Knockout Poker Tournaments (KO & PKO Explained)

Knockout poker is an MTT (multi-table tournament) format in which part of the prize pool is allocated to bounties placed on each player. When you eliminate an opponent from the tournament, you immediately win a fixed cash prize, known as a bounty.

Progressive Knockout (PKO) poker tournaments follow the knockout format with one key difference. When a player is eliminated, only part of the bounty is paid out immediately, while the remaining portion is added to the winner’s own bounty. As a result, players who eliminate multiple opponents can accumulate increasingly large bounties as the tournament progresses.

Knockout tournaments are available on the 888poker client. For more details about this format, visit the PKO poker page.

Why Play Knockout (KO) Tournaments at 888poker?

Pros:

• Even without a deep run, players can still generate profit by collecting bounties.
• Less emphasis is placed on the late stages, keeping the tournament engaging from start to finish.
• Knockout tournaments are available to play 24/7 on 888poker.
• The format often attracts recreational players, increasing the potential for larger payouts.

Cons:

• Tournament poker involves high variance, and long stretches without profit are possible.
• Tournaments require a significant time commitment compared to cash games.
• Short-stack play is a major component, which may be less appealing to players who prefer deep stacks.

Is This Tournament Type Right for You?

Knockout tournaments offer a highly dynamic poker experience, combining traditional tournament play with immediate rewards for eliminating opponents. Starting from a relatively small buy-in, players have the opportunity to build a bankroll through both bounties and standard prize payouts.

One advantage of knockout tournaments is reduced variance compared to regular MTTs. Bounty rewards can sometimes offset the buy-in, making downswings less severe. At the same time, allocating part of the prize pool to bounties can limit the size of the biggest payouts.

Because bounties provide constant incentives, players are less likely to adopt extremely tight strategies. This often leads to more action throughout the tournament, making knockout formats appealing to players who enjoy aggressive play while managing risk.

Knockout Tournament Strategy Tips

• Target Shorter Stacks: Decisions become more valuable when opponents are covered, as eliminating them also awards a bounty.
• Use ICM Calculations: As in regular tournaments, decisions should be evaluated using ICM. Not every chip-gaining play is profitable once payouts and bounties are considered.
• Aim for the Final Table: While bounties add incentive, the largest profits still come from finishing near the top of the prize pool.
• Adjust Strategy Based on Stack Size: Short stacks should look for aggressive opportunities, while larger stacks can apply pressure and target eliminations without risking tournament life unnecessarily.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knockout Poker

What is a Knockout (KO) poker tournament?

A Knockout poker tournament is an MTT format where players win a cash bounty each time they eliminate an opponent.

How do Progressive Knockout (PKO) tournaments work?

In PKO tournaments, part of the bounty won for eliminating a player is paid out immediately, while the remaining portion is added to the winner’s own bounty.

Do more players get paid in knockout tournaments?

Yes, knockout tournaments allow players to earn money through bounties even if they do not reach the standard payout places.

Are knockout tournaments lower variance than regular MTTs?

Knockout tournaments can reduce variance because bounty rewards may offset the buy-in, although the largest prize payouts may be smaller.

Are knockout tournaments suitable for aggressive players?

Yes, the bounty structure encourages action, as eliminating opponents provides immediate rewards throughout the tournament.