In cash games, blinds don't increase. Stacks reset to a fixed buy-in. You play as long as you want and can rebuy at any time. The variance is far lower than tournaments — a winning cash player has predictable monthly earnings (in BB/100 hands times their hourly volume). For most poker pros, cash games are the bread and butter.
Stake levels and bankroll
Online cash stakes are described by blinds: NL2 = 2¢/4¢ blinds, NL10 = 5¢/10¢, NL50 = 25¢/50¢, NL100 = $0.50/$1, NL400 = $2/$4, etc. Recommended bankroll: 25-30 buy-ins for the stake you play. Drop down at 5-buy-in losses.
Table selection
The most underrated skill. Look for tables with low average pot size (recreational players), high VPIP (loose players), and 'fish' indicators (short stacks, irregular betting patterns). Sites like PokerStars label players with anonymous IDs — track aliases over sessions.
Fast-fold formats
Zoom (PokerStars), SNAP (888), FastForward (partypoker), Rush Poker. You're moved to a new table the moment you fold. Hand volume is 4-5× normal. Strategy adjusts: opponents' tendencies are unknown, ranges play tighter, exploitative play is harder. Excellent for grinding rakeback.
Cash strategy fundamentals
1. Don't bluff bad players. Stations call you down. Value-bet relentlessly.
2. Three-bet wider in position. The button vs. cutoff is the most-3-bettable spot in poker.
3. Play the player, not the cards. Cash is a game of tendencies. The same Q-J offsuit is a fold in one spot and a 3-bet bluff in another based on whose chips you're playing for.
4. Use rakeback or VIP programs. A volume player's rakeback is often 30-50% of their net win rate. Don't leave it on the table.
Best sites for cash games
PokerStars: deepest mid/high-stakes ecosystem. 888 Poker: softest fields at micro/low stakes. WSOP.com (US): strong NJ/MI/PA shared traffic. iPoker network: solid European mid-stakes traffic.
Cash Games FAQ
Where can I play Cash Games online?
PokerStars, 888 Poker, partypoker and WSOP.com (US-regulated) all spread Cash Games regularly. Check our top-of-page rankings for current bonus offers.
What stakes should I start at?
Start at the smallest stakes the site offers. Even strong live players are often surprised by online aggression and pace. Build comfort and bankroll before moving up.
Do I need tracking software?
Not to start. Once you're playing 5,000+ hands a month, software like Hold'em Manager 3 or PokerTracker 4 will pay for itself many times over by surfacing your leaks.