Online poker has made tournaments accessible to anyone with a computer or phone, letting players experience the excitement of competition without needing to step into a casino. If you’re new to the format, it can seem overwhelming at first. Different tournament types, rules, and strategies all come into play. But once you understand the basics, tournaments are one of the most engaging ways to play poker—and many players get their start when they sign up 55five.
This guide breaks down how online poker tournaments work and offers some beginner-friendly tips to help you get started.
How Online Poker Tournaments Work
At its core, a poker tournament is a structured competition. Here’s what you can expect when you register for a typical online tournament:
1. The Buy-In and Prize Pool
- Buy-in: To join a tournament, you pay a fixed entry fee. For example, a $10 + $1 tournament.
- Prize pool: All buy-ins are pooled together and paid out to top finishers, usually the top 10–15% of the field. The further you go, the bigger your payout.
2. Starting Stacks
Every player begins with the same number of chips, usually displayed as “1,500 chips” or “5,000 chips.” The size of the starting stack relative to blinds affects how long you can play conservatively before being pressured to act.
3. Blinds and Levels
Blinds (forced bets) increase at regular intervals, called levels. For example, blinds might start at 10:00 or 20:00 and increase every 10 minutes. This ensures the game moves along and prevents players from waiting endlessly for premium hands.
4. Eliminations
When you lose all your chips, you’re out. Unlike cash games, you can’t rebuy chips (unless the tournament is specifically a rebuy event). This creates a natural progression where the field shrinks until only one player remains.
5. Payout Structure
Prizes are distributed based on finishing position. The winner takes the largest share, but even scraping into the “money” (the lowest payout spots) is a milestone for new players. For instance, in a 500-player tournament, perhaps the top 50 finishers receive payment.
Common Types of Online Poker Tournaments
Not every tournament is the same. Here are a few popular formats you’ll encounter:
- Sit & Go (SNG): Small tournaments that start once the table is full (often 6–9 players). Quick and great for practice.
- Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs): Large events with hundreds or even thousands of players. These take longer but offer bigger prize pools.
- Rebuy Tournaments: Allow players to re-enter the tournament if they are eliminated early. Prize pools are often larger.
- Turbo or Hyper-Turbo: Faster blind increases. Games are shorter but require aggressive play.
- Freerolls: Free to enter but still offer real prizes. Excellent for beginners learning the ropes.
Tips for Beginners
Participating in tournaments without proper preparation can lead to quick exits. Here are some simple strategies to improve your odds:
1. Start with Freerolls and Low Buy-Ins
You don’t need to risk a lot of money while learning. Freerolls and micro-stakes tournaments (like $1 or $2 buy-ins) give you real experience with little downside.
2. Be Patient in the Early Stages
Early on, blinds are small compared to your stack. There’s no need to chase marginal hands. Play tight, focus on strong starting cards, and avoid unnecessary risks. Many players knock themselves out early by being too aggressive.
3. Watch the Blinds
As blinds rise, the value of your chips changes. A hand you would fold early may become worth playing later when the cost of waiting is higher. Always factor in blind levels when making decisions.
4. Don’t Fear Short Stacks
When your chips run low, you’ll need to play more aggressively. Look for good spots to go all-in rather than letting blinds eat away your stack. A well-timed shove can double you up and put you back in contention.
5. Observe Opponents
Even online, betting patterns reveal a lot. Notice who plays too many hands, who folds to pressure, and who gets aggressive with marginal holdings. Use that information to adjust your play.
6. Manage Your Bankroll
A good rule is to have at least 20–30 buy-ins set aside for the level you’re playing. This helps weather the natural ups and downs of tournament poker.
Why Tournaments Are Worth Trying
For beginners, tournaments offer several advantages over cash games. They provide structured play, clear goals, and the excitement of climbing through stages toward a potential payout. Even if you don’t win, reaching the money or making a deep run can be rewarding.
They also teach essential poker skills: patience, adapting to rising blinds, and handling pressure. These skills carry over to other formats, making tournaments a solid training ground for these skills.
Final Thoughts
Online poker tournaments can seem intimidating, but once you understand how they work, they’re straightforward. You buy in, get your chips, and play until you’re out or you win it all. Along the way, blinds increase, the field narrows, and the payouts grow.
If you’re new, start small. Stick to freerolls and low-stakes games, play patiently, and focus on learning rather than chasing quick wins.