Episode 194 - Transitioning from MTTs to Cash Games cover art

Episode 194 - Transitioning from MTTs to Cash Games

Episode 194 - Transitioning from MTTs to Cash Games

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Poker on the Mind - Episode 194: Transitioning from MTTs to Cash Games with Gareth James & Dr. Tricia Cardner

💡 Main Topic: Transitioning from MTTs to Cash Games

Listener question from Alex:
"I'm grinding mid-stakes MTTs but struggling to adjust to the open-ended nature of cash games. How can I adapt my mindset and study habits?"

🔑 Key Takeaways:
  1. Mindset Shifts:

    • MTTs have clear structure and end goals; cash games are open-ended.
    • Focus on process goals (hands played, time blocks) rather than outcomes.
    • Redefine success as consistently making +EV decisions, not session results.
  2. Study Tips:

    • Prioritize deep-stack strategies, as cash games typically run 100BB+.
    • Practice Raise First In and Big Blind Defense with tools like DTO or GTO Wizard.
    • Study common flop textures and develop strategies for frequent board types.
    • Active learning beats passive study: Drill hands, take notes, and revisit concepts.
  3. Emotional Resilience:

    • Cash players need strong mental toughness to handle reloading after losses.
    • Implement stop-loss rules if tilt becomes an issue, but bankroll should be the main determinant.
    • Be mindful of cognitive biases, like negativity bias and gambler’s fallacy.
  4. Execution & Adjustment:

    • It's not enough to know strategy—you must execute it consistently under pressure.
    • Adjust based on player types: Identify tendencies and exploit them accordingly.
    • Use hand reviews to spot leaks and tailor future study.
  5. Practical Tips for Transitioning:

    • Start at manageable stakes (e.g., $1/$2 live or 10NL online).
    • Experiment with formats (6-max, full ring, heads-up) to find what suits you best.
    • Set clear session goals (hands played, hours logged) to stay focused.
📚 Recommended Resources:
  • Purposeful Practice for Poker by Dr. Tricia Cardner & Gareth James
  • MTT to Cash Transition Diagnostic: Assess your strengths, weaknesses, and next steps for a smoother switch.
  • PrimeDope Variance Calculator for understanding long-term expectations
💌 Stay Connected:
  • 🎯 Mental Game Quiz: How strong is your mindset? Take the quiz at drtriciacardner.com/quiz
  • 📨 On the Button Newsletter: Join Gareth’s weekly tournament tips at mttpokerschool.com/newsletter
  • 💰 A FREE, 5-day email course breaking down everything you need to build rock solid fundamentals, study tournament poker effectively, confidently move up in stakes, and develop the right mindset for long-term success: mttpokerschool.com/free-course
Want us to answer your poker question?

Post it in Dr. Tricia’s private Facebook group! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PokerMindsetMastery

Or in Gareth’s private Facebook group! Join here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pokerprofits

Or Tweet us: @drtriciacardner @MTTpokerschool @PokerOnTheMind

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