Poker tournaments are becoming more and more popular. A lot of this is down to the fact that the poker shown on television, e.g. World Poker Tour and WSOP, is in tournament form, but it is also due to the chance of winning big money from a set stake. Tournament games are also a bit different from normal games, often having more action and interesting in-game situations. Tournaments have become so popular that certain poker rooms now have more tournament players than normal players. This can also be seen in the number of special tournaments and tournaments offering guaranteed pots.
What is a poker tournament?
A poker tournament is a type of poker game where all players pay a fixed entry fee and receive a certain number of chips. The players then compete against each other until one player has all the chips or the tournament reaches a predetermined time limit. The prize pool is usually distributed among the top finishers according to a predefined payout structure.
What are the advantages of playing poker tournaments?
There are many reasons why poker players enjoy playing tournaments. Some of them are:
- You can win a large amount of money from a small investment.
- You can experience the thrill of competing against other players and advancing through different stages of the tournament.
- You can improve your poker skills by playing against different opponents and adapting to different situations.
- You can have fun and socialize with other poker enthusiasts.
What are the different types of poker tournaments?
There are many variations of poker tournaments, each with its own rules and features. Some of the most common types are:
- Freezeout: This is the standard type of tournament where you cannot rebuy or add-on more chips once you lose them. The last player standing wins the tournament.
- Rebuy: This is a type of tournament where you can rebuy more chips during a certain period of time, usually the first hour or so. You can also add-on more chips at the end of the rebuy period. This type of tournament tends to have bigger prize pools and more action.
- Bounty: This is a type of tournament where you get a bonus for eliminating other players. A portion of the entry fee goes to the bounty pool, and you receive a certain amount for each player you knock out.
- Satellite: Satellites is a type of tournament where you can win a seat to a bigger and more expensive tournament. For example, you can play a $10 satellite to win a $100 ticket to a main event.
- Turbo: This is a type of tournament where the blinds increase faster than usual, usually every 5 minutes or so. This type of tournament requires more aggression and less patience.
- Guaranteed: This is a type of tournament where the prize pool is guaranteed by the poker room regardless of how many players register. For example, a $10,000 guaranteed tournament will have at least $10,000 in prizes even if only 100 players join.
- Freerolls: A freeroll is a tournament that has no entry fee, but still offers real money prizes or tickets to other events.
How to choose the best poker tournaments for you?
There are many factors to consider when choosing which poker tournaments to play. Some of them are:
- Your bankroll: You should only play tournaments that you can afford to lose. A general rule is to have at least 100 buy-ins for the level you want to play.
- Your skill level: You should play tournaments that match your skill level and experience. If you are new to poker, you should start with lower stakes and smaller fields. If you are more advanced, you can try higher stakes and bigger fields.
- Your schedule: You should play tournaments that fit your schedule and availability. Some tournaments can last for several hours or even days, so you need to make sure you have enough time and energy to play them.
- Your preference: You should play tournaments that suit your personal preference and style. Some players prefer fast-paced and action-packed tournaments, while others prefer slow-paced and strategic tournaments. Some players like to play multiple tables at once, while others like to focus on one table at a time.
Where can you find the best poker tournaments online?
There are many online poker rooms that offer a wide range of poker tournaments for all kinds of players. Some of the best ones are PokerStars and PartyPoker.