Short version. Almost every poker room runs tournaments. The quickest way to find one tonight is the room's own schedule or the PokerAtlas and Bravo Poker Live apps. The bigger question is which are worth your buy-in.
Guides by place
Kinds of tournament
| Type | Buy-in | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | $40 to $200 | A few hours, fast blinds, a few dozen players |
| Weekly or monthly special | $200 to $600 | Slower structure and a guaranteed prize pool |
| Regional series | $150 to $1,500 | One to three weeks of events at one room |
| National tour stop | $400 to $5,000 and up | WSOP Circuit, World Poker Tour, RunGood and similar |
What to check before you register
- The fee. A "$100 + $25" tournament keeps 20% of your money. Under 15% is good for a daily.
- Starting stack and blind levels. Twenty-minute levels with a small stack is close to a lottery. Thirty minutes or more gives you room to play.
- Re-entries. Unlimited re-entry favours players with deep pockets. Decide your limit before you sit down.
- The guarantee. If entries fall short of it, the room makes up the difference, which is good value for you.
- Late registration. Entering at the last minute with a short stack is rarely a bargain.
The big one
The World Series of Poker runs in Las Vegas from late May into July. You do not have to pay $10,000 to play it: online and live satellites start at a few dollars.
Tournaments online
Online tournaments run around the clock at every buy-in. What is available depends on your state: see online poker by state. To study, the ICM calculator shows what your chips are worth at a final table.
Common questions
How do I find poker tournaments near me?
Check the schedule on your nearest poker room's website, or use the PokerAtlas or Bravo Poker Live apps, which list tournaments by location.
How much does it cost to enter a poker tournament?
Daily tournaments usually cost $40 to $200. Regional series run from about $150 to $1,500.
What does the +$ in a buy-in mean?
It is the fee the room keeps. In a $100 + $25 tournament, $100 goes to the prize pool and $25 to the house.
What is a guarantee?
A minimum prize pool the room promises to pay even if entries fall short.