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.

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.</p

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

• 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

FAQs

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.