Poker Tournament Types - Complete Guide to All Formats
Poker tournaments come in dozens of formats, each with unique structures, prize distributions, and strategic requirements. Whether you prefer the marathon grind of a multi-table tournament, the convenience of a sit-and-go, or the adrenaline rush of a Spin & Go, understanding tournament types is essential for finding your ideal format and maximizing your success.
This comprehensive guide explains every major poker tournament format, from traditional freezeouts to modern innovations like progressive knockouts and lottery-style tournaments. According to the World Series of Poker, tournament poker has evolved significantly since the first WSOP in 1970, with new formats emerging to suit different player preferences and time commitments.
Multi-Table Tournaments (MTT)
Multi-Table Tournaments are the flagship format of competitive poker, featuring hundreds to thousands of players competing across multiple tables until one player holds all the chips. MTTs have scheduled start times and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on field size and structure.
Key MTT Characteristics
MTTs typically pay the top 10-15% of the field, with prize distribution heavily weighted toward final table finishes. Blind levels increase at regular intervals (usually 10-20 minutes online, 60-120 minutes live), and tables consolidate as players are eliminated until the final table of 9 (or 6-8 in some formats). The combination of large fields and top-heavy payouts means significant variance but potential for life-changing scores.
The Card Player tournament database tracks MTTs worldwide, showing field sizes ranging from 100-player daily tournaments to 100,000+ player Sunday majors online. Understanding tournament strategy fundamentals is crucial for MTT success, as gameplay shifts dramatically from early levels to bubble play to final table dynamics.
MTT Speed Variants
Standard/Regular Speed
Classic tournament structure with 10-20 minute blind levels online (60-120 minutes live). Starting stacks of 100-300 big blinds allow for deep play and gradual stack development. Ideal for maximizing skill edge.
Turbo
Accelerated blind structure with 5-8 minute levels. Stack-to-blind ratios decrease faster, forcing earlier push-fold decisions. Good balance of skill and time efficiency.
Hyper-Turbo
Extremely fast blind increases (3-5 minute levels) with low starting stacks (25-75 big blinds). Primarily push-fold poker with minimal post-flop play. High variance, time-efficient format.
Deep Stack
Extended structures with 200-500+ big blind starting stacks and longer blind levels. Rewards patient, skilled play with maximum post-flop decision-making. Often premium buy-in events.
Sit-and-Go Tournaments (SNG)
Sit-and-Go tournaments start as soon as enough players register, eliminating the need to wait for scheduled start times. Traditional SNGs feature one table (6-10 players), though multi-table SNGs with 18-180 players also exist. The format offers predictable session lengths and consistent volume opportunities.
SNG strategy differs significantly from MTTs because ICM (Independent Chip Model) considerations apply from much earlier in the tournament. With only a single table and top 3 (or 2) spots paying, every chip decision carries ICM implications that affect proper shoving and calling ranges.
SNG Prize Structure (Standard 9-Player)
The typical 50/30/20 payout structure (1st: 50%, 2nd: 30%, 3rd: 20%) creates intense bubble dynamics when 4 players remain. Use the Nash Calculator to determine mathematically correct push-fold ranges based on stack depths and ICM pressure. Understanding these ranges is fundamental to SNG profitability.
SNG Variants
Single-Table SNG
Classic 6, 9, or 10-player format on one table. Typical duration 30-60 minutes. Top 2-3 places paid. The foundation of SNG strategy and ideal for learning tournament fundamentals.
Multi-Table SNG (MTSNG)
18, 45, 90, or 180-player SNGs across multiple tables. Combines SNG convenience with larger field dynamics. Typically pays top 10-20% of field.
Heads-Up SNG
One-on-one tournament format requiring specialized heads-up strategy. Pure skill format with winner-take-all prize. Often features bracket-style multi-round structures.
Double-or-Nothing (DoN)
10-player format where top 5 finishers double their buy-in. Extreme survival-focused strategy with no incentive to accumulate chips beyond survival threshold. Tight, conservative play rewarded.
Progressive Knockout (PKO) & Bounty Tournaments
Bounty tournaments add an exciting dimension to poker by rewarding players for eliminating opponents. In standard bounties, each player has a fixed bounty that goes to whoever eliminates them. Progressive Knockouts (PKO) innovate further: when you eliminate someone, you claim half their bounty and add the other half to your own bounty.
How PKO Bounties Work
In a $20 PKO tournament, $10 might go to the prize pool while $10 becomes each player's starting bounty. If you eliminate a player, you win $5 (half their bounty) instantly, while $5 gets added to your own bounty. This creates a snowball effect where chip leaders often have massive bounties on their heads, fundamentally changing calling and shoving math throughout the tournament.
