How to enter a poker tournament

There are few thrills that can match beating full house in poker a game. It is that kind of thrill that goes someway to making poker one of the most popular online casino games that there is. Players love to pit their wits against each other, having learnt the perfect strategies to win, while also relying on a little help from Lady Luck.

When players really get into the game, there is often a desire to enter poker tournaments. Players are able to watch world-famous tournaments as many of these are televised. Seeing just how much people are able to win is certainly a great motivation for entering a tournament of your own. So other than a desire to win, what else do you need to get yourself involved?

First things first

Before we explore how you enter a tournament, the first thing that you need to make sure of is that you are the right age. No matter how well you can play, or what funds that you have access to unless you are legally old enough to play, it is all irrelevant. When looking at playing poker in the UK you need to be at least 18. If you are looking at the US game then you’ll need to be 21 or older.

It is worth taking note of these ages as where you play really matters. Players in the UK and Europe can enjoy tournaments as a teenager. However, they can’t then try and further their tournament careers in the US until they are older. A prime example here can be found in Annette Obrestad who became the youngest-ever winner of the World Series of Poker Europe. Having won at the age of 19, Obrestad had to wait a further 2 years before playing in America.

Master the game

You now know when you’ll be old enough to start playing in poker tournaments, but before you do, you need to make sure that you can play at the right standard. Entering a tournament just because you enjoy the game is not always going to be the right decision. There needs to be more than just an enjoyment of the game – it needs to be near on obsession where you are determined to learn all that there is to learn. 

There are plenty of online resources that can help you learn the game. Alongside these, you will find that there are numerous online casinos that offer the chance to play poker for free. This gives a great opportunity for you to hone your skills before taking part in a tournament.

Get your tournament strategy right

Playing at a tournament is a little different to everyday regular playing. The strategy that you opt for will depend upon the type of tournament that you are entering. Even knowing that there are different tournament strategies is an important first step, but you then need to make sure that you practice these.

Affording poker tournaments

You have come of age and mastered the game to the best of your ability. The next thing that you are going to need to enter a poker tournament is the money. No matter what tournament you enter, there will be a buy-in and this money all goes towards the prize fund for the winners.
You will find tournaments where all you need to buy in with is $1. If you start looking at playing in the World Series of Poker, you are going to need to get your hands on $10,000. As long as you can produce the funds then you are welcome to enter.