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Table of Contents
Blackjack Tournament: What are they?
A typical blackjack tournament consists of several rounds of play, with
tables of 6 or so players competing against each other in each round. The
format is usually an elimination format, where only 1 or 2 players at each
table will advance to the next round of play.
Each round consists of a set number of hands. All players begin the round
with a equal amount of chips. At the end of the round, the player or players
with the highest bankroll will advance. Rounds are usually between 20 and 50
hands each. Each player must play each hand with a bet in the allowed range.
Some tournaments are played with real money chips, while others are played
with non-negotiable tournament chips issued to the players.
Rather than the dealer always dealing to the first chair (first base)
first, a button is placed on the table in front of a player, who serves as
first base on this hand. The button then moves consecutively around the
table with each passing hand. This gives each player the opportunity to play
as first base and third base in turn. More importantly, since players must
bet in turn starting at the button, the disadvantage of betting and playing
before the other players moves around the table.
Most tournaments consist of 3 to 5. A typical format might be 2 of 6
advance, 1 of 6 advance, then the finals. This format with 6 players at the
final table would allow for 108 entries at 18 first round tables. Often in
smaller tournaments, the first round will be split up into several
qualifying rounds, so that if you do not advance, you can re-enter for
another first round seat.
Why should I play?
The prize pool for a tournament is usually, but not always, 100% of the
entry fees paid by the players. This means that the casino has no advantage
over the players in the tournament. Indeed, the skillful player can have a
huge advantage over the other players if those players are less experienced
in tournament strategy. Many casinos will guarantee the prize money even if
the tournament does not fill up with entries. In these cases, the casino is
literally paying the players to play the tournament! From the casino's
viewpoint, it is a good marketing play, since they are drawing new players
to the tables between the tournament rounds.
Since the larger tournaments usually include special room rates and free
food, you can save some money on your vacation to Vegas by booking it around
a tournament. If you're headed to a casino destination anyway, scheduling
your trip to coincide with a tournament can save you some money, and give
you a chance to play for a big prize with minimal risk.
What are the typical prizes?
The prize money varies widely as you may expect. Smaller tournaments
might have an entry fee of $10, and pay $500 or $1000 for first place. Most
tournaments pay at least 6 places. Larger tournaments might have an entry
fee of $300-$500, with a correspondingly larger payout. As I'm writing this
in early 2004, popular events in Las Vegas include the Stardust, New
Frontier, and Las Vegas Hilton, with first place prizes ranging from $30,000
to $1 million.
How do I find out about tournaments?
You can always call the casinos directly and inquire about their
tournament schedules. With an increase in tournament popularity, many
properties are adding a tournament program to their promotional calendar.
Coming soon: A complete listing of upcoming events, at
BlackjackTournaments.com.
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