Episode 194 - Transitioning from MTTs to Cash Games

Episode 194 - Transitioning from MTTs to Cash Games

Author: Poker On The Mind Podcast February 25, 2025 Duration: 1:10:48
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:
💌 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...

Ever find yourself staring at a tricky river decision or wondering how to stay focused during a long session? Poker On The Mind Podcast digs into those very moments, creating a space where the mental game and strategic play are given equal weight. This isn't about quick tips or hand history reviews alone; it's a deeper conversation about how we think at the tables. Each episode is built from listener questions, making the content directly relevant to the challenges you're actually facing, whether you're grinding online or heading to a live event. You'll hear discussions that dissect specific tournament scenarios, from late-stage bubble play to final table dynamics, alongside honest talks about maintaining emotional balance and building resilience. The goal is to provide a resource that helps you refine your decision-making process while also developing the psychological stamina the game demands. Tune in for a thoughtful blend of analysis and introspection, designed for players who believe improving their mindset is just as critical as mastering the math. This podcast lives in the intersection of Leisure, Education, and Sports, recognizing poker as the complex and fascinating pursuit that it is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Poker On The Mind Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 98 - Motivation to Exercise and a BvB Hand Breakdown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:33
After catching up on their latest activities, Gareth talked about how he is having a difficult time staying motivated to exercise during lockdown. The hosts discussed a variety of ways to tie your goals back to your over…
Episode 97 - Staying Positive When You're Running Bad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:43
Welcome to Episode 97! MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach & Educator Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. After catching up on their latest activities, Gareth…
Episode 95 - The Effects of a High Stress Job on Your Poker Time [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:04
Welcome to Episode 95! MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach & Educator Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. After catching up on their latest activities, the ho…
Episode 93 - Critical Mindset Skills to Resist Tilt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:23
Welcome to Episode 93! MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach & Educator Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. After starting off with a brief catch-up about their…
Episode 92 - What is Periodization? & River Bluff Hand History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:53
Welcome to Episode 92! MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach & Educator Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker including both strategy & mindset. After starting off with a brief catch…
Episode 91 - Developing a Rage to Master [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:38
After starting off with a brief catch-up about their latest activities the hosts, MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach & Educator Dr. Tricia Cardner, turned to answering a listener question about wha…
Episode 89 - Making and Keeping New Year's Resolutions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:39
Welcome to Episode 89! MTT Coach Gareth James and Peak Performance Mindset Coach & Educator Dr. Tricia Cardner are back discussing all things poker strategy & mindset. After starting off with a brief catch-up about the l…