Why SnGs over cash?

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ClubArrow77

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I was wondering why people recommend using SnGs rather than cash to build a bankroll when SnGs have more variance in general. Since mid to late SnG strategy devolves into simple push-fold near the end, variance becomes more significant and one bad beat pretty much has you dead in the tourney while in a cash you can just rebuy. I guess SnGs may be easier to learn but it seems that the effect of one cooler or one suck out over multiple tournaments can cripple a growing bankroll than a bad beat can in cash games. Any opinions on why SnGs are generally recommended for br building?
 
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baudib1

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I'm not sure SNGs have more variance -- I could be wrong on that. MTTs and PLO have the most for sure.

The reasons would be something like this:
1. Cash takes more skill. Or rather, it takes different skill that is harder to learn. It's a more complex game.
2. Related to No. 1, but deserves special mention: You can make more catastrophic mistakes in cash. In cash you can get into situations where you are very deep and start stacking off with TPTK/overpairs for a significant chunk of your bankroll whereas you are not risking as much on one hand in a SNG, where it will rarely be a huge mistake to stack TPTK.
3. SNGs have more solved/standard spots.
4. There are some people who play incredibly badly in SNGs.
 
Tino11

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If you buy onto a 10NL cash table for the max $10, you can lose that on one hand. If you buy into a $2.20 Sng you can play four of them and have change, that gives you better odds of building a role with SnG's.
 
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WiZZiM

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Really flawed logic there unfortunately Tino.

Pretty much what Baudib said.

However you still need skill in SNG, skill level influences the variance you will encounter.
 
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AllInDom

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SNG everyone starts on the same level as far as bankroll. Cash game bigger bankrolls bully the smaller bankrolls.
 
Arjonius

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IMO, there are ways to make a case for either, but neither is compelling enough to trump simply playing what you enjoy more. Unless you're playing for income, it's not just about the money, especially if the difference isn't meaningful.
 
bullishwwd

bullishwwd

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Really flawed logic there unfortunately Tino.

Pretty much what Baudib said.

However you still need skill in SNG, skill level influences the variance you will encounter.
Tino does say: I am only responsible for what I say, not for what you understand.

I like what all three of you stated except for the first comment. :)
 
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recoveryagent

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i've lost my br in 10 nl cash and lower to me sng are more my game then ring.i know nothing of varience guess i need to start reading up in the poker school
 
kidkvno1

kidkvno1

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SNG's are alot more fun to play then a ring table.
1. you are going to be playing with even stacks.
2. you are not going to be playing with scared money/cash, and that's very bad for a BR.
3. It's a good way to start on a low BR, i know this 1st hand.
4. you can pick up some good skills in SNG's.
Also look at DON's to build your BR.
Baudib, i am sure that MTT's and PLO have more variance then SNG's.
 
ckickenking

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SNG is easier to win, Cash is harder. SNG is a safer, more reliable. Cash is dangerous, you can lose your buy in a sec. I believe it takes more skills to be a cash players
 
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stg1969

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I'd agree with the comments about cash, i'm learning and i make a small profit at $6 SnG and 6 or 12 DON's, but whenever i play cash, i tend to get bullied, it's just not really in my arsenal yet, i'm still working on it, but i definately agree there are more donks, LAG's and TAGFISH at SnG.
 
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RamdeeBen

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Purely because Cash are much more difficult to master than SnG's/.

SnG's are pretty much the same play, just play tight early and learn a little ICM and you will turn a profit at the micros.
 
fletchdad

fletchdad

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Independent Chip Model.

In a tourney, a chip does not equal a constant monetary amount. If you have 1 chip left and 3 other players are in as well, and they all have the same amount of chips, and 2 of them get in an all in pot, and one gets busted, your one chip just increased a lot in monetary value. Even tho you still only have one chip.

Google "ICM Poker" for a detailed explanation of ICM.
 
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alainfrig

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hmmm maybe a good idea for me to start and play SNG...cause i loose alot on cash game...
 
jaxpaboo

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I get more bang for my buck with SNGs. I would say they are lowest variance when compared to cash games or MTTs. $5 SNGs feels a lot more baller to me than .02/.05 cash.

DON SNGs have the lowest variance.
 
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tcummo

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For me ,
cash games are boring ,
sng's are exciting ,
tho, it's not about the money for me,
it's more about having fun and learning the game.
I suppose it depends on how serious you want to be.
To be a good player (all rounder) you need to know both.
 
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hawtshawt420

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I think each has its time and specific advantages but can I get some clarification. I've seen a Pro-SNG argument saying "You can lose you whole buy in in one hand in a Cash game." Isn't that true of both? First hand of the game you get KK and villain have AA. Neither is folding so if you both keep raising someone is going home in 1 hand...
 
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commanderpants

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I'd switched from cash to SNGs a long time ago. However, this was a purely personal preference. For me, SNGs suited my personality well because they have a set structure and I controlled risk going in (buy-ins). I can also pre-plan my gameplay according to the size of the field before the tourney begins, that is, determine the "early", "mid", "bubble" phases based on the field layout and eliminations. Most importantly, I couldn't trust myself to be disciplined enough to pull out after exactly an hour of play at a cash table. I found it easier to implement good BR rules around SNGs.

All in all, I still think it's a matter of individual preference.
 
OzExorcist

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As has been mentioned above, the short answer is that cash games are harder.

That's not to say for a second that there's no skill in SnGs, but cash is definitely harder.
 
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sootedjokers

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SNGs are easier because new players understand this format. it's what they see on TV (i know those are MTTs), but the tournament concept and the gravity of "All In" bets is what poker is to fish.
Therefore, it's easier to play against the average SNG player than Cash Player.

Also, on a side note, I would think of SNGs as a great way to improve your late game MTT strategy. Cash players will be dead in the water if they get 6,5,4 and 3 handed, but as a SNG regular you will have a huge edge when you go deep in a tournament.
 
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buster999

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I think SNGs are easier because people stick to math and ICM calculations and even the best players can be exploited. SNGs or about survival as cash games you have to be more creative.
 
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Cdub512

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I like sit and gos better than cash games, and I think the super turbos are a lot of fun. A lot of situational play in sit and gos which are always good to experience.
 
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ClubArrow77

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I actually might try out some SnGs then. What is a good level where the rake doesnt kill your win rate? I think $3 on Party might be feasible although the blind structure sucks on Party in general (the blinds rise like crazy in the later stages which makes late game pure shoving and pretty much kills the late stage). Ive done ok on the $1 SnGs on Party but the rake is like 20-25% which means its near impossible to beat unless you are running really hot I think.
 
coyotegal

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Everyone keeps sayin cash is harder... It seems that to play at cash games, you can't be afraid to loose your money and in order not to be afraid to bet all your chips it helps in a major way to be properly bankrolled. Playing in a SNG is easier (sometimes) because it's one buy in, you start out on level ground with all your opponents so the bully factor (and there are alot of bullies at the low level SNG's online) is significantly weaker and if all else fails...it's not as scary to go all in . If you have decent poker skills but a small bankroll, I think SNG's are safer.. And that's only if you play at around 10% your bankroll for a buyin.
 
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