Poker cash games are a popular form of poker that is played in most casinos and online poker rooms. These games offer players the opportunity to win real money and test their skills against other players.
If you are new to poker cash games, it can be daunting to know where to start. In this tutorial, we will take you through the basics of playing poker cash games.
What is a Poker Cash Game?
A poker cash game is a type of poker game where players use real money to play against each other. Unlike tournaments, there is no set start or end time for cash games. Players can join or leave the game at any time they choose.
How Do You Play Poker Cash Games?
Playing a poker cash game is relatively straightforward. Here are the basic steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Buy-in
To play in a cash game, you need to buy chips from the dealer. The amount you buy in for will depend on the table limits and your budget.
Step 2: Seat Assignment
Once you have bought your chips, you will be assigned a seat at the table. You will be given a certain amount of time to take your seat before your chips are removed from play.
Step 3: Posting Blinds
In most cash games, two players are required to post blinds before each hand is dealt. The player seated immediately to the left of the dealer must post the small blind, while the player two seats left of the dealer must post the big blind. The blinds ensure there is money in the pot for players to win.
Step 4: Dealing Cards
The dealer will then deal two cards face down (hole cards) to each player at the table.
Step 5: Betting Rounds
There are four betting rounds in most forms of poker cash games. The first betting round starts with the player to the left of the big blind. Players can choose to fold, call, or raise.
Step 6: The Flop
After the first betting round is complete, the dealer will deal three cards face up in the middle of the table (the flop). These cards are community cards that all players can use to make their best hand.
Step 7: Betting Rounds
Another round of betting begins with the player to the left of the dealer. Players can choose to check, bet, call or fold.
Step 8: The Turn
After the second betting round is complete, the dealer will deal another community card face up in the middle of the table (the turn).
Step 9: Betting Rounds
Step 10: The River
After the third betting round is complete, a final community card is dealt face up in the middle of the table (the river).
Step 11: Final Betting Round and Showdown
The final betting round begins with the player to the left of the dealer. If two or more players are still in after this round of betting, then there is a showdown where each player reveals their hand and a winner is determined based on who has made the best five-card hand using their two hole cards and three community cards.
Betting Limits in Poker Cash Games
There are different types of poker cash games that have different betting limits:
No-limit: In no-limit poker cash games, there is no maximum bet limit. Players can bet as much as they want at any time.
Pot-limit: In pot-limit poker cash games, the maximum bet amount is equal to the size of the pot.
Fixed-limit: In fixed-limit poker cash games, there is a set limit on how much players can bet during each betting round.
Conclusion
Playing poker cash games can be a fun and exciting way to test your skills against other players and win real money. Remember to always gamble responsibly and within your means. With the basic steps outlined in this tutorial, you are now ready to sit at a poker cash game table with confidence and start playing.