PKO strategy requires calculating bounty-adjusted pot odds. Calling an all-in becomes much more profitable when you're winning both chips and bounty. Research by poker strategy sites like Upswing Poker shows that bounty value can justify calls that would be clear folds in regular tournaments. Use our EV Calculator to factor bounty value into your decisions.
| Format | Bounty Structure | Strategy Adjustment | Variance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Bounty | Fixed bounty per player (e.g., $5 each) | Slight loosening when covering opponents | Moderate |
| Progressive Knockout (PKO) | Growing bounties (50% win, 50% added to yours) | Significant loosening based on bounty value | Higher |
| Super Knockout | 100% of bounty awarded to eliminator | Aggressive bounty hunting prioritized | High |
| Mystery Bounty | Random bounty revealed after elimination | Treat all opponents as equally valuable | Very High |
Spin & Go / Lottery Tournaments
Spin & Go tournaments (and similar formats like Jackpot Poker, Blast, etc.) combine the speed of hyper-turbo SNGs with lottery-style prize pools. Before each 3-player tournament begins, a random spin determines the prize multiplier, ranging from 2x to 10,000x or more of the buy-in.
Spin & Go Prize Distribution
Most spins land on the minimum multiplier (typically 2x), but the excitement comes from potential jackpot spins. Prize pool odds vary by site, but typically: 2x (75-80%), 3-5x (15-20%), 10-25x (3-5%), 100x+ (<1%). The expected value is usually slightly below 100% due to rake, but jackpot potential and entertainment value drive popularity.
Spin & Go strategy focuses on M-Ratio awareness since starting stacks are typically 25-500 big blinds with rapidly increasing blinds. The short-stacked, fast-paced nature means push-fold decisions dominate, making Nash equilibrium ranges essential knowledge. Review our hand rankings and understand which hands have push-fold value at various stack depths.
Bankroll Warning for Lottery Tournaments
The high variance of Spin & Go tournaments requires a much larger bankroll than traditional SNGs. While regular SNGs might need 50-100 buy-ins, Spin & Go players typically need 200-500+ buy-ins to handle the variance. Use our Bankroll Calculator to determine appropriate stakes. For guidance on responsible gambling, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Buy-in Structure Variants
Tournament buy-in structures determine whether players can re-enter the tournament after busting and how prize pools develop. Understanding these formats helps you choose tournaments matching your bankroll and playing style.
Freezeout
The purest tournament format: one buy-in, no re-entries. When your chips are gone, you're eliminated. Rewards tight early play and chip preservation. Prize pool is fixed based on initial entrants.
Rebuy
Players can purchase additional chips during a rebuy period (typically first hour or 4-6 levels). Usually allowed when stack falls below starting chips or after busting. Creates larger prize pools but requires bigger bankroll.
Re-entry
Players who bust can re-enter for a new starting stack (same as late registration). Often unlimited re-entries during a window. Creates massive prize pools in major tournaments. You compete against your "new" tournament life.
Add-on
Optional chip purchase available to all players (regardless of stack size) at end of rebuy period. Usually offers favorable chips-per-dollar ratio. Standard practice is to always take the add-on.
Specialty Tournament Formats
Satellites
Satellite tournaments award seats to larger tournaments rather than cash prizes. Strategy differs dramatically from regular tournaments because the goal is survival, not chip accumulation. Once you've secured a seat, there's no incentive to accumulate more chips. ICM pressure is extreme, making satellites a unique strategic challenge.
Shootout Tournaments
In shootout format, players must win their entire table before advancing to the next round. Unlike standard MTTs where tables consolidate gradually, shootouts require winning multiple SNG-style tables. Strategy shifts from MTT-style chip accumulation to winner-take-all at each table, demanding aggressive play once you're heads-up or short-handed.
Freerolls
Freeroll tournaments require no buy-in to enter but offer real money prizes. Popular for bankroll building, freerolls feature chaotic early play due to the "nothing to lose" mentality of many players. Survival strategy and patience are rewarded as weaker players eliminate themselves.
Flip Tournaments
All players are automatically all-in every hand until one player remains. Pure luck format with no skill component, sometimes used as side events or promotional tournaments. Not recommended for serious players seeking skill-based games.
Multi-Flight / Day 1 Tournaments
Large tournaments offering multiple starting flights (Day 1A, 1B, 1C, etc.) that merge for Day 2. Players can enter multiple flights but only their largest surviving stack plays Day 2. This format allows more players to participate while keeping later stages manageable. Common in major live events and online series.
