Progressive Knockout Tournaments: Your Complete Guide

Poker tournaments are always a thrill, but Progressive Knockout (PKO) tournaments add a whole new level of excitement. In a PKO tournament, not only do you aim to eliminate other players, but you also collect “bounties” for doing so. If you’re new to the term, a bounty is essentially a cash reward placed on every player. Knock them out, and you win some cash instantly!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what PKO tournaments are, their unique features, and strategies to excel. So grab a seat and let’s dive in!

What is a Progressive Knockout Tournament?

In a standard poker tournament, the goal is to accumulate all the chips in play. But PKO tournaments add an additional layer: the bounty. Each player starts with a bounty on their head, which is half of the tournament buy-in.
For example, in a ₮100 PKO tournament, ₮50 goes towards the prize pool, and the other ₮50 is your initial bounty. This bounty grows as you eliminate players, making you a more attractive target for others.
When you knock out a player, you receive half of their bounty in cash, and the other half is added to your own bounty. This dynamic element makes PKO tournaments incredibly popular and adds a strategic depth to the game.

Why Play PKO Tournaments?

PKO tournaments are not only fun but also lucrative. Unlike standard tournaments where you need to finish in the top spots to make money, PKOs allow you to earn cash throughout the game by collecting bounties.

Here’s how you can earn money in a PKO:

• From the general prize pool for your finishing position
• Through the bounties you collect
• Your own bounty if you win the tournament

Because of these multiple avenues to win, PKO tournaments are considered highly profitable and are a favorite among both casual and professional players.

Strategy: How to Master PKO Tournaments

Playing in a PKO tournament involves a different strategy compared to standard tournaments. One term you’ll hear often is “EV+”, which stands for “Expected Value Positive.” This is a situation where the potential gains outweigh the risks.
For instance, let’s say you’re in a ₮100 PKO tournament. A player pushes all-in pre-flop with a ₮1,000 bounty. If you have them covered and your hand has decent equity, it’s generally EV+ to call. The bounty you stand to win will more than compensate for the risks involved.

Don’t Be Late

Try to join the tournament from the start. Being late means you miss out on opportunities to collect early bounties, and you’ll start with a smaller stack, making it harder to claim bounties later.

Be Aggressive with a Big Stack

If you’re lucky enough to build a big stack, use it to your advantage. You’ll be able to eliminate any player and collect their bounty, putting you in a powerful position.

PKO Tournaments on CoinPoker

At CoinPoker, we offer a diverse range of PKO tournaments to suit every type of player. Here’s how you can join the action:

Finding PKO Tournaments on CoinPoker:

To locate our PKO tournaments, simply set the types filter to ‘Knockout’ in the lobby.

Daily PKOs:

We host Daily PKOs with buy-ins of ₮5, ₮25, ₮50, and ₮75. These tournaments kick off at 6 pm GMT every day.

Stinger PKOs:

In these fast-paced tournaments, you start with just 10 big blinds. The first level lasts as long as late registration does, after which the action shifts to hyper-speed with 3-minute levels.

Various Speeds:

Whether you prefer standard speed, hyper-speed, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. We run various types of PKOs throughout the day to match your playing style.

Special Saturday PKOs:

Saturdays are extra special with our PKOs featuring buy-ins of ₮2, ₮20, and ₮200 and significantly boosted prize pools. Learn more about our Saturday PKOs.

Omaha PKOs:

Join Marc Gork on Tuesday evenings for Omaha PKOs, adding a twist to your regular Hold’em gameplay.

For a complete list of PKO tournaments and other offerings, check our tournaments at CoinPoker.

FAQ

What is a Bounty?

In PKO tournaments, a bounty is a cash prize placed on each player. Eliminate them, and you win part of this cash prize.

Do I Have to Finish in The Money to Earn a Bounty?

No. The moment you knock someone out, half of their bounty is yours to keep, regardless of your final position in the tournament.

How does the Prize Pool Distribution Work?

In PKO tournaments, the prize pool is typically split into two parts: one for the tournament winners based on their finishing position, and the other for the bounties. The exact distribution can vary, so it’s best to check the tournament rules.

Can I Join a PKO Tournament That Has Already Started?

Yes, you can join a PKO tournament during the late registration period. However, keep in mind that you’ll miss out on early opportunities to collect bounties and will start with a smaller stack.

Are PKO Tournaments Available in Different Poker Formats?

Yes, PKO tournaments are available in various poker games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha. The rules for collecting bounties remain the same across different games.