How Poker Tournaments Work

Poker tournaments are similar to other sporting tournaments, in that a group of contestants enter, are systematically eliminated, and a final winner emerges.

A poker tournament starts with some sort of registration process. In online tournaments this is accomplished simply by looking for the tournament you want, and clicking a registration button. In live tournaments, a desk is usually set up for this purpose. At the desk you submit your name and pay the tournament entry fee. You are given a table number and seat number to start in.

After registration, you go to your table/seat, and your chips are given to you by the dealer (if you did not receive them at the desk). The dealer will also take your seat card.

As play progresses, your table may be broken down. This means that everyone will get up, draw a new table/seat card and disperse to fill in gaps at other tables.

Tournaments are played in "levels", which are generally timed. Eachj level has a progressively higher blind structure, and in the very late rounds, antes are added.

From here, it varies depending on the type of tournament you are playing. See our Tournament Types page for the conclusion!

Tournaments are a great way to get more exposure while limiting your investment, and you do have a chance to win lots of money!