Comparing Poker and Pokies Tournaments
Tournaments have always loomed large when it comes to cards, but nowadays slots tournaments are also increasingly popular. Here’s how poker and pokies tournaments compare to one another.
Poker Tournaments – Paid and Free
Poker tournaments are what most naturally spring to mind when considering online casino tournaments (or even playing in the real world). The structure of tournaments can vary, and often come in the form of a laddered approach, with a higher buy-in for higher rungs of the ladder which follow earlier, lower buy-in competitions. It’s typical for the winner of a lower rung to (alongside any other winnings) be granted free entry to the next stage of the competition as part of their victory prize. In addition, this sort of approach is perfect for casino promotions such as free entry to the initial stage of the tournament.
Poker is a unique attraction at casinos because it incorporates a strong element of decision-making (and not in a random way, as per roulette) and the singular aspect of bluffing. It also sees players competing against one another, contrary to blackjack which has certain overlapping features (informed decision-making) but is against the house. The psychological side of the game through bluffing, from both sides of the fence, make it a compelling proposition, but the popularity and complexity of poker does make it a tricky game at which to win.
Benefiting from Bonuses
If you’re dipping your toe into the casino betting pool for the first time, or are a poker player just starting to play pokies, then pokies no deposit bonuses present the most prudent way to play. As they sound, these promos require no deposit at all, and therefore no risk of loss, while still offering the chance to win real cash prizes. While ideal for inexperienced players to get a feel for pokies, they’re also great for veterans to test out new games. And every player can stand to benefit from a chance of winning cash with zero risk attached.
What are Pokies Tournaments?
Slots, also known as pokies, are the single biggest draw to modern online casinos. Because of this, casino bonuses such as free spins are commonplace both as solo giveaways and bundled together with other promotions such as match deposit deals. While free spins remain highly popular, pokies tournaments are a new type of promo that are offered by more and more online casinos.
Unlike poker, slots are not traditionally associated with tournaments and, unsurprisingly, they work in a fundamentally different way to a card tournament. Instead of beating other players directly, participants seek to top a leaderboard by amassing the most points within the time limit (which can vary quite a bit, from hours to days). There are assorted types of pokies tournaments that are quite different from one another. The top choice for newcomers and low-stakes players is a freeroll tournament that has no entry fee for anyone but still presents the chance to win prizes (although less than other forms of pokies tournament).
Sit and Go tournaments are similar but require a fee to join. Some competitions eliminate players who have the lowest score on a continual basis, gradually whittling down the participants until a winner is crowned. Some tournaments also permit a player to buy-in a second time (and return after they’ve been eliminated). One thing many of these have in common is that spaces are limited with only a set number of virtual seats for participants, so if you’re interested it’s best to sign up swiftly.
Which Type of Tournament is Best?
Ultimately, this is subjective. Someone who never plays poker and does not like it, but who loves slots, is obviously better suited to pokies tournaments. But supposing you enjoy both forms of betting and have an account with a site offering an either-or promotion, which one should you plump for?
There are some fundamental differences between the two gaming categories. Occasionally slots offer a choice to players (such as a bonus round that can have a higher multiplier but fewer free spins, or a lower multiplier and more free spins), but for the most part it’s a matter of random chance. Slots are the most popular category of game in casinos today, and playing them is very low effort, so interest in free spins or pokies tournaments is always high (aided by the fact the entry fee is usually relatively low compared to the potential prize money).
Fewer people play poker although some sites now offer recurring tournaments for existing players, building up a consistent base of players. And every amateur card shark dreams of a big win, and, while rare, this can happen. While decision-making is a critical aspect of winning at poker luck is still significant (pity the man who has a full house facing an adversary with four kings). The relatively lower number of competitors might make poker seem the better bet but certain stars do need to align for this to be the case. First and foremost, you need to be at least pretty good. Even with flukes, a poor player is unlikely to do well enough to make a profit. Secondly, if even a handful of players at a site are very good then winning becomes that much harder. Unlike the mostly random pokies tournaments, the other players (and their skills) matter a lot when it comes to poker.
Poker is perhaps best for those who thrive under pressure, as the bluffing, calling, raising, and folding all must be done swiftly as the game unfolds. Pokies are more relaxed and down to chance. If you have the nerve, the luck, and the skill, poker tournaments might just be a better bet.
One key tip that always applies regardless of the tournament you opt for is to only play at a trusted online casino. There are plenty about, so don’t risk playing somewhere if they have an uncertain reputation, let alone a bad one.
Whether you opt for pokies or poker, or even go in for both, always remember to try and stay relaxed and have fun. And don’t bet more than you can afford to lose.
