Poker is rising as one of the most sought-after online games in India. Amid the pandemic, its popularity surged to new heights, drawing players from diverse age brackets who tried their hands for some rewards.

When it comes to playing poker game, tournaments have emerged as the most favored format. Participants in these tournaments pay an entry fee (Buy-In) and battle it out for a portion of the prize pool. Throughout the tournament, blind levels change in every interval and the tournament ends only when a player possesses all the chips, marking its official conclusion.

Poker tournaments add a layer of excitement to the game. You can see players from various levels putting their skills to the test and winning the game. Poker tournaments let you play against skilled poker players, as well as newcomers, and also let you win a bigger prize pool in return.

In this article, you will learn how to play poker tournaments, the tips and tricks of the game, and the winning mantra.

What is a Poker Tournament?

A poker tournament is a time-based event where players compete against each other and outlast their opponents to claim a portion of the prize pool. Tournaments vary in format, duration, and rules, and involve players paying a Buy-In (entry fee) to participate, which contributes to the prize pool. Initially, a fixed number of chips are given to every player to begin the game. As the game progresses, the blind level (forced bets) increases at set intervals to encourage action and prevent stagnation in the game. As players are eliminated, tables are merged until only one player remains, who is declared the winner.

Types of Poker Tournaments in India

There are various types of poker tournaments played in India. However, the most popular ones are:

• Freeroll Tournaments – Freeroll poker tournaments are the most played tournaments on online felts as one can play them without investing any real money. Playing a freeroll tournament is the best way to test your poker skills. These tournaments have a smaller prize pool with zero Buy-In value. Players often participate in large numbers to outperform their opponents and win a portion of the prize pool without any investment. Freeroll poker tournaments are the best way to boost your bankroll.
• Sit & Go – Sit & Go Poker Tournament, commonly known as SnG or Single Table Tournaments, has gained significant popularity in recent times for its fast-paced format. One of the most appealing features of SnG is their availability 24 hours a day, with no fixed schedule. This flexibility allows players to enjoy the adrenaline rush of competition whenever they please. A SnG tournament starts once the set number of players join the table. A SnG table can have a minimum of 6 players and a maximum of 10 players. These are knock-out tournaments where the payout structure is fixed and distributed among the top few finishers.
• Multi-Table Tournaments – Multi-table tournaments (MTTs) are one of the most popular formats in the world of poker, offering players to play across multiple tables simultaneously, thus vying for a bigger prize pool. MTTs often have a fixed Buy-In amount which contributes to the overall prize pool along with any additional fee and is awarded to the top finishers of the tournament based on payout structure. The duration of MTTs can range from a few hours to numerous days. It takes a mix of skill, discipline, and endurance to slowly march through other competitors and secure a seat at the end.
• Turbo Tournaments
• Blind Structure: In turbo tournaments, the blinds increase every 5-6 minutes online or about 10-15 minutes in live play. This is faster than regular tournaments, which might have 10-15 minutes online or 20-30 minutes live.
• Starting Stack: Players generally start with a similar stack size to what you'd see in a standard tournament.
• Pace: Since the blinds increase quickly, players don’t have as much time to wait for great hands. This keeps the action moving and adds pressure to play a bit more aggressively.
• Why Play? Turbos are perfect if you want a complete tournament experience but don't have hours and hours to spare. They give you that classic tournament feel but in less time.
• Hyper Turbo Tournaments
• Blind Structure: Hyper-turbos are even faster. Blinds can increase every 2-3 minutes online or about 5-10 minutes in live games.
• Starting Stack: Players start with fewer chips (often only 10-15 big blinds), which forces quicker decisions and more aggressive play right from the start.
• Pace: These tournaments move really fast. Expect all-in situations almost immediately, as players don’t have the luxury of waiting for great hands.
• Why Play? Hypers are ideal if you’re looking for a quick, intense game where anything can happen, and you don’t mind a bit of luck playing a bigger role.

