Hi Jammy,
I am a firm believer in cash games Jammy. It is basically where all the real money in poker is. Its also true that you will find the best players in the world playing in the biggest cash games in the world - and they are not the guys you see winning the big televised MTTs. Although there is still a ton of luck involved of course, the luck factor is a lot less in cash games than it is in STTs especially and also MTTs. That isnt to say MTTs and STTs cant be decent long term earners for the good poker player, they sure can, but they become serious card catching contests towards the end and it really does come down to luck at these points.
The thing about cash games is the stacks are a lot deeper than in MTT/STT style games. This means there is a lot more play. Far more flops are taken, and turn and river play is crucial as well (turn and river play are practically no brainers in MTTs whilst flop play is only minimal, it all revolves around preflop play). Theres a lot more room for manouver and hand reading becomes a lot more important in cash games.
Take this for example.
An STT where you have 1000 chips. The blinds are 50/100. You raise to 300 with AA and you get a call by the blinds. The flop is K44 with two clubs and you bet 300 again after being checked to. The blind player CRaises all in. This is an
absolute no brainer call for you. Not a chance in hell you are ever laying this down. However look at a similar situation in a cash game. This time you have 1000 dollars infront of you and are playing 5/10. You get AA again and open for 50 dollars. The big blind calls only and you have the same K44 flop. He checks and you bet 100. He then CR all in for 1000 dollars total. This is a FAR more difficult call/decision to make. If you get it wrong then you are severely out of pocket, if you get it right then you profit big style (be it by folding and saving money when behind or calling and winning it when ahead). Although the decisions are tougher, the rewards are greater.
I would definately suggest you try it out Jammy, cash poker is 100% the most fun and skillfull game of hold em! Perhaps 25c/50c where you buy in for 50 dollars would be suitable for you, or 15c/25c for a 25 dollar buy in. This lets you get used to playing with much deeper stacks without risking too much.
Definately get an account with rakeback on it. Cash players generate the most rake by far for the sites and thus you will get beefcake payments back every month for having rb on your account. I would start off playing full ring where you can wait patiently for hands etc and not have too many tough decisions to start off with. Once you feel comfortable there you can try the 6man/shorthanded tables where you can play every hand!
Jez