When to leave a poker table (cash games)

In cash games you can leave whenever you want. Knowing when to leave is a real skill — many losses come from staying too long.

Leave when you’re not at your best

You’re tilting after a bad beat or a cooler. See tilt.
You’re tired, hungry or distracted. See poker health and focus.
You’ve hit your stop-loss for the session (e.g. 3 buy-ins). See poker session tips.

Leave or change when the table gets worse

The weak players have left and only regulars remain. See table selection.
An aggressive regular sits directly to your left and you can’t move seats.
The game has become too big for your bankroll (e.g. lots of straddles or huge stacks). See scared money.

Stay when the game is good

If you’re playing well and the table is soft, a winning session doesn’t have to end just because you’re up. Ending early “to protect a win” doesn’t change your long-term results — but playing tired does.

Is leaving after a win rude?

“Hit and run” (leaving soon after a big win) is legal and normal. Some players grumble, but your chips are yours. Be polite and leave between hands.

Set rules in advance

Time limit: e.g. 2 hours.
Stop-loss: e.g. 3 buy-ins.
Quality check: leave if you can’t remember the last few hands clearly.

See also poker downswings and cash game basics.

FAQ

When should I leave a cash game?

When you’re tilting, tired or have hit your stop-loss, or when the table gets much tougher.

Should I leave after winning a big pot?

You can; leaving after a win is legal and normal, but there’s no need to quit a good game if you’re playing well.

What is a stop-loss in poker?

A limit on how much you’ll lose in one session before quitting, e.g. 3 buy-ins.

Is hit and run against the rules?

No. Leaving soon after a win is allowed in cash games.