What Is a Freezeout Tournament?
A freezeout does not permit a player who has lost all chips to buy back into that event.
Understand the format ↓How does Freezeout work?
Each entrant begins with the posted stack. Once that stack is lost, the entrant is out; no rebuy or re-entry is available.
Prizes and payouts
Prizes follow the posted schedule. Freezeout describes entry rules, not the size or shape of payouts.
This is a tournament structure, not a poker game. The event can use Hold'em, Omaha, or another published game. Always read that event's rules and prize schedule.
A practical example.
You enter once and bust before the money. You cannot buy another stack in that same freezeout.
What should you verify?
Confirm that the event is truly one-entry; a similar looking listing may allow re-entry or an add-on.
Operator and venue rules control the exact entry, blind, bounty, payout, and cancellation terms. Poker TDA's tournament procedures cover a different layer of tournament play.
Check your understanding.
You bust a freezeout. Can you enter again?
Frequently asked questions
What does Freezeout mean?
A freezeout does not permit a player who has lost all chips to buy back into that event.
What can you win?
Prizes follow the posted schedule. Freezeout describes entry rules, not the size or shape of payouts.
What should you check in the lobby?
Confirm that the event is truly one-entry; a similar looking listing may allow re-entry or an add-on.
Related poker terms
Compare related formats
Source documents
Reviewed 2026-10-15. These are original educational explanations. The named sources publish the underlying rules; Flawless Poker does not issue official rulings.
- PokerStars Tournament Types ↗Operator-specific format descriptions
- PokerStars Tournament Rules ↗Operator-specific event procedures