Online Poker Tournaments
3 tips for getting started
By: Sergio | Updated: Feb 6, 2026 | Reading Time: 6 min | Category: Tournament Strategy
Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs) are the most exciting part of online poker. For a small entry fee (buy-in), you get a stack of chips and the chance to compete for a massive prize pool.
Unlike cash games, where you can leave anytime, a tournament is a battle of survival until one player holds all the chips.
1. Survival is Key in the Early Stages
In the beginning, you don't need to win every pot. The goal is to keep your stack healthy while the "maniacs" knock each other out.
The Strategy: Play solid, "tight" poker. Don't take unnecessary risks with medium-strength hands. Wait for premium cards and let others make the mistakes.
2. Adjust as the Blinds Rise
As the tournament progresses, the "blinds" (forced bets) will increase. If you stay too quiet, the blinds will slowly eat your stack.
The Strategy: As you get closer to the "bubble" (the point where players start getting paid), you need to become more aggressive. Look for opportunities to steal the blinds from players who are playing too scared.
3. Understanding the "Bubble" Psychology
The "bubble" is the most intense part of any tournament. It's the moment when the next player eliminated gets nothing, while the rest are guaranteed a prize.
The Strategy: If you have a large stack of chips, use this time to pressure the smaller stacks. If you have a small stack, be patient but ready to take a calculated risk to double your chips and stay in the hunt.
Play Responsibly
Tournaments can last for hours, so it's important to manage your time and your budget effectively.
Know your time: Only enter a tournament if you have enough time to finish it. "Leaving" a tournament early usually means losing your buy-in.
Don't overspend: It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of "re-buys." Set a strict limit on how many times you are willing to re-enter a single event.
Stay Sharp: Drink water, take the scheduled 5-minute breaks, and never play if you are feeling exhausted.