Definition
Tournament poker is a format where all players start with equal chips, blinds increase over time, and play continues until one player has all the chips. Prizes are awarded based on finishing position.
Tournament = Fixed buy-in, increasing blinds, finish in the money
Key Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Buy-in | Fixed entry fee |
| Starting chips | Equal for all players |
| Blinds | Increase at intervals |
| Elimination | Lose your chips, you're out |
| Prizes | Top finishers get paid |
Tournament Structure Example
| Level | Blinds | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25/50 | 20 min |
| 2 | 50/100 | 20 min |
| 3 | 75/150 | 20 min |
| 4 | 100/200 | 20 min |
| ... | ... | ... |
Key Tournament Concepts
ICM (Independent Chip Model)
Tournament chips aren't worth face value—their value depends on:
- Your stack relative to others
- Payout structure
- Number of players left
The Bubble
The point just before payouts begin:
- Short stacks tighten up
- Big stacks can bully
- Survival matters most
Stack Sizes
| Stack | Big Blinds | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Deep | 50+ BB | Normal poker |
| Medium | 25-50 BB | Some caution |
| Short | 10-25 BB | Push/fold zone |
| Critical | <10 BB | All-in or fold |
Tournament Stages
| Stage | Priority |
|---|---|
| Early | Accumulate chips |
| Middle | Maintain stack, avoid disasters |
| Bubble | Survive to cash |
| Final table | Maximize prize money |
Prize Distribution Example
| Position | % of Prize Pool |
|---|---|
| 1st | 30% |
| 2nd | 20% |
| 3rd | 14% |
| 4th-6th | 9% each |
| 7th-10th | 2.25% each |
Key Takeaway
Tournaments require survival skills—manage your stack through increasing blinds, understand ICM near the money, and adjust to stack depths. It's not just about winning chips, it's about finishing in the best position.