Indian Poker Tournament Formats

• Re-buy Tournaments – Re-buy tournaments are a kind of poker tournament format where a player can buy additional chips if they run out of starting chips in the early stages of the game. With the re-buy option, players can refresh their chip stack and keep the game on. In re-buy tournaments, players usually have a specified re-buy time during which they can buy more chips to keep the game going.
• Freeze-out Tournaments – Freeze-out tournaments are another version of a poker tournament where if a player gets busted out, cannot re-enter the tournament again. Unlike re-buy tournaments where players can purchase more chips, in a freeze-out tournament, once a player is eliminated, they are out of the competition.
• Re-entry Tournaments -Re-entry tournaments are a common format across all poker tournaments where players are allowed to re-enter the tournament with an entry fee after they’ve been eliminated in the early stages. This typically involves paying the same Buy-In again in exchange for a new stack of chips and a fresh start in the tournament. Re-entry usually depends on the tournament structure and ranges between 2-10 times.
• Freezeout Poker Tournament : The main feature of a freezeout tournament is that you can’t rejoin it. So, you need to be more careful while playing this type of tournament.
• Intro: In a freezeout, you get only one life in the game—if you bust, you're out, with no option to buy back in.
• How it works: This structure pushes players to be a bit more cautious, as one bad decision can end their tournament.
• Reasons to try it out: Freezeouts reward consistency and skill over time, as the field gradually shrinks until only one player remains. It’s the classic tournament format and is generally preferred by players who enjoy strategic play.
• Bounty Poker Tournament : Another exciting format of poker tournaments, bounty poker tournaments reward you for eliminating players. But remember, you have a bounty on your head too.
• Intro: In bounty tournaments, each player has a bounty (a cash prize) on their head. When you knock someone out, you win their bounty, which is paid out immediately.
• Types of Bounties: Some bounty tournaments are progressive, meaning that each time you collect a bounty, part of it is added to your own bounty, making you a more valuable target. In standard bounty tournaments, each player has the same fixed bounty.
• How it works: Bounty tournaments encourage players to go after knockouts more aggressively than they might in regular tournaments, as busting someone out has an immediate cash reward.
• Reasons to try it out: These tournaments add an extra layer of strategy and excitement. They’re great if you like fast, aggressive play and want the chance to earn rewards even if you don’t win the entire tournament.
• Shootout Poker Tournament : In a shootout tournament, a round continues until there is only one player left on the table. In short, it’s sort of a last-man-standing tournament.
• Intro: Shootouts are structured in "rounds" rather than one continuous tournament. You start at a table and play until only one player remains, then the table winners advance to the next round.
• How it works: Each table operates like a mini-tournament. Once you’ve won your table, you advance to the next one, usually with other table winners, until there’s one final table and a single tournament winner.
• Reasons to try it out: Shootouts are fun because they feel like a series of mini-battles, and winning each table feels like a mini-victory. They’re ideal if you enjoy one-on-one confrontations and don’t mind a tournament format that takes a bit longer.

Texas Hold’em Poker Tournaments

Texas Holdem poker tournaments are the most popular poker format played in India. In Texas Holdem, a player is usually dealt two hole cards (private cards) and the objective is to create the best five-card poker hands using a combination of the two hole cards and the five community cards dealt face-up in the center of the table.

Strategies to Win in Poker Tournaments

If you’re looking for basic and easy-to-remember poker strategies to help you improve your game and make you win, you’re at the right place. Here are a few strategies:

• Starting hand selection – This involves carefully choosing which hands to play at the beginning of the game
• Aggression pays in poker – Play with aggression but refrain from getting impatient
• Observe your opponent – Keep a close eye on your opponent and try reading his game
• Fold when you’re unsure – Do not play when not sure. Folding your cards is always wise and advisable when in doubt
• Semi-bluff – Semi-bluffs often protect a player when their bluff gets called
• Play for a longer term and develop your skills – Playing for a longer period improves your game and helps you master it in the long run
• Start with freeroll tournaments – Master your skills by playing freeroll tournaments without investing real money
• Do not be the first player to limp – Limping often indicates a weaker hand or lack of confidence, and allows other players to enter the pot cheaply
• Defend your big blind – The big blind is an important position as you have already invested in the pot. So it’s important to defend your BB.
• Identify and attack the weak links – Identifying and attacking weaker links will help you claim the pot without even reaching a showdown.

Difference Between Poker Tournaments and Cash Games

Poker tournaments and cash games are two different formats of poker and require different skill sets. The final decision to either play a tournament or a cash game rests with you, but let’s clarify the basic fundamental differences between the two.

Stages of Poker Tournament

There are typically 3 stages in a poker tournaments:

• Early Stage: As the game opens up and players start to get the feel, during this stage, it is advisable to focus on the game and try to be patient.
• Middle Stage: As the game progresses, the blind level increases at set intervals. It is advisable to focus on the position, stop limping, and not get eliminated.
• Late Stage: The competition intensifies and the blinds soar high. Play aggressively and focus on your hands. Put pressure on small stacks trying to cash, take calculated risks, and win the hand.

Mistakes to Avoid While Playing Online Poker Tournaments

The strategy with which you should approach poker tournaments is a bit different to cash games. Here, you need to keep a lot of factors in mind before making a move because a wrong move can result in you getting eliminated from the tournament.

• Playing too many hands – Avoid playing every hand that comes your way. Fold when unsure.
• Lack of observation & practice – Observing your opponents’ gameplay is very crucial when playing poker. Mastering the game of poker needs good observation skills and a lot of practice. Start your poker journey with practice games and freeroll tournaments.
• Bluffing – Bluffing in poker is an art and an important aspect of the game. It is a strategy to make your opponent play/fold even when you have a weaker hand.
• Poor Bankroll Management – Managing your bankroll is very important while playing poker. It is one of the biggest aspects of becoming a poker pro from a noob. It is always advisable to choose your gameplay according to your bankroll.
• Tilt – Letting Emotions Affect Your Play – Tilt is the major cause of loss at many poker sessions. A lot has been written on managing tilt at the tables. Yet, most players misplay their hands due to tilt at some point or the other. Being able to successfully manage tilt (playing without emotions) will save you a lot of money in the long run.
• Don’t Play Poker in Bad Mood – Last but not least. Do not play poker when you’re in a bad mood. Playing poker
• Ignoring Position - Position in poker is crucial because it determines when you act in a hand. Ignoring it can lead to mistakes like playing weak hands out of position or not capitalizing on later position advantages. To improve, play tighter in early positions and more aggressively in later ones when you have more information.
• Overvaluing Hands - Overvaluing hands means putting too much importance on a hand that isn’t strong enough. Common mistakes include betting aggressively with weak pairs or low top pairs. To avoid this, assess the board and opponents’ actions before committing, and recognize that some hands aren’t as strong as they seem.

