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Why Do We Play Tournaments?


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Most of us know that playing tournaments is -EV. We also know that making a living off tournaments is incredibly difficult. So why do we play them when there are such better options out there, mainly cash games? The main reason I love to play tournaments so much is the end. Simply put, there is an ultimate end to every tournament I play in. There is a finish line that everyone is trying to cross. It may take time after time of busting before you finally cross that finish line. But when you do, it's one of the greatest feelings in the world. Of course, in your moment of glory, you never stop to think that this win only puts you slightly in the green overall. None the less, it's still an amazing feeling. Now in cash games, there is no finish line. There is no end, only a time when you leave or the table breaks up. There is no one true winner. Rather a few people who end the night with a profit.So if you play tournaments almost exclusively. Why?

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Most of us know that playing tournaments is -EV. We also know that making a living off tournaments is incredibly difficult. So why do we play them when there are such better options out there, mainly cash games? The main reason I love to play tournaments so much is the end. Simply put, there is an ultimate end to every tournament I play in. There is a finish line that everyone is trying to cross. It may take time after time of busting before you finally cross that finish line. But when you do, it's one of the greatest feelings in the world. Of course, in your moment of glory, you never stop to think that this win only puts you slightly in the green overall. None the less, it's still an amazing feeling. Now in cash games, there is no finish line. There is no end, only a time when you leave or the table breaks up. There is no one true winner. Rather a few people who end the night with a profit.So if you play tournaments almost exclusively. Why?
HUH ?
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HUH ?
Ya....nope.
Forgive me it's late here. Buying in for $10 at a chance to win $2000 is +EVI guess I'm just wondering why we all play in tournaments so much when we know for a fact unless we make a big score, we really are just throwing away money.
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Forgive me it's late here. Buying in for $10 at a chance to win $2000 is +EVI guess I'm just wondering why we all play in tournaments so much when we know for a fact unless we make a big score, we really are just throwing away money.
This isn't true. You shouldn't look at tournaments like that. You should realize that if you are a winning player, every time you enter a tourney you make money (whatever your average expectation is). A better question would be why do people play tournies when cash is more profitable. My answer: I suck at cash games.
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Forgive me it's late here. Buying in for $10 at a chance to win $2000 is +EVI guess I'm just wondering why we all play in tournaments so much when we know for a fact unless we make a big score, we really are just throwing away money.
Yup thats it right there.
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If you're seriously asking this question, then.....nah....nope....I'm definately not explaining this...sorry..
I am seriously asking the question.Why would someone choose to play tournaments for a living instead of cash games?Would you try to make a living off scratch off tickets and the weekly lottery instead of working at McDonald's?
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Would you try to make a living off scratch off tickets and the weekly lottery instead of working at McDonald's?
Because you can make money in the long run with tournaments.
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No, but honestly... I play tournaments because cash games bore me. The blinds never going up just isnt very exciting for me. Also, like someone said about having a goal to reach...There is nothing better than the feeling you get after winning a poker tourney

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This isn't true. You shouldn't look at tournaments like that. You should realize that if you are a winning player, every time you enter a tourney you make money (whatever your average expectation is). A better question would be why do people play tournies when cash is more profitable. My answer: I suck at cash games.
Well I did ask that, but thank you for making it a bit more clear, and thank you for answering.
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These are tournament stats for a random player. The bolded part is average expectation. That is what that person can expect to win every tournament they enter. ITM Rate: 22.1%FT Rate: 7.8%Top 3 Rate: 4.3%Avg. Finish: 42/100Avg. Buyin: $23Avg. Field Size: 943ROI: 142.5%Avg. Buyins Won: 3.346Avg. Expectation: $35

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I play tournaments for a couple of reasons. One of the biggest was that when I was learning the game and building my bankroll, I did it with micro limit sit and go's. Most of my strategy for games was based on tournament style, not cash. I also got more play for my money compared to cash games. Its now hard for me to play cash games because Im so used to tournament strategy.

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This isn't true. You shouldn't look at tournaments like that. You should realize that if you are a winning player, every time you enter a tourney you make money (whatever your average expectation is). A better question would be why do people play tournies when cash is more profitable. My answer: I suck at cash games.
i conquer
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Yep DN is stuck so much money from tournament poker :club:
As have every other tournament pro, sw.Don't get me wrong everyone. I'm not saying that playing tournaments are -EV, I've already taken that back. I'm not saying that playing tournaments is for losers. I love to play them, but I would never do it as a living, no matter how good I was.
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