What is a satellite?
A satellite is a qualifying tournament. The buy-in is lower than the target event, and the prize is not cash but a ticket to the target event. As the World Poker Tour's official online site, WPT Global runs satellites to its online series and to live WPT events, giving players a chance to win a seat in a big event for a small buy-in.
That changes everything about how you play. In a regular tournament you try to finish as high as possible, but in a satellite your only goal is to survive and win a ticket.
Common satellite formats
Direct satellites
Win a seat and you get a ticket to the target event straight away. The simplest format.
Step satellites
Start in a small low buy-in event and move up one step at a time until you win a ticket to the big event.
Single-table satellites (SNG)
Single-table satellites that start as soon as the seats fill. Short, so they suit players with little time.
The satellites on offer, the number of seats, and how and when tickets can be used vary by site and event. Read the event details before you register.
What to focus on at each stage
- 1
Early: build steadily
The blinds are still small relative to your stack. Stick to solid starting hands and position, with no need to take big risks for chips.
- 2
Middle: build a safe stack
Steal blinds and build your stack with sensible aggