Flipout In the Money
Flipout In the Money
A tournament payout structure where all players who finish in the money receive an identical share of the prize pool, regardless of their finishing position.
Overview
Flipout In the Money (often simply called a "Flipout Tournament") is a payout format used primarily in online poker tournaments, particularly in sit-and-go or fast-paced events. In this structure, once the field is reduced to the number of players designated to cash (e.g., the top 10% or a fixed number like 9 out of 90), every remaining player receives the same payout. There is no difference between first place and last place in the money.
How It Works
The prize pool is predetermined (or built from buy-ins), and the tournament promises that a certain number of players will cash. For example, a 100-player Flipout tournament with a $10 buy-in and guaranteed 10 cash positions means that the total prize pool is $1,000 (ignoring rake). Each cash player receives $100. The tournament ends when the last player is eliminated, as is typical, but all cash positions pay the same amount.
Strategic Implications
- Bubble Dynamics Are Altered: Since there is no payout jump from 11th to 10th, the "bubble" is less stressful in terms of pay jumps. However, the threat of finishing out of the money remains, so players still adjust their aggression on the bubble.
- ICM Simplification: Independent Chip Model (ICM) considerations are simpler because all in-the-money spots have identical monetary value. This reduces the complexity of equity calculations for deals or push/fold decisions.
- No Incentive for Survival: Once in the money, there is no benefit to climbing higher in chips unless the tournament has a separate payout for first place or a leaderboard bonus. Some Flipout events maintain a minor first-place prize (e.g., a trophy or token) to keep players engaged.
- Common Formats: Flipout tournaments often feature a single table (e.g., 9 players, top 3 cash equally) or multi-table events where a fixed number of players cash (e.g., top 5 out of 45).
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Pros: Simple to understand; reduces variance in payout; encourages aggressive play since survival doesn't increase prize.
- Cons: Some players dislike the lack of differentiation; may lead to less strategic depth in late stages.
Usage
Flipout In the Money structures are popular in recreational or fast-paced online tournaments, and occasionally in live events as a novelty. They are also used in satellite tournaments where multiple winners earn identical seats.
Related Terms
- Payout Structure: The overall distribution of prize money in a tournament.
- Bubble: The point just before a player is eliminated without cashing.
- ICM: A model for valuing chips in tournament poker.
- Sit-and-Go: A single-table tournament that starts when the table is full.