Tournament play18+
Tournaments explained
Tournament poker is a different animal. Learn how stack depth, blind schedules and ICM pressure shape every decision.
Format
MTT / SNG
Focus
Strategy
Level
Intermediate
Stack depth
Short vs deep
How stack size changes your range. Short stacks force push/fold; deep stacks allow more post-flop play.
Blind pressure
Ante up
As blinds and antes rise, the pot odds to steal and call change dramatically. Position becomes critical.
ICM basics
Bubble play
The Independent Chip Model explains why chip equity and payout equity diverge near the money bubble.
Key tournament concepts
Tournament success is not just about winning hands. It is about managing risk relative to the payout structure, recognising when to tighten up, and exploiting players who do not adjust.