Tournament Basics: Survival Mode
How tournaments differ from cash games and the concept of survival.
In a cash game, if you bust, you can just reach into your wallet and rebuy. In a tournament (Freezeout), once you lose your chips, you are out.
This fundamental difference changes everything. Your goal isn't just to win chips; it's to survive until the chips have monetary value.
Increasing Blinds
In cash games, blinds stay the same (e.g., $1/$2 forever). In tournaments, blinds increase at set intervals (e.g., every 20 minutes). This forces action. You cannot just sit and wait for Aces forever, or you will "blind out."
The Ante
In later stages, an "Ante" is introduced. This is a small forced bet paid by everyone at the table before the hand deals. It bloats the pot and makes stealing blinds more profitable.
Key Takeaways
- • Chips = Life. Once they are gone, you are done.
- • Blinds increase, forcing you to play more hands as time goes on.
- • Antess incentivize aggressive play.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- • Playing too passively when shorts, waiting for a 'premium' hand that never comes.
- • Treating early tournament chips like cash.
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding to complete this lesson.