Cash game poker for beginners: how it works
In a cash game the chips are worth real money and the blinds never go up. You can sit down and leave whenever you want, and you can top up your stack. Stakes are named after the big blind: NL10 means No-Limit Hold’em with a $0.10 big blind, where the standard buy-in is 100 big blinds ($10).
Stakes and buy-ins
Section titled “Stakes and buy-ins”| Stake | Blinds | 100 BB buy-in |
|---|---|---|
| NL2 | $0.01 / $0.02 | $2 |
| NL5 | $0.02 / $0.05 | $5 |
| NL10 | $0.05 / $0.10 | $10 |
| NL25 | $0.10 / $0.25 | $25 |
| NL50 | $0.25 / $0.50 | $50 |
Most tables allow buy-ins from about 40 to 100 big blinds. Buy in for the full 100 BB: it’s easier to play well with a normal stack.
How cash games differ from tournaments
Section titled “How cash games differ from tournaments”- Chips = money, so there’s no ICM pressure.
- Blinds stay the same, so you can wait for good spots.
- Results swing less than in tournaments. See tournaments vs cash games.
- The room takes rake from each pot that sees a flop.
Fast-fold tables
Section titled “Fast-fold tables”Many rooms offer fast-fold cash, such as KKPoker’s FLASH NLH: after you fold you move straight to a new hand. You play many more hands per hour. See KKPoker games.
Tips to win at low stakes
Section titled “Tips to win at low stakes”- Play tight: fewer, stronger starting hands, more from late position.
- Raise instead of limping.
- Value bet your good hands; bluff rarely. See value betting.
- Fold big pairs when a tight player shows a lot of strength.
- Keep at least 20–30 buy-ins for your stake. See bankroll management.
What is a cash game in poker?
Section titled “What is a cash game in poker?”A game where chips are worth real money, blinds stay the same and you can join or leave any time.
What does NL10 mean?
Section titled “What does NL10 mean?”No-Limit Hold’em with a $0.10 big blind; a 100 big blind buy-in is $10.
How much should I buy in for in a cash game?
Section titled “How much should I buy in for in a cash game?”Usually the full 100 big blinds.
Are cash games better than tournaments for beginners?
Section titled “Are cash games better than tournaments for beginners?”Cash games have smaller swings and you can leave any time, which suits many beginners.