Ring Games vs Tournaments

The best tournament players are not always the best ring-game players, and vice-versa - but why would that be the case? Why would one player be a superb ring-game player, but totally suck at tourneys? The likely reason is that they play both games the same way. Think about how you might play a regular $5 NL ring game and then how you might play a $5 buy-in NL Texas Holdem tournament. If you can’t think of any differences, you’re probably cashing in at one and busting out at the other. Here are three simple tips on how to play these games differently.

1. Use different strategies in each game

In a ring game, you should be thinking more about who you’re playing against and the stakes of the game. A ring game only needs short-term strategy because each hand is separate, with real money on the line each time a new one is dealt. In a tournament, things are much different. In each hand of a tournament, there isn’t any actual money on the line. Sure, the prize money is on the line, but if you win a hand in a tournament, you’re not any richer, whereas you are in a ring game. You’re out to win the tournament – not every hand. In a ring game, you have to win as many hands as possible to make money. A tournament is a long race, while a ring game is a sprint. You would use different strategies when running a marathon than you would in a 100-meter race, right? Competing in a tourney versus competing in a ring game is the same idea.

2. Chip value

When you’re playing in a ring game and you have $50 in chips sitting in front of you, that is really worth $50. However, if you’re in a tournament and there’s $150,000 in chips sitting in front of you, those chips have no actual monetary value. In a tourney, you might buy-in for $25 and get $1000 worth of chips. The chips aren’t worth $1000, they’re just worth your life in the tourney and your chance at getting at least your $25 back. Don’t be stupid and go all-in at the beginning of the event. With the value of the chips compared to the value of the blinds, it’s not worth the risk. Remember; busting out in a ring game means you can buy right back in with more cash. Busting out of a tournament without rebuys means you’re done and the chance to win money is gone.

3. Slow going isn’t always the way

If you’re going to try and slowly chip away at other players’ stacks and play ultra tight and passive, you should avoid poker tournaments and stick to ring games. In ring games, playing steady and consistent, while making the correct play on the odds every time, should statistically keep you alive unless lady luck gives you the cold shoulder. In a tournament, just sitting back and playing by the numbers will likely leave you with a small stack once the blinds have grown so big you’re all-in before looking at your cards. In a tournament, you’ve not only got to pick your spots, but you’ve also got to make your own spots with aggressive, smart play.