Clueless About the Difference of No-Limit Cash Games from Tournaments

Hello,

For weeks now, I’ve been trying so hard to look for some articles explaining the difference between no-limit cash games and tournaments.

I don’t totally understand the overriding goal of staying alive in a tournament and why you actually need to play more hands in a tournament end-game to win chips before time turns zero. Do you think there is any substantial difference in how you should play in a cash game and in a tournament game?

Specifically, can I raise with the same type of hands, the same amounts, from the same positions in both cash game and tournament game?

Just recently, I’ve seen and read Dan Harrington’s books about no-limit tournament play. Harrington has shared a lot of advices in his books, are your familiar of them? Do you think the author has made sensible advices?

Thanks in advance.

Adam

Adam,

The Harrington on Holdem series is one of the best set of books out there on tournament poker. I actually own all three copies of the tournament series.

There are two main differences between tournaments and cash games. First, the blinds go up at regular intervals to force action from players. If the blinds stayed the same as they do in cash games, tournaments would take forever. The other difference is that when you are eliminated from a cash game you can buy back in. You cannot do so with most tournaments.

In tournaments, you will be trying to steal the blinds and antes on numerous occasions. This is unnecessary in cash games. Also, you are forced to adjust you game frequently based on changing chips stacks, the blind levels, etc. You need to accumulate chips in tournaments to stay ahead of the level changes, otherwise you will be short stacked. This is not an issue in cash games.

In regards to raising and playing of hands, you will need to switch gears quite a bit in a tournament. You may play somewhat tight at the earlier portion, only focusing on stronger hands, where you might loosen up and play a wide array of hands near the bubble to capitalize on weak players.