Poker tournaments are very popular. There are many different types of poker tournaments and it is important to be familiar with what is available so that you are able to make an informed decision of the tournament that is most suitable for you
Choosing a Poker Tournament
Before choosing a poker tournament you must look at its suitability for you. Look at the dates that the tournament is running and make sure that it is convenient. Look at the entry fee. Are you looking for a free tournament? Entry fees for lower stake tournaments should be around 10% of the pot, while those for higher stake tournaments should be less than 10% of the pot. Choose the game that you want to play and the betting structure that suits you.
Games in Poker Tournaments
It is possible to find different games offered in poker tournaments, although the most popular option is Texas hold’em, followed by Omaha. These are offered in limit, pot limit and no limit betting structures. It is also possible to find seven card stud games. Less common, but also available are mixed games such as H.O.R.S.E.
Types of Poker Tournaments
Firstly, it is important to decide whether you want to play in a live poker tournament or online. When playing poker tournaments online, there are many different types and structures that players can choose from. You can choose from freeroll tournaments with no buy in fees, satellite tournaments that give you a chance to win a seat in a large poker event or guaranteed prize tournaments. In addition, there are three main structures to poker tournaments.
Sit and Go Tournaments – Sit ‘n’ Go tournaments (otherwise known as SNG or single table no limit tournaments) are made up of a table with a set number of seats. Once the seats are full, the tournament begins. These are popular tournament structures.
Multi Table Limit Tournaments – Multi table limit tournaments have multiple tables playing at one time. The prize money is dependent on the number of entrants and so is determined once the final number of participants is registered.
Multi Table No Limit Tournaments – Multi Table No Limit Tournaments involve large numbers of participants making them difficult to win. These are the structure of the WSOP tournaments.
Betting Format for Poker Tournaments
There are different types of betting formats that are used in poker tournaments and poker play will vary depending on the type of betting format that is being used.
Structured Bets – Also known as fixed limit bets, in these tournaments the bets and raises are fixed at specific amounts. The amounts generally increase during the course of the tournament.
Semi-Structured Bets – Semi structured betting provides a range for raises. Pot limit betting sets the raises at higher than the size of the pot. Spread limit betting states that the raises must be between a minimum and maximum amount.
Unstructured Bets – Also known as no limit bets, in these tournaments players are able to bet any amount.
