Tournament chips and starting stacks
Players in a standard tournament begin with a specified number of tournament chips. These chips track each player's stack during the event; their amount does not by itself tell you the event's entry cost or any prize value. Those details, if applicable, are set out separately in the event rules.
Blind levels and the pace of play
Many tournaments use scheduled blind levels. The small blind and big blind increase at set intervals, so the cost of entering a pot changes as the event progresses. The level length and blind schedule affect the pace of play, so check them in the tournament information.
A player's stack is often considered in relation to the current big blind. The same chip count can represent a different number of big blinds at different stages.
Elimination and finishing places
In a freezeout format, a player is eliminated after losing all tournament chips. Other formats may allow re-entry or add-ons under specific conditions. Players who stay in the event longer finish ahead of those eliminated earlier; the event's rules explain how final places and any payouts are determined.
What to check before joining
- Start time and registration period.
- Starting stack, blind levels and level duration.
- Whether re-entry or add-ons are allowed.
- Any entry conditions and the published prize structure.
Formats vary from one event to another. Read the rules for the specific tournament before you join; no single blind schedule, entry condition or payout structure applies to every event.
For the underlying game, see the Texas Hold'em rules and poker hand rankings.