MTT in poker: how to play in a multi-table tournament

Multi-table tournaments are a great option for those players eager to put their multitasking skills to the test. Diversifying strategies and increasing the pace of the games by playing several hands at once are two of the main advantages offered by these competitions, which are at the forefront of many platforms dedicated to organizing large-scale competitive matches at different levels.

But there are those who don't know what MTTs in poker are, how they're played, or how dangerous it can be to play different hands simultaneously. For players accustomed to cash games, this can be a problem, but if you're curious, you won't be the first or the last to combine your play with cash games and MTTs.

MTT in poker: what does it mean?

MTT stands for Multi Table Tournament. These are initials used to refer to competitions that offer the possibility of playing at several tables at once, each with its own opponents, cards, limits, and dynamics.

This requires a great capacity for abstraction in order to maintain the panoramic view needed to play with several open strategies. If you make a mistake, you'll minimize the size of your error. If you win, you'll be able to do so in a more sustained way without jeopardizing the rest of your points.

Is it appropriate to use the acronym "MTT" as a synonym when referring to tournaments that offer this possibility? Yes, absolutely, so don't get confused and make sure you know what we mean whenever you hear MTTs mentioned.

Rules of multi-table poker tournaments

Something you must always keep in mind is that multi-table tournaments are not played like a regular tournament. They share certain aspects, such as point-based gameplay rather than chips, but you'll soon realize that their dynamics are far more complex and more akin to a long-distance race.

MTTs are not won in the first few hands. You'll always need to exercise patience to gather enough data for when the right moment comes. In any winning MTT poker strategy, mid-suited connectors will be your best allies, especially in the later streets.

Keep in mind that, as a general rule, all pots in a multi-table tournament can be contested with continuation bets, but you'll need to be careful if players call your continuation bet, because if they bet on the turn, they can push you out of the fight.

When it comes to responding to a bet, you must be cautious. Overacting is too obvious for an experienced player, but you can come across as anxious if you don't respect the rhythm. That will expose you and leave you in a difficult position for the rest of the round. How do you avoid this? By not calling at the first opportunity, not limping (an unmistakable sign of a good postflop player), and taking the initiative on the flop.

Despite diversifying strategies in a poker MTT and having to reduce risks by broadening your range of options and playing styles, you'll need to maintain a varied approach even after winning. Building your stack should be your priority, but not your ultimate goal. If you manage to increase your points but keep playing the same way, you'll be giving away your game round after round, and that will expose you — something you must avoid.

Keeping an opaque style is the right choice, although it's not always easy. There are things you'll need to change to conceal mistakes, disguise the effects of a bad decision, and make your opponents doubt what you're really doing. What you should never do under any circumstances is play outside your bankroll, as that can jeopardize your continuation in the tournament.

As you can see, even though it's still a poker tournament at its core, it's a type of competition with some fairly unique characteristics. Always thinking long-term and giving some of your strategies room to develop is the most effective way to contest pots and climb the rankings.

MTT vs cash games: what's the difference?

Something a poker novice should know is that multi-table tournaments and cash games are not only played differently, but they are also different types of competition. While cash games are played with chips, tournaments are played with points.

In practical terms, some people talk about stack and bankroll in an MTT, but you should be clear that there is always an abstract meaning behind it. There is no bankroll or stack to defend in a poker tournament, but there is a potential points prize that will help you climb the final player rankings. It's simply a matter of shifting your mindset and reassociating some terms you've already become familiar with.

But playing with points instead of real money chips doesn't mean that a multi-table tournament is less profitable than cash games.

In fact, there's no clear answer when it comes to which type of game offers the greatest reward to the winner, because while cash games are a direct way to compete for real money prizes, multi-table tournaments, by offering a diversified gameplay structure in which several rounds can be played simultaneously, mean that the potential for a greater reward increases. It all comes down to each player's personal preferences.