Lesson overview
Tournaments vs Cash
Different games, different rules
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Inside the full lesson
Why do tournament pros fold hands that cash game pros would snap-call?
In the full lesson, you work through this scenario with interactive examples.
Final table. 9 players left. You have a medium stack. UTG shoves all-in. You look down at AK. In a cash game, this is a no-brainer call. But here... you hesitate. Why?
What you’ll learn
- ICM: Why tournament chips have variable value
- When to gamble vs survive
- How to adjust your strategy for each format
From the full lesson
💡 The Bubble Factor
Referenced activities and other examples are available in the full lesson after sign-in.
Near the money, folding becomes VERY profitable.
Imagine: 100 players, 15 paid, you're at 16th place.
From the full lesson
Adjustments by Format
Referenced activities and other examples are available in the full lesson after sign-in.
Tournament Adjustments:
- 📉 Tighten up when short-stacked
- 📈 Loosen up with a big stack
- ⚠️ Avoid coinflips (roughly 50/50 all-in situations, like AK vs a pair) near the bubble/final table—but early on, profitable flips build your stack
- 🎯 Value smaller edges (small pots matter)
- 📍 Position is even MORE valuable
Cash Game Mindset:
- 💰 Take every +EV spot
- 🎰 Embrace variance (you can reload)
- 📊 Stack depth allows more plays
- 🎭 Bluffing is more effective
- 🔄 Consistency > big moments
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