A new poker player may not think of poker in terms of fields or game size. However, all experienced players will tell you that the size and structure of a game can completely change how a tournament goes. The field size is an often underestimated metric, which plays a big role in the outcome of the game. It also has a significant impact on the independent chip model (ICM) strategy that players can develop.
Game size is not the only metric to consider, though. There is also the structure of the tournament. A competition’s set up is an influential part of the event, especially for those who are used to cash play. Many may consider cash players as possessing a higher skill than tournament participants. However, it is a good idea for a professional gambler to test their skill in a different structure. It can lead to some improvements in one’s personal game. There could be different structures and setups even among poker tournaments. Testing your skills in an unfamiliar setting like this could prove useful for future games.
Poker tournaments continue to thrill new players even now. It is important for players to understand all of the factors that can influence the competition. A tournament size can completely change how the players interact with each other, and with the game. First time players need to understand the effects that these two factors have on a poker match. That is why we are going to explore size and structure as factors in online poker tournaments.
How Size Can Affect a Tournament
Most experienced poker players will likely view the size of a tournament through the lens of ICM.
Independent Chip Model is a formula that helps poker players convert their chip stacks into monetary value. The formula is designed to convert chip stack sizes into player equity, and then predict how well the player will do. ICM considerations play a pretty big role when determining the tournament size you want to play in. A larger field means that late-stage competition is going to get a lot more intense. However, signing up for the tournament early can also be disadvantageous. It is during the early stages that most of the weaker players get eliminated. A lot of players prefer to register for a larger tournament a bit late in an attempt to preserve stamina, which brings us to our next point.
Larger tournaments will obviously last longer. The longer duration gives players more opportunity to catch up and make the right choice. However, it also means that they will have to stay in the game much longer. Obviously, large tournament players will have to keep up their mental acuity and focus on games longer. The experience could be quite taxing for many who are not used to highly competitive games. It also requires a lot of stamina. While poker may not be extremely physically taxing, it does take a lot of effort to keep up with all of the highly-skilled players that the participants will be facing against.
A larger tournament will also have a pretty big influence on the variance of the game. More players mean that there is a higher chance that luck will be the deciding factor when all is said and done. Obviously, whenever luck becomes a factor the end result is much more unpredictable. The increased volatility could be an advantage for some players. Those who don’t have the experience to match up with the experts might get lucky during the early stages.
How Structure Can Affect the Tournament
How a poker tournament is structured obviously has an effect on the outcome of the game. Online free roll tournaments will not attract the same types of players as the professional-level events that require years of experience to compete in. A free roll tournament is one that requires no entry fee. They still offer cash prizes, which is what makes them popular among new fans. Free roll tournaments are usually funded by the operator themselves. They are usually lower-skill events that don’t require much experience. These types of tournaments are excellent for new fans who want to learn the ropes of the game and find a risk-free way to build their bankroll from nothing.
The free roll events may not thrill some of the more experienced players. They will likely be drawn to the more traditional buy-in poker tournaments. Buy-in tournaments mean that the players themselves are funding the even by paying a fee in order to participate. These competitions are what most people think of when they discuss poker tournaments. Here you will come across terms like steep and flat payouts and antes. Antes are especially important to know about, as they are forced bets from all players. Though risky, ante bets can be as thrilling as any action movie of the year. That is the primary reason that gamblers are attracted to these kinds of events.
Is it Better to Play on a Small or a Large Field?
The decision to play on a large or small field comes down to the player. Large tournaments certainly carry some advantages. The increased variance means luck plays a bigger role, leveling the playing field in a sense. However, more experienced players might take up a far more aggressive playstyle in order to compensate. On the other hand, a player’s skill edge is much more pronounced. Because of that they are far less likely to take up an aggressive playstyle.
