What Does Satellite Mean in Poker?
A satellite is a smaller tournament where the prize is entry into a larger, higher buy-in tournament.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Satellite
Satellites are commonly discussed when players are looking for cost-effective ways to gain entry into prestigious events, such as the World Series of Poker. They are frequently mentioned in online poker platforms and during live tournament series.
In-Game Example
During a poker series, a player enters a $50 satellite tournament. The top 10 finishers win seats to a $1,000 main event. The player finishes in the top 10 and wins the entry to the main event without directly paying the higher buy-in.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Focus on survival rather than chip accumulation, as the goal is to secure a seat, not necessarily to win chips.
- Common Mistake: Playing too aggressively early, risking elimination before the satellite achieves its primary goal.
- Pro Tips: Pay attention to the payout structure and adjust your strategy in the bubble stage to maximize your chance of securing a seat.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online satellites often have more participants and require adaptation to different pace and player tendencies; live satellites may involve more physical tells and pacing control.
Alternative Names
“Step tournament” is often used interchangeably with satellite in some poker circles.
FAQs
Q: Can satellites be multi-table tournaments?
A: Yes, satellites can be both single-table and multi-table tournaments, depending on the structure and the organizer’s format.
