There's one thing this year that differentiates the landscape of the Amazon Room from years past. The amount of cash games going at all hours are exponentially greater in number.

A few years ago when satellite winners made up a large percentage of the fields, poker was experiencing a boom. Many people showed up from all corners of the globe to play the game they saw on TV. They wanted to play tournaments.

As the years went by, many people realized there's more to poker than just tournaments. Some liked the freedom that cash games offer.

A player can come and go as he pleases and not have to worry about having to spend hours or days before hitting pay dirt.

Others realized tournament poker isn't all it's cracked up to be as far as bringing in a consistent income. After all, it's been said before that the real money is won and lost at the cash tables. Word caught on and more players began to play for cash.

The increase in popularity among the cash games is obvious. Where three years ago there might be a dozen cash games, now there are over 70.

In the days before and during the $1,000 Stimulus event, the cash games numbered well over 100. It's anyone's guess as to how many tables will be going around Main Event time.

If you haven't tried cash games in the Amazon, jump in. The water is just fine. Now get in there you donkey!