Key strategies to win a pokie tournament
Winning a pokie tournament largely comes down to luck. The games are governed by the same rules and random number generators as all other online pokies. However, there are some key strategies that you can employ to help you climb the boards.
- Speed and spin rate: When tournaments are timed, the more spins you can make, the more chances you have to earn points. Maximise your spins per minute to make the most of your playing time.
- Auto-spin vs. Manual spin: Auto-spin keeps a steady spin rate and never hesitates, making it a great option for timed events where every second counts. Manual spin, by contrast, is better suited to tournaments that limit your spins. It can help you feel more in control by allowing you to react to big wins, take pauses, and assess your bankroll if you feel it’s draining too quickly.
- Volatility management: Knowing which pokies to target can pay dividends during tournaments. High-volatility pokies deliver big wins, but they pay out less often. Low-to-medium volatility pokies pay out more frequently, but large payouts can be few and far between. For shorter or timed events, lower volatility pokies can give you more consistency, but if you’re playing in a longer tournament, high-volatility games might be worth the risk.
- Game familiarity: This one might be obvious, but you’ll have a better time during tournaments if you’re familiar with the games. Knowing how a game works ahead of time (betting structure, paytable, bonus features, etc.) will give you more confidence with your bets and gameplay. Play a few rounds in demo mode or try some real money games to get a feel for them.
Bankroll management for tournament play
Another key strategy during pokies tournaments is understanding how your bankroll differs from regular grinding. Remember, you’re trying to convert credits to points, not preserve your balance. That said, it’s still important to know how to manage your bankroll properly in this setting.
The tournament format matters here. In most timed or spin-limited tournaments, your entry fee gives you a set amount of credits or spins, and buy-ins are generally fixed. It’s better to play at a steady pace versus making max bets and going bust too early.
If you run out of credits or spins before the clock runs out, many tournaments will offer you the opportunity to buy back in (rebuy). In certain situations, a strategic rebuy may put you into a winning position. But they can also lead you to play more aggressively and spend more money than you planned. We recommend using rebuys thoughtfully, and always set profit and loss limits to avoid overspending.
Mental game: keep calm and keep spinning
The pace and pressure of high-stakes pokies tournaments can throw even the most seasoned players off their game. Knowing how to stay calm, cool, and collected is crucial to avoiding tilt.
Prepare yourself ahead of time by learning the tournament format and rules, setting a budget, choosing your game, and playing a practice round or two. Eliminate distractions by clearing your space, turning off notifications, closing extra tabs, or silencing your phone. Have a snack.
During the tournament, try to stay present. Focus on your pace, not the wins and losses. When the tournament is over, review your performance and take note of your results. Celebrate your wins (even if it’s just staying on budget), and make sure you take a proper cool-down break. You earned it.
Common mistakes that cost you the win
Mistakes during pokies tournaments can cost you time, points, and money. Luckily, we’ve encountered all the most common mistakes players make and listed them here, so you can (hopefully) avoid the same fate.
Maxing out your bets on high-volatility pokies or chasing leaderboard spikes can burn through your credits in no time.
Checking the leaderboard or monitoring your own rank too often can be distracting. This can lead you to make rushed decisions, or hesitate when you should be focusing on your game.
Here are other things not to do when playing pokies tournaments.
You should never:
- Fail to understand the rules or format
- Chase wins too aggressively
- Ignore game volatility
- Overuse rebuys
- Check the leaderboard too often
- Neglect your pre-tournament prep
- Disregard your bankroll and budget limits
Finding the right pokie tournaments
Finding the right pokies tournament for you is all about your individual playing style and budget. Look at the tournament format, rules, games, and entry fees, not just the prize pool, and always make sure you’re playing at a trusted online casino.
These three online casinos host regular pokies tournaments for Aussie players and they’re worth checking out.
Spinsy Casino
- Features –Drops & Wins, Monthly Race, Cash Grab Monthly Race
- Prize Pool –Up to $2,000,000
Richard Casino
- Promotions – Drops & WinsGrand Casino Royale, Royal Riches
- Prize Pool – Free Spins, up to $2,000,000
Lucky Circus
- Highlights – BGaming: Drops Frenzy, Pragmatic Play: Play & Win, Drops & Wins
- Prize Pool – Up to $2,000,000
winning is possible if you play smart
Winning a pokie tournament can be thrilling, but tournaments are meant to be enjoyable and not a high-pressure gamble. The overall value comes from having fun and socialising with other players, not just winning.
Approaching tournaments in a smart and responsible way can help you maximise your scoring chances and make the most of your playing time. Pace yourself and set limits, maintain a calm demeanor, make mindful, engaged betting choices, and, most of all, celebrate the small victories along the way! Happy gambling!
