Cash Games

A poker cash game (also called a ring game) is a type of poker where chips represent real money, and players can join or leave the table at almost any time. Here's a detailed breakdown:

Key Features of a Poker Cash Game:

1. Real Money Chips: Each chip has a direct cash value (e.g., a $1 chip is worth $1). Players buy in with real money and cash out whenever they leave.
2. Set Stakes: The game has fixed blinds (e.g., $1/$2), which don’t change. This differs from tournaments, where blinds increase over time.
3. No Elimination: Unlike tournaments, you don’t get knocked out. If you lose your chips, you can rebuy (if allowed).
4. Flexible Seating: Players can join or leave the game between hands. There’s no end time — games can go on for hours or even days.
5. Minimum and Maximum Buy-ins: Most cash games have a buy-in range (e.g., $40–$200 for a $1/$2 game). The size of your buy-in affects how deep you are compared to others.

Cash Games vs. Tournaments