Tournament Type Comparison
| Format | Typical Duration | Skill Factor | Variance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard MTT | 4-12+ hours | High | High (large fields) | Skilled grinders seeking big scores |
| Turbo MTT | 2-5 hours | Medium-High | Higher | Time-limited players with solid fundamentals |
| Single-Table SNG | 30-60 minutes | Medium-High | Medium | Grinders wanting predictable sessions |
| Spin & Go | 5-15 minutes | Low-Medium | Very High | Recreational players, jackpot hunters |
| PKO/Bounty | Varies | Medium-High | High | Action players who enjoy eliminations |
| Satellite | Varies | High (ICM) | Lower (seat value fixed) | Bankroll builders targeting big events |
| Heads-Up SNG | 15-30 minutes | Very High | Medium | Skilled players seeking pure competition |
Choosing the Right Tournament Format
Selecting the right tournament format depends on your goals, available time, bankroll, and skill level. Consider these factors when deciding which formats to prioritize:
- Time Availability: If you have limited time, SNGs and Spin & Go tournaments offer complete sessions in under an hour. MTTs require multi-hour commitments and often inconvenient timing for final tables.
- Bankroll Size: Use our Bankroll Calculator to determine appropriate stakes. High-variance formats like Spin & Go require 3-5x more buy-ins than standard tournaments.
- Skill Level: Beginners should start with standard-speed freezeouts to learn fundamentals before tackling complex formats like PKOs or hyper-turbos.
- Risk Tolerance: If you prefer consistent results, SNGs and satellites offer more predictable outcomes than large-field MTTs with top-heavy payouts.
- Goals: Building a bankroll? Focus on low-variance, high-volume formats. Chasing life-changing scores? Large-field MTTs with big guarantees are your path.
Tournament Selection Strategy
Diversify your tournament portfolio based on your situation. Playing a mix of high-volume, low-variance games (SNGs, small MTTs) alongside selected shots at larger events balances bankroll growth with big-score potential. Track results by format using our Session Tracker to identify your most profitable tournament types.
Common Tournament Type Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Playing PKOs like regular tournaments | Missing profitable spots due to bounty value | Calculate bounty-adjusted pot odds for all-in decisions |
| Underbanked for Spin & Go variance | Going broke during normal downswings | Maintain 200-500 buy-in bankroll for lottery formats |
| Accumulating chips in satellites | Taking unnecessary risk after securing seat equity | Prioritize survival once you have comfortable stack |
| Playing hyper-turbos without push-fold mastery | Making -EV decisions in most spots | Study Nash equilibrium ranges before playing fast formats |
| Ignoring blind structure differences | Playing same strategy regardless of speed | Adjust hand selection and aggression based on structure |
Tools for Tournament Success
Maximize your tournament performance with these calculators and tools:
- ICM Calculator - Calculate Independent Chip Model equity and bubble factors
- M-Ratio Calculator - Determine your strategy zone based on stack health
- Nash Calculator - Find optimal push-fold ranges for short-stacked play
- Payout Calculator - Analyze tournament prize pool distributions
- Bankroll Calculator - Determine safe buy-in levels for your bankroll
- Variance Simulator - Visualize tournament variance over sample sizes
Responsible Tournament Play
Tournament poker involves financial risk and significant time investment. Set clear limits on your tournament spending, take breaks during long sessions, and never play with money you can't afford to lose. If gambling stops being enjoyable, resources are available through the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an MTT and a SNG?
An MTT (Multi-Table Tournament) features hundreds or thousands of players across many tables, with scheduled start times and long durations (hours to days). An SNG (Sit-and-Go) starts immediately when enough players register (usually 6-180), runs one table or a few tables, and finishes in minutes to hours. MTTs offer larger prizes but require more time; SNGs offer convenience and faster action.
What is a PKO or Bounty tournament?
A PKO (Progressive Knockout) or Bounty tournament awards cash prizes for eliminating opponents in addition to the standard prize pool. In progressive knockouts, half of each player's buy-in goes to their bounty, and when you eliminate someone, you win half their bounty while adding the other half to your own bounty. This creates unique strategic dynamics and more action.
What is a Spin & Go tournament?
A Spin & Go is a 3-player hyper-turbo SNG where the prize pool is determined by a random spin before the tournament starts. Prizes can range from 2x to 10,000x the buy-in. These fast-paced tournaments typically last 5-10 minutes with starting stacks of 25-500 big blinds and rapidly increasing blinds.
What is the difference between Freezeout and Rebuy tournaments?
In a Freezeout tournament, once you lose all your chips, you're eliminated with no option to buy back in. In a Rebuy tournament, players can purchase additional chips during a specified rebuy period (usually the first hour), often when their stack falls below starting chips or when they bust out. Rebuys create larger prize pools but require a bigger bankroll.
What tournament format should beginners play?
Beginners should start with standard speed SNGs or small-field MTTs with freezeout formats. These provide time to think through decisions, clear tournament structure with no rebuy complexity, and manageable session lengths. Avoid hyper-turbos and complex formats like PKOs until you understand basic tournament strategy.