Sterling Poker Room

Poker Tournament Terms and Definitions

Almost all the Poker action you see on TV are tournament games and provide a good way for you to get a feel for the game. However, in TV and also online, the players may use terms you are unfamiliar with. Below are some of the most common you will hear and read.

The first is that of the buy in. Basically this is the amount of money that you will have to pay to get into the tournament. It is not the same as the house fee; this is usually a smaller amount, about 10% of the buy in.

Another Poker tournament term that you should understand is that of the payout structure. This refers to the number of players that will be paid in the event. The structure per tourney varies widely. Some are winner take all; others will pay the top 20 participants. In most of the big money events, only the players at the final table will receive money.

You should also be familiar with the different Poker tournament terms used to describe the variations between them; for example, a rebuy tournament refers to those games wherein you can purchase more chips in case you bust out. A freezeout, on the other hand, means that if you lose all your chips, you are out.

A freeroll is a special type of Poker tournament that does not charge its participants. The online card room will put up the prize itself. These events are a great way for new players to learn how to play the game. If the tourney is heads up, it means it is one on one. All the rules are the same except there are only two players.

Some of the following terms you will often hear on TV, particularly when discussing play situations: the continuation bet refers to a Poker tournament strategy where the player bets the flop to connote strength in his hand. A backdoor flush means getting like suited hands on the turn and river; big stack refers to the player who has the most number of chips on the table (or event), and short stack connotes the exact opposite.

Watching Poker tournaments on TV is exciting and riveting, making you feel like you are part of the action. Familiarity with the language will definitely increase your pleasure, and at the same time help prepare you for the time you play in one.