Poker tournament strategy: how to go deep in online MTTs
In a multi-table tournament (MTT) everybody pays the same buy-in, starts with the same stack and plays until one player has all the chips. Prizes go to the top finishers. Each stage needs a different plan.
How an online tournament works
- You register with a buy-in; part of it forms the prize pool. Some tournaments have a guaranteed prize pool.
- Blinds rise on a schedule. Players who lose their chips are out; tables are balanced as players leave.
- Roughly the top 10–15% of the field is paid, and the payouts climb steeply towards first place.
At Poker Taco you can register in advance — the site reminds you before the start and takes you to your seat.
Register in advance — we remind you before the start.
See the tournament schedule →Early stage: 50+ big blinds
- Stacks are deep compared to the blinds — play solid, position-based poker.
- Play speculative hands (small pairs, suited connectors) in position: they can win a big pot cheaply.
- Avoid big all-in confrontations with one pair. Surviving early is worth more than doubling up.
Middle stage: 20–40 big blinds
- Antes and bigger blinds make every pot worth fighting for. Open-raise more from late position.
- Re-raising all-in (re-shove) over late-position opens becomes a key weapon with 15–25 BB.
- Keep an eye on stack sizes at your table: the medium stacks are the ones who fold most.
The bubble
The bubble is the moment just before the money. Many players freeze up and fold almost everything.
- Big stack? Attack. Raise often — opponents can't call without risking elimination.
- Medium stack? Be careful calling all-ins; let short stacks bust first.
- Short stack? Pick a hand and push before the blinds take you down.
Final table and heads-up
- Each place up the ladder pays more — avoid marginal all-ins against bigger stacks when shorter players are close to busting.
- Three-handed and heads-up, ranges get very wide: play aggressively, defend your blinds.
- Heads-up, a raise from the button with most hands is standard.
Stack-size cheat sheet
| Your stack | Plan |
|---|---|
| 50+ BB | normal poker, play in position, avoid big risks with one pair |
| 25–50 BB | open-raise, 3-bet good hands, steal blinds late |
| 12–25 BB | raise/fold or re-shove all-in over late raises |
| under 12 BB | push or fold |
Bankroll and mindset
- Tournaments have big swings: most of the time you don't cash. Keep 100+ buy-ins for your level.
- Late registration is fine, but you start with fewer big blinds.
- Don't play long tournaments tired — the final hours are where the money is.
Prefer short games? Spin & Go is a three-player tournament that takes minutes.
FAQ
What is an MTT in poker?
A multi-table tournament: many players start with equal stacks and play until one has all the chips; the top finishers win prizes.
What is the bubble?
The last stage before the paid places. One more elimination and everybody left wins money.
How many players get paid in a tournament?
Usually about the top 10–15% of the field; the exact payouts are shown in the tournament lobby.
When should I go all-in in a tournament?
With under 10–12 big blinds most hands are push-or-fold; with deeper stacks all-in should be saved for very strong hands or re-shoves.
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