Online Poker Cash Game Tips

There are huge profits to be made from online poker cash games. If you’re a good poker player, then there’s never been a better time to be playing cash games online. Most of your profits from cash games will be a result of mistakes made by your opponents, rather than your superior poker skills. However the cash game strategies presented in this article should help you increase your winnings. Of course it’s assumed that you already know how to play poker, and are familiar with the game (if not, check out this poker school). Hopefully, the following hints and tips will give you food for thought;

Value Bet the River

One of the best ways to increase your profits in online poker cash games is to make proper use of value betting on the river. If you’re out of position then avoid the temptation to attempt a check-raise unless you have a solid read on your opponent. The check-raise can work beautifully against the right type of player, but you need to be very confident that your opponent is willing to fire out and bet; otherwise it’s a missed opportunity. The last thing you want is for your opponent to check behind, if you’re likely to have a winning hand. It’s far better to bet just the right amount, where your opponent may call with a weaker hand.

Many players also have a tendency to check on the river when they’re last to act. There is no doubt that checking behind is often the right play when you’re unsure or feel a trap has been set. But don’t play it too safe and fall into the trap of checking too much on the river. You’re missing out on a large portion of potential profits. If you have a good hand that you think is winning then value bet at will.

Yes, it’s annoying if you then get re-raised and are forced to re-consider the strength of your hand. But the amount of times this happens compared with the many times you’ll get paid off, mean it’s worth the risk. Avoid becoming predictable, and of course, as with any betting – success depends upon the texture of the board, your table image, and the personality type of your opponent(s).

Don’t Bluff Too Much

The biggest mistake that losing poker players make is bluffing too much. Beginners have a tendency to bluff too much because people who are not familiar with poker, but have seen it on the TV or in movies, assume that to be a good poker player means you need to bluff successfully. Of course, the occasional bluff is an important part of any successful poker player’s arsenal. If you never bluff then you’re missing out and playing far too tight. However most of your profits in poker will not come from bluffing. If there is an opportunity to bluff, particularly semi-bluffing and in position, then fire away. But do not get into the habit of bluffing too much – it will end up costing you dearly. Take the easier options such as value betting your good hands, and bluff cautiously.

Monitor Stacks Sizes

It’s absolutely crucial that you pay attention to your opponents’ stack sizes at all times. Many players overlook the importance of stack sizes, and it ends up costing them. If you’re sitting in a cash game it’s nice to have around 100 big blinds – what I usually buy-in for. The first thing I do is check what the other players at the table are sitting with. Many players like to play a short stack strategy, sometimes sitting with less than 10 big blinds. I don’t like getting involved with these players unless I have a premium hand – just because of implied odds.

Let’s say I’m on the button holding 67 suited, and there’s been an under the gun raise by tight player who has around 100 big blinds, with several callers. I want to get involved in this hand, even though I know I will have to get lucky. If I manage to flop a monster then there’s a good chance I can take the original raises entire stack – 100 big blinds! I’d be hoping the tight player has Aces, and won’t let them go. As he has the stack size worth winning, it makes the original call worthwhile. However if this player had only 10 big blinds, then it wouldn’t be worth calling as the potential rewards are so small.

So next time you sit down at an online cash game be sure to pay close attention to the short stacks. Avoid getting involved unless you have a premium hand, in which case you want to take their chips as early as possible (i.e. get it in pre-flop). You certainly don’t want to be doubling up short stacks with marginal holdings, as they invariably leave soon after. These “hit-and-run” merchants are not going to contribute to your poker profits, unlike the deep stacked donkeys – who should be your favourite customers.

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