Tournaments and cash games are different formats of playing poker. In a tournament, players start with a fixed number of chips and play until one player has all the chips. The prize pool is distributed among the top finishers, with the winner taking the lion's share. Tournaments usually have a set structure, with blinds and antes increasing at set intervals. This structure creates a sense of urgency and forces players to make moves and take risks to survive.
In contrast, cash games have no set structure and players can buy in for a specific amount and leave the table at any time. In cash games, the blinds and antes remain the same throughout the game and players can reload their stacks if they lose all their chips. Since the blinds and antes remain the same, cash games have a more relaxed pace compared to tournaments.
It's not uncommon for players to excel in one format and struggle in the other as the strategies and skills required for success in cash games and tournaments are quite different. Tournaments require a different type of aggression, and a different way of balancing risk and reward. Cash games, on the other hand, require a more steady and consistent approach to chip accumulation.
It may be helpful to review your play in the cash game and see if there are any areas where you can improve your strategy. Consider taking a break from cash games and focus on tournaments or vice versa. Additionally, consider setting limits for yourself to help manage your bankroll and avoid large losses. It's also important to remember that poker is a game of variance and losing sessions are a normal part of the game, it's important to maintain a long-term perspective and not let short-term results affect your overall performance.