Common Terms in Poker Tournaments

Understanding poker tournament terminology is essential for both beginners and seasoned players, as it helps navigate the game, make better decisions, and communicate effectively with others. Here’s a breakdown of some key terms you’ll often encounter in poker tournaments:

• Bubble: The point in a tournament just before the players make it into the money. Players who are eliminated during the bubble stage are the last to miss out on payouts.
• In the Money (ITM): Refers to players who have advanced past the bubble and are guaranteed a payout. Being "in the money" means you’re no longer at risk of leaving the tournament empty-handed.
• Chip Leader: The player with the most chips in the tournament. This player has a significant advantage, as they can put pressure on opponents with large bets.
• Payout Structure: The system that determines how prize money is distributed among players. It can vary, with the top finishers receiving a larger portion of the prize pool.
• Final Table: The last table of a tournament, where the remaining players compete for the top positions and the largest payouts. It’s typically made up of the last 9 or 10 players.
• Rebuy: A feature in some tournaments where players can buy additional chips after being eliminated, allowing them to re-enter the tournament and continue playing.
• Ante: A small forced bet placed by all players before a hand begins, often used in later stages of a tournament to encourage action and build the pot.
• ICM (Independent Chip Model): A mathematical model used to calculate the equity (value) of a player’s chip stack relative to their chances of winning, taking into account the tournament payouts and the remaining players. It’s a tool used for making strategic decisions, especially in bubble and final table situations.

FAQs on Poker Tournament

1. Can anyone take part in online poker tournaments?
   Yes, anyone can play online poker tournaments as long as they meet the set rules and regulations.
2. How do you enter a poker tournament?
   To enter a tournament, you will first need to download and sign up on the Pocket52 poker App. You will then need to select the tournament you want to play, pay the Buy-In, and in no time, you can join your favourite tournament.
3. How are tournaments paid?
   A tournament is paid based on the number of players joining the game and the mentioned prize pool. At the end of the tournament, the prize pool is divided among the top finishers based on the payout structure.
4. When should I enter a poker tournament?
   Based on your skill set, you can enter a tournament when you’re comfortable and ready to play. But always remember, you cannot enter a tournament after its late registration time is over.
5. What is the buy-in for the tournaments?
   Buy-Ins differ from tournament to tournament. Some tournaments feature lower Buy-Ins while some others boast of higher Buy-Ins which guarantee bigger prize pools.
6. What is a freeroll tournament?
   Freeroll poker tournaments are the most played tournaments on online felts as one can play them without investing any real money.
7. What Types of Poker Tournaments Can I Play in India?
   

   In India, players can participate in various types of poker tournaments, including:

   • Sit & Go (SNG): These are fast-paced, single-table tournaments where the tournament starts as soon as the table is full. They typically have a set number of players and offer quick, high-action poker.
   • Multi-Table Tournaments (MTT): These tournaments involve multiple tables and can have hundreds or thousands of players. Players compete for a larger prize pool, and as players are eliminated, the remaining players are moved to new tables until a winner is crowned.
   • Freerolls: These are free-entry tournaments with no buy-in, where players can win real money or prizes. They are often used by beginners to practice without financial risk.
   • Satellite Tournaments: These are qualifying events where players can win tickets to larger tournaments, such as prestigious live events or higher buy-in online tournaments.
8. Can I Participate in Free Poker Tournaments?
   Yes, freerolls are poker tournaments with no entry fee, allowing players to compete for real money or prizes without any financial risk. They are a great way for beginners and casual players to practice their skills and get comfortable with tournament play. Players in freerolls can gain experience and potentially win without having to risk their own money.
9. What is the Prize Pool Structure in a Poker Series?
   In poker series, the prize pool is typically based on the total buy-ins collected from all participants. A portion of the buy-in goes to the prize pool, which is then distributed among the top finishers. The prize pool structure can vary depending on the tournament type and buy-in size, but it usually scales with the number of players. Popular formats in India may offer guaranteed prize pools that ensure a specific payout, regardless of the number of participants.
10. What is an Overlay in a Poker Tournament?
    An overlay occurs in a poker tournament when the total number of entries doesn’t meet the minimum required number to reach the guaranteed prize pool. This means that the tournament organizer will make up the difference to ensure the prize pool is fully funded. Overlays can be seen as an opportunity for players to enter a tournament with better-than-expected prize pools.