Do you think cash games require a different mindset than tournaments?

[Vovk]

I switch between both formats, but I feel like they require different skills.

 

[eetenor]

Yes MTT and cash are vastly different in mindset MTT require us to build and protect our stack. End game often protect being more important. We can fold and make money by folding in an MTT.

Cash game is about equity realization and not punting our stack --protection plays no part

 

[ManOfSky]

Absolutely! Cash games require patience and deep-stack strategy, while tournaments demand ICM awareness, survival instincts, and aggression near the bubble. Different mindset, different approach. 🎯

 

[pentazepam]

 

[dreamer13]

Cash games don't take long to get started, unlike tournaments where you have to wait for a table to fill up or for the tournament to start.After playing for a few years, I have come to the conclusion that success in cash games requires more luck than in tournaments. I know everyone always says the opposite, but I just don't see it.I was hesitant for a long time to want to be a cash game player because I was told that there is more skill in cash, so if you work hard, it will even out in the long run.

 

[Mig32]

In cash games, you're usually playing deeper stacks, so there's more emphasis on post-flop play, patience, and long-term value. You can reload anytime, so your focus is on making the best EV decisions, not survival. It’s more about grinding steadily and avoiding big mistakes.

In tournaments, especially as stacks get shallow, the mindset shifts. You have to think about ICM, survival, and risk management, not just chip EV. Sometimes the “correct” play in a cash game is a disaster in a tournament because of the stage you're in or the payouts.

So yes — same game, but a very different strategic and mental approach.

 

[john_entony]

A lot depends on the style of the players at the table in cash games. And our main goal is to take their chips. It's nothing new in that sense compared with tournaments. If we talk about structure, yes, in tournaments there are stages like the bubble and the final table. We use strategy in tournaments which will help us to place higher. There are only tactics in cash games. That's what makes them different.

 

[TeUnit]

Cash if different from Mtts, because cash usually plays deeper and is more postflop oriented and Mtts usually play shallower and are more preflop oriented. Mtts also have the additional factor of icm.

 

[Manjerica1]

I also feel like they require different skills, and I switch between them depending on how much time I have.
I also study 100bb deep stacks, but my main skills come from MTTs.

I only play online when I don’t have enough time for tourneys.

But when I’m playing live, especially with friends, that’s when I enjoy the game the most. Even at local clubs, tech-a-tech poker feels like such a luxury to me — even with the high rake in the poker houses.

 

[Chebchoub]

Yes, cash game is completely different from tournaments, especially freezeout tournaments. Cash game varies depending on the level and skills of the opponents at the table. However, in terms of distribution, hands, and what each player can do, it is the same, whether for tournaments or cash game.
Most importantly, cash game play differs between online and live poker. I believe that live cash game relies heavily on body language reading skills, Unlike online, where it is impossible, or at least difficult to detect an opponent's honest or evasive reaction.
The ability to read body language in any live poker game will be a source of loss for any player who lacks this skill.
Good luck

 

[Mazembe]

Yes MTT and cash are vastly different in mindset MTT require us to build and protect our stack. End game often protect being more important. We can fold and make money by folding in an MTT.

Cash game is about equity realization and not punting our stack --protection plays no part

100% agree with this

 

[dompoker]

I think you need the same thing, luck, for poker in any modality.

 

[choprav]

Yeah totally different game styles - play them both and you'll notice the fifferences

 

[Luka22guro]

I sometimes play cash games, but I'm mainly an MTT player and I see that you need to play more carefully there because there is no ante and it's clear that there are no resteals because you play in comfortable stacks.

 

[martinoni]

Yes mainly because you have freedom to come in and come out anytime

 

[Sparta77]

Yes, the style is different.In the tournament you win chips at the cash register and money

 

[bullkk]

Of course, cache games have a completely different style of play than tournaments.

 

[yuya]

As others have said, expected value is important in cash games, while luck and endurance are necessary in MTTs.
I often play MTTs because I find them fun, but if your goal is just to make money, I think cash games are the better choice.

 

[GarotoMaroto]

Yes, because MTT is about pay jumps ICM and this kind of things while cash game is just a game that does not change over time
I guess the main thing is to study a lot about each kind of game
God bless

 

[Lena M]

I switch between both formats, but I feel like they require different skills.

Definitely yes, cash games require a different approach to the game. And if you are focused on tournaments, it will be quite difficult for you to switch. At least for me it was difficult and that's why I just stopped playing them.

 

[MatheusANF]

Absolutely, Every time a new decision and a new moment in cash games

 

[black and]

Cash games are definitely more difficult than tournaments. That's why I prefer tournaments to avoid stressing too much

 

[eetenor]

View attachment 387584

This is funny yes but wholly inaccurate---Cash players optimize 100bb math or deeper with tighter ranges
MTT players play optimal 100bb down to 10bb math strategies which require much more study much more nuance---- more like surgery than rock smashing. Unlike your example of a cash game player---MTT players work out their legs too

 

[pentazepam]

This is funny yes but wholly inaccurate---Cash players optimize 100bb math or deeper with tighter ranges
MTT players play optimal 100bb down to 10bb math strategies which require much more study much more nuance---- more like surgery than rock smashing. Unlike your example of a cash game player---MTT players work out their legs too

The meme is about the difference between the typical cash player and the typical MTT player. Therefore, 100% accurate.

The deeper the stacks, the more complicated the game gets on later streets.

That way, the better players earn more money when the fish makes a big mistake.

You can't just state that MTT players play OPTIMAL poker at every stack depth. The human brain has limits; you can't be an expert on everything.

And the average MTT player is a drooling fool compared to most cash game players since the lottery element of MTTs attracts gamblers and amateurs. You seem to throw in 100% pros in the equation. That is not relevant to the meme picture.

 

[eetenor]

Saying both are typical makes this even less accurate not more

The meme is about the difference between the typical cash player and the typical MTT player. Therefore, 100% accurate.

The deeper the stacks, the more complicated the game gets on later streets.

That way, the better players earn more money when the fish makes a big mistake.

You can't just state that MTT players play OPTIMAL poker at every stack depth. The human brain has limits; you can't be an expert on everything.

And the average MTT player is a drooling fool compared to most cash game players since the lottery element of MTTs attracts gamblers and amateurs. You seem to throw in 100% pros in the equation. That is not relevant to the meme picture.