Bounty Tournament Strategy 101

Upswing Poker Level-Up

Bounty tournaments have taken over the online poker world (especially Progressive Knockouts) and live bounties are far from uncommon. This unique format requires a unique strategic approach. If you're playing bounty tournaments the same as non-bounty tournaments, you are absolutely torching money every time you play.

Aussie tournament pro Hristivoje "ALLinPAV" Pavlovic joins the Upswing Level-Up Podcast to share some bounty tournament wisdom and help you capture more EV in this popular format.

If you want to dive deep into Bounty Tournament Strategy, check out Pav's epic 3-hour lesson in the Upswing Lab.

Not a Lab member? Save $50 on the Lab by using coupon code LEVELUP at https://upswingpoker.com/the-poker-lab-coaching

Transcription

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:15 Fundamentals of Bounty Tournaments

03:29 Early Stage Strategy and Calculating Bounties

05:28 Key Adjustments for Progressive Knockout Tournaments

09:11 Adjusting for Stack Sizes and Risk

12:15 Strategic Adjustments and Flatting

17:47 Understanding Static Bounty Tournaments

20:41 Common Pitfalls and Overvaluing Bounties

22:50 Final Table Strategy in Bounty Tournaments

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Pav offer a deep dive into the intricate world of bounty tournament strategy. With bounty tournaments becoming increasingly popular, both online and live, understanding the nuances of these unique events is crucial for any serious player. Pav, a seasoned pro and Upswing Poker coach, shares his expertise on how to optimize your play in these tournaments, where you're essentially competing for two prize pools: the standard tournament payout and the additional bounty rewards for knocking out opponents.

The discussion kicks off with an overview of the fundamentals of bounty tournaments, emphasizing the importance of calculating the value of bounties at different stages of the tournament. Pav breaks down how to determine whether a bounty is worth chasing, especially in the early stages when the bounty can add significant value to the pot. This poker strategy podcast also covers the critical differences between static and progressive knockout (PKO) tournaments, with Pav explaining how these variations impact your overall strategy.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the adjustments needed for playing in bounty tournaments, such as how to alter your calling ranges when you cover opponents with bounties or when you’re the one with a target on your back. The episode also explores common pitfalls, such as overvaluing bounties, and provides actionable advice on how to avoid these mistakes. Pav highlights the importance of playing solid and tight in the later stages of the tournament, where the bounty’s value diminishes compared to the main prize pool.

As the conversation progresses, the focus shifts to final table strategies, where the pressure of big payouts and accumulating bounties can lead to complex decision-making scenarios. Pav and Mike discuss how to navigate these situations effectively, ensuring that you maximize your chances of winning the tournament while still taking advantage of the bounty opportunities.

This poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to sharpen their skills in bounty tournaments. Whether you're playing online or live, the insights shared in this episode will help you make better decisions and increase your ROI in these increasingly popular events. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to dominate your next bounty tournament with expert guidance from Mike and Pav.