakness. Instead, it is a skill that separates the casuals from the professionals, as the best poker players know when to fold.

Why is position important in poker cash games?  

While playing poker, regardless of the variation, the player's position at the table is significant, as it influences decisions that determine the outcome. So, how does the player’s position affect the decision-making process during the game?


  • Early Position: In this case, players need to play tight and act fast
  • Middle Position: In this case, players will have moderate control over the flow
  • Late position: This is the most favorable position, which offers the most control and the widest range for players.


Specifically in cash games, position is the most essential factor in determining the outcome.

Bankroll Management for Cash Games 

Texas Hold’em cash games require players to have a disciplined bankroll if they want to win. Generally speaking, having 20-30 buy-ins for your chosen stake is a good approach. For instance, if you decide to play $1/$2 games with a $200 buy-in, your bankroll should be in the range of $4,000 to $6,000. This bankroll management strategy protects you from game variance and helps you avoid making emotional decisions.

Online Tournaments

The online tournament version of Texas Hold’em is very different from the cash games. In tournaments, a player pays for a buy-in, gets a fixed number of chips, and plays until they are eliminated or reach the final stage. The essential features of the Texas Hold’em online tournaments include:


  • Gradually increasing forced bets.
  • No re-buys after being eliminated
  • and Changing stack sizes


Unlike online cash games, tournaments reward players' timing and adaptability more than technical precision.

Stages in the Tournament

There are different stages in the online poker tournaments, and depending on which stage you are in, there are custom strategies that you can utilize.

In the early stage: 

  • Forced bets are small.
  • Stacks are deep
  • and Mistakes can cost you a lot


In this stage, more experienced players avoid unnecessary risks while the beginners eliminate themselves from making foolish mistakes.

In the middle stage: 

  • Position gains value
  • Stealing forced bets becomes crucial.
  • and Stack pressure increases


In this stage, many players are eliminated for being either too reckless or too passive. So, pay close attention to the game if you do not want to become one of those players.

In the late stage: 

  • Stack sizes play a significant role in determining your strategy moving forward.
  • Calculated risks pay off, but only if you have the right reason to take them.


Only the best players remain in this stage, so you need to be patient and make strategic moves to win the tournament.

Bankroll Management for Online Tournaments

Variance in Online Texas Hold’em tournaments is very high. Therefore, a long-term perspective is essential for this setting. Starting with 100+ buy-ins for these types of tournaments is a good idea.


On the other hand, you need to be prepared for long losing streaks, so if you do not have enough funds or are an emotional player, avoid these tournaments and stick to regular versions.

Final Thoughts

Texas Hold’em, regardless of the variation that you try out, is an excellent option for those who employ logic over emotion and patience over ego while playing. Depending on your goals and preferences, you can either pick online cash games or online tournament-style play. Regardless of your choice, consider the tips mentioned in this article and study the game thoroughly before you actually start playing for real cash. 

author

Chris Bates

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