Difference Between Cash Games And Tournaments

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We’d say this is the biggest difference between cash games vs tournaments. Don’t expect an easy path to success – cash games are about the hard slog. Getting $40 for your $20 entry fee might not seem like a lot when the biggest winners might get $1,000,000 for the same initial outlay. Tournament poker often requires a minimun of players. In cash games, there is a minimum buy-in and somewhere between 20 to 100 the big blinds is the average requirement. For example, a cash game with blinds of $1/$2 could require anywhere between $40 to $200 to join. Fixed limit games generally require 10 times the small blind to join. Obviously popular sites, large field tournaments and a good bankroll are all great - but how tough is 'the field' regarding cash games on, say, GG Poker compared to its tournaments buyessays? Using a real hand from Day 3 of the European Poker Tour in Monaco, I explain the differences in strategy between cash games and tournaments. Take your poker.

Fantasy Football Basics: Cash Games Vs. Tournaments

For all of the daily fantasy sports players out there and any sports fan that is looking to get involved, it is important to understand the different league types you can enter. Competitions on Daily Fantasy Sports platforms like FanDuel or DraftKings typically fall into two categories: the first is what we call “cash games” and the second is known as “tournament games.” Both are unique when it comes to strategy planning and lineup creation. With two separate goals to win, fantasy team managers should have a solid understanding of how both work. This article will focus on fantasy football, identifying benefits of both game types and analyzing the differences to help build your DFS strategy.

DFS Cash Games

With so many different options to choose from, many fantasy football fans are confused on which competitions to enter. Let’s start with the cash games. Cash games are considered a main category but will have several subcategories to choose from such as 50/50, head to head, and any number of 3-10 man leagues. Most of the time in cash games, you will need to only beat out 50 percent of your competition. However, there are some winner-take-all leagues. Regardless, all share the same ultimate strategy goal of consistency.

For the 50/50 leagues, teams that at least score within the top half of the contestant pool double their money. Cash games are also known as floor games due to the strategy of wanting a high floor. What this means is that when you build your lineup, you will want to select an overall consistent team that is sure to score a decent amount of points. From the individual player perspective, this means low risk, steady reward athletes who will at least produce average numbers. When it comes to cash games, the skillful aspects of the game take precedence over luck. With that in mind, cash games are the most efficient way to consistently win money over time.

Research and Lineup Construction for Cash Games

Doing research for cash games is extremely important, and will usually separate the winners from the losers. Team managers need to play it smart when it comes to building their cash teams. For example, you enter into a $10 50/50 competition. There are 57 contestants and the top 25 double their money. In this particular cash game, there is no huge prize for taking first, but an equal prize of doubling your money for landing in the top half of contestants. It is pointless to try to risk your money on crafting the biggest “boom or bust” lineup that could win first place. Instead, you want the most consistent team possible. However, one or two medium-to-high risk players are acceptable given the distribution of the salary spread.

Many ask the question, “so I’m just supposed to draft a bunch of average players?” The key is to draft low-risk players while still holding on to at least three all-star players. In many daily fantasy sports situations, star players will get their points on Sunday, but the make or break will fall on the remainder of your team. If you research accordingly to at least score average points with the lower valued players, cash games are yours for the taking.

DFS Tournament Games

Another guaranteed prize pool competition is tournaments, which are the big games that draw the most attention. Tournaments vary in size but will usually have a high number of contestants and, of course, big figure payouts. For the most part, your score will need to range from at least the top 25 percent to bring home any winnings. However, due to the higher risk involved, the top percentile of players will receive significantly larger payouts through a ladder based system. The top players could win life-changing sums of money. The idea of winning it big on just a small entry fee pulls many contestants to cross their fingers. Although the idea doesn’t support probability and statistics, there are metrics to the madness. Tournaments are also known as high ceiling games. Contrary to floor games, these competitions require a big risk, big reward style strategy. There is certainly a larger element of chance in these games as you are hoping for a few valued players to hit it big.

Research and Lineup Construction for Tournaments

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Building your lineup for tournaments has some differences and some similarities to cash games strategy. None the less, the research and effort that goes into each lineup should be the same. Similar to cash games, you will still want to draft all-star athletes for at least three or four of your fantasy slots. The remainder of your salary spending separates a majority of the contestants due to so many lineup entries. What this means is that the sleeper players who wind up scoring big are bound to be on someone’s lineup in the tournament. The key is to research which value players will have the best upside.

Difference Between Cash Game And Tournament Poker Strategy

Difference between cash games and tournaments

There is a multitude of statistics to look into, but let’s concentrate on the main categories. The first is offensive production; will your player receive plenty of opportunities to make an offensive play. Knowing the different types of player strengths and weaknesses will give you a better understanding of who will touch the ball. For example, when the New England Patriots play weak defensive teams against the run, Running back LeGarrette Blount will carry the ball over 20 times. On the other hand, against strong run defensive teams, Blount may not even see the field. Researching matchups on both the player and overall team levels will give you insight on the player's upside.

Tournaments

Poker Tournaments Vs Cash Games

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Another main category is popularity. In big tournaments, you know which big name players will be on a majority of lineups. The research comes into play when choosing the sleepers that few select. The advantage to this is that your unique lineup can shoot to the top in GPP tournaments while others remain in the majority pack. The millionaire winners on daily fantasy sites are the team managers who picked the “boom” value players. By taking a risk, you free up salary for consistent all star players thus creating the highest ceiling team possible.

Difference Between Cash Games And Tournaments This Week

Conclusion

Difference Between Cash Games And Tournaments

When playing on a DFS platform make sure to know your limits and above all have fun! Check out our other strategy articles to become the best fantasy sports player you can be.