How to Dominate in Cash Games

Cash games can be one of the most profitable forms of the poker, the players who dominate in them demonstrate a range of skills that goes far beyond simply selecting the right starting hands and understanding odds and probability. This article looks at 5 key areas that will get you dominating in cash games. These are smart aggression, adapting to the table, mixing up your play, reading opponent’s hands and selecting the right opponents for you.

Smart Aggression.

Aggressive and positive play is a key factor in winning at any form of poker. Whether you are tight-aggressive (play only strong hands) or loose-aggressive the key point is that you are forcing decisions on to your opponents and – importantly – giving them an opportunity to fold their hands. Dominating in cash games involves refining that aggression and using it at the most appropriate times. Wait until your opponents have show weakness, bluff and semi-bluff raise on early streets when the pot is relatively small and vitally make sure you are betting into the right opponent – a player happy to call with bottom pair is the person you should be value betting, not bluffing!

Adapting To The Table

Each table will have a different mix of passive and aggressive opponents, bet sizes and playing styles. Dominating in cash games involves the ability to correctly gauge the table and adapt your play accordingly. This will be often determined by your position relative to particular styles of betting at the table. For example with an aggressive opponent to your left you have the advantage of seeing how the rest of the players react to their raise before you need to decide on your actions after the flop.

Mixing Up Your Play

Just as you are trying to read your opponents hands to decide on the appropriate action to take they are doing exactly the same for you. Try to make yourself difficult to read by mixing up your bet sizes and plays a certain percentage of the time. This does not mean that you have to play a hand differently to what you consider optimal too often – 10% or 15% is enough to put a serious doubt in the minds of your opponents as to what you hold. This puts the difficult decisions on their shoulders and will go along way to helping you dominate the game.

Reading Opponents Hands

The ability to accurately narrow the range of hands that your opponent holds as the betting progresses through the flop, turn and river is a key skill. This will give you a huge advantage while playing by allowing you to make more correct decisions. Ensure that you actively concentrate on what bets each player makes with which hands – and make notes for future reference.

Selecting The Right Opponents For You

Table selection is key in dominating cash games – there is more to this than finding the tables with the biggest pot size or most players per flop. Winning players are aware of their own strengths in relation to different styles of opponents and ensure that they find the tables which suit them the best. If this means waiting for a seat at a certain table to increase your profits then why take a less profitable alternative. If the regulars on your site are tough then take the time to find a site with more fish. Dominating the cash game tables involves actively seeking opportunities to maximize your profit – make sure you do not take the 2nd best option!