What Is a Shootout Tournament?
A shootout advances table winners to a new round instead of continuously balancing the field like a conventional MTT.
Understand the format ↓How does Shootout work?
Each round has its own table. Depending on the event, the winner or another specified number of players advances. Round-by-round stacks and seating follow the event rules.
Prizes and payouts
Payouts can start before the final round; the structure sheet says which placements receive prizes.
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.
Eight tables of eight players produce eight table winners. Those winners meet at the next table or round under the posted structure.
What should you verify?
Confirm how many advance from each table, whether chips carry forward, and whether the event is heads-up or multiway.
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.
How do players usually advance in a shootout?
Frequently asked questions
What does Shootout mean?
A shootout advances table winners to a new round instead of continuously balancing the field like a conventional MTT.
What can you win?
Payouts can start before the final round; the structure sheet says which placements receive prizes.
What should you check in the lobby?
Confirm how many advance from each table, whether chips carry forward, and whether the event is heads-up or multiway.
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