Progressive Knockout (PKO) Tournaments - FAQ

What is a progressive knockout (PKO) tournament?

Progressive Knockout (PKO) tournaments are a format where players earn bounties for eliminating opponents. This is done when a player loses their last chip. As you knock out opponents, you receive a chip reward, and your own bounty increases. The tournament continues until one player holds all the chips.

How do bounties work in a PKO tournament?

In a PKO tournament, a portion of the buy-in goes towards each player’s bounty and the other portion goes towards the prizepool. This creates a dynamic where bounties increase as players get eliminated.

(Note: This will typically be a 50/50 split where half the bounty you win gets added to your bank balance and the other half gets added to your bounty amount. Make sure you check out the lobby of the tournament to see the split for that specific game.)

How do I find PKO tournaments?

We’ve added a new filter to help you easily find our PKO tournaments! Simply select the 'Formats' filter in the MTT lobby and select ‘Progressive KO’.

There is also a new target icon that will be highlighted next to each PKO and bounty tournament.

What is the difference between a regular knockout tournament and a PKO tournament?

In a regular knockout tournament, players earn a fixed bounty for eliminating opponents. In a PKO tournament, bounties increase as you knock out more players, making the game more strategic and rewarding for aggressive play.

How are payouts calculated in a PKO tournament?

Payouts in a PKO tournament include two components: the traditional prize pool and bounties. The traditional prize pool is distributed based on the tournament's structure, while bounties earned by eliminating opponents are an additional source of chips.

When do I receive my chips for knocking someone out?

Bounties are paid when you are knocked out, or at the end of the tournament for the final two players. Check your transactions page when the game is finished for a more detailed breakdown.

Can I see how much each player's bounty is during the tournament?

Yes, the bounty amount for each player is displayed below their avatar. This transparency allows players to make strategic decisions based on the potential reward for eliminating specific opponents. 

What happens if two or more players knockout another player?

The bounty amount is split between whoever knocks out the player. So if two players win a hand and the third gets knocked out, the two winning players will evenly split the bounty for the third player.

(Note: This is only the case if the two winning players win with the same hand or, in the case of Omaha Hi/Lo, one player wins the high and the other the low.)

Are PKO tournaments suitable for all skill levels?

Yes, PKO tournaments can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. While they add an extra layer of strategy, beginners can still participate and have a chance to earn bounties through eliminations.

Are there any specific strategies for PKO tournaments?

Yes, PKO tournaments require a mix of traditional poker strategies and considerations for bounty play. Adjusting your play based on the size of bounties, stack sizes, and your opponents' tendencies can give you an edge in these tournaments.