What are poker tournaments?

Ready to join an online poker tournament? Prepare yourself with the guide below and get the low-down to build your skills!

Poker has been played for centuries and has become arguably the most-recognisable card game on the planet. That popularity has moved considerably to the digital world, and online poker is played by millions. And with so many poker variations and even online poker tournaments, there are limitless opportunities to try your hand.

Online poker tournaments give players the chance to get their hands on a predetermined prize pool. To qualify for an online poker tournament, a player must pay a buy-in fee. The player will then be given a certain amount of chips to compete with the rest of the entrants for the top prize.

There are lots of different online poker tournament formats that cover all the variations of the game, from Texas Hold ‘Em to Stud and beyond. The type of tournament depends on the terms of the host site and the kind of poker game you choose to play.

For everything you need to know about how to play poker, read our in-depth poker guide.

Poker tournament variations

There are several variations of poker tournaments available, depending on the game type and number of players. Here are the five main variations to consider:

Sit and Go

Sit and Go (SNG) tournaments typically have nine or fewer players and are designed to be a quick form of poker. In a Sit and Go, the tournament starts as soon as enough players have registered and ends when one player has all the chips. Learn more about SNG tournaments.

Progressive Knockout (KO)

These tournaments include an entry fee, with a portion going to the prize pool and another portion going to the bounty. Players get a bounty whenever they knock another player out of the tournament, thus creating a progressive element where bounties grow larger as the tournament progresses. Learn more about KO poker.

Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs)

These tournaments involve lots of players and can span anywhere from two tables to hundreds. MTTs typically involve an entry fee, with all fees collected going into the prize pool. The prize pool is then split among the top players, with the overall winner typically receiving the largest payout. Learn more about MTT’s in poker.

Heads-up Poker Tournament

This variation of poker tournament is played between just two players. They start out with the same number of chips and play until one player has all of them. Learn more about what Heads-Up poker is.

Single Table Tournaments

These tournaments involve a single table of players who compete for a prize pool that is determined by the size of their entry fee. As soon as enough players have registered, the tournament begins and continues until one player has all the chips.

What to expect in a poker tournament

When it comes to poker tournaments, there is a lot to consider. Most poker tournaments are structured with an entry fee and have predetermined blind levels, which increase over time. Players may also be given an allotted amount of chips that they can use to build up their stack during the tournament.

Players will typically start out with blinds at the lower end of the stakes which gradually increase as the tournament progresses. During a poker tournament, players must make strategic decisions to stay in the game and eventually win the tournament.

Players can also expect to face a range of opponents with different skill levels throughout the tournament. In addition, all players will be competing for a prize pool at the end of the tournament, with larger tournaments offering larger payouts. All in all, poker tournaments can be exciting and rewarding experiences for those who take them seriously and play intelligently.

How do poker tournaments payout?

Poker tournaments have various payout structures depending on the size and type of tournament. Generally, the top finishers receive a portion of the prize pool, with the winner receiving the biggest share.

The exact payout structure is determined before the tournament begins and is typically based on the number of players. In some tournaments, all players who finish in the money will receive an equal share, while in others, only the top few will receive a cash prize.

Payouts are usually determined by a predetermined formula or “payout table” that lists each placement and the amount awarded. Most poker tournaments also award points to players based on their final standings, which can be used to qualify for larger events or enter leaderboards.

Poker tournament tips

Play Tight

As a tournament progresses, the blinds and antes increase, meaning that it is more costly to stay in a hand. Therefore, it is important to be selective when choosing hands to play. Only play hands that have a high chance of success and fold marginal hands early on.

Don’t Bluff Too Much

Bluffing can be an effective tool in poker tournaments, but it should not be overused. Use bluffing as a tool to pick up small pots or to try and gain control of the pot but avoid bluffing without a plan.

Manage Your Budget

Money management is an essential part of any poker tournament. Make sure that you are betting responsibly and only playing within your budget. Set yourself limits on how much you are willing to lose or win in each tournament and stick to them.

Be Patient

Patience is key in poker tournaments. You need to wait for good hands and strong starting positions before making moves. Don’t force yourself into situations and don’t act impulsively. Take your time and think through each move carefully.

Read the Table

Being aware of what is happening around the table is key to success in tournaments. Pay attention to the other players’ strategies, the chip stacks, and the size of the pots and use this information to make better decisions.

Have fun and play responsibly

Remember not to take poker tournaments too seriously and play for fun, rather than to make money. If you find you’re playing because you feel like you need to, or you’re struggling to accept losses, then learn more about safe gambling and reach out for the right support if you need to.

Play in online poker tournaments with William Hill

William Hill Vegas is one of the leading online poker providers, offering a wide range of exciting tournaments and cash games. With great offers and bonuses, it’s easy to get started.

Choose from Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, or Seven Card Stud, and decide whether to play tournaments or cash games. Once you’ve registered, you can get started by making a deposit and entering the tournament or game of your choice.

William Hill Vegas also provides great customer support, so if you have any questions or concerns, they’ll be happy to help. With its intuitive interface and secure payment methods, it’s easy to see why William Hill is one of the best online poker sites. So, if you’re looking for an exciting way to test your poker skills, check out William Hill!