For most poker players the idea of participating in the World Series of Poker is just a pipe dream. Whether it is the costs (both tournament fees and travel), the time away from home, or level of texas hold me hands competition, there are just too many barriers to playing. Before online poker became popular if you could not make it to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or Atlantic City you were out of luck. However, all of this changed after FullTilt introduced their online poker series, known as FTOPS. Now, with just a click of the mouse poker players from around the world could compete for major prizes. If you have yet to check out the schedule and satellites for the next FTOPS you are running out of time! If you are new to their site you will have to use the Fulltiltpoker download in order to play in the FTOPS.

Participating in an internet series like FTOPS can be a great experience and be quite profitable. In general money poker sites tournament buy-ins will range from as low as $10 all the way up to $5,000! Having such a large disparity in buy-in amounts allows players of all bankrolls levels to participate. Each tournament typically carries a guarantee which is a set amount of money the prize pool will contain no matter the number of entrants. In most cases the amount of entrants (along with buy-in fees) surpasses this number. However, every now and then there are not enough entrants to fulfill the guarantee. When this happens us friendly poker sites like FullTilt must pony up the remaining amount. For those playing this proves to be quite the reward as it translates into getting a better bang for your buck.

If you do not have the bankroll to play in the larger buy-in events but want to give them a shot you should check out the Full Tilt Download satellites, or smaller buy-in tournaments awarding tickets to the bigger events. For example, a $500 buy-in tournament might have $50 satellites, awarding a ticket to the $500 event for every 10 players in the smaller tourney. Satellites are a great way to gain experience and pick up a seat to a big-time event. Most PC and Mac poker sites will allow you to cash these tickets in before the tournament starts so you can use them for other events or to play cash games. You should always try to play within your bankroll but if you are fortunate enough to qualify for a bigger tournament it can be worth the risk/experience to give it a go.

Determining the proper tournament to play in is they key to success. Check out the Full Tilt Poker Academy poker videos is a great way to make sure your skills stay sharp. These series have a lot of different formats so always be sure to double check before signing up. The last thing you would want to do is sign up for a $200 event thinking it was rush poker omaha only to find out it was Seven-Card-Stud. After using the Full Tilt Poker Download and opening the Lobby you can find out which game a tournament offers by opening up the tournament’s very own Lobby. Other factors to consider will be the blind structure (some blinds escalate faster than others) and the number of seats at the table (heads-up, 6-handed, 9-handed, etc…). Try to find a game you are used to playing and will comfortable with. Once you have your game selected sit back and wait for the tournament to start. Make sure to play your game, have fun, and always go with your instincts when you’re faced with a tough decision.