If you’re playing online poker in India, you’ve probably heard the term “calling station”. A calling station is a player who calls bets frequently, rarely folding, even with weak hands. While this style is often seen as a mistake, understanding it — and knowing how to beat or use it — can give you a real edge at the tables. Whether you face calling stations in cash games or tournaments, your approach needs to change.
Let’s break down the key differences between cash games and tournaments on online poker platforms like Calling Station (Sign-up with ‘AFFCSGUT’) and gives you strategies to succeed in both formats.
Cash games are the classic form of poker where chips represent real money and you can buy in or cash out anytime. The blinds (forced bets) stay the same, so each hand has equal value.
Key Strategies:
ALSO READ: Daily ₹15 Lakh GTD Tournaments On Calling Station
Tournaments are a different beast. You buy in once and play until you lose all your chips or win it all. Blinds keep rising, forcing action as stacks shrink.
Key Strategies:
Aspect |
Cash Games |
Tournaments |
Blinds |
Fixed |
Increase over time |
Buy-in |
Rebuy anytime |
One entry (usually) |
Goal |
Accumulate money per hand |
Win all chips |
Strategy Focus |
Value betting, patience |
Adaptation, survival |
Cash games and tournaments each offer unique challenges on Calling Station and other online poker sites. For cash games, focus on solid hand selection, good position, and patience, especially against calling stations. In tournaments, adapt as the blinds rise, be ready to change gears, and always know when to take risks or tighten up.
Knowing these differences will help beginners and intermediate players boost their poker skills in any format they choose.
Ready to implement these tips? Download the Calling Station app, register with the promo code ‘AFFCSGUT,‘ and start winning big.
Cash games are about patience and playing solid hands for long-term profit. Tournaments, on the other hand, require you to adjust your play as the blinds go up and your chip stack changes. You’ll need to be more flexible and sometimes take risks to stay in the game.
In cash games, you should mainly play hands with strong winning potential. Prioritize premium hands such as high pairs (Aces, Kings, Queens) and strong combinations like Ace-King. Suited connectors can also be profitable, particularly when you’re in a good position at the table.
For cash games, it’s smart to have 20 to 30 buy-ins for the stakes you’re playing. For tournaments, aim for 50 to 100 buy-ins because the swings can be bigger. Always play within your limits to avoid going broke.
Early on, play tight and avoid unnecessary risks. As the blinds increase, start looking for chances to steal and build your stack. If you’re short on chips, don’t wait too long—go all-in with decent hands before the blinds eat you up.
Rajashree is part of the business team at Gutshot Magazine, where she manages client relationships and strategizes promotional activities to maximize impact. She also contributes with articles on poker promotions, leveraging her expertise in audience engagement. When not brainstorming new ideas, you’ll likely find her quietly honing her calligraphy skills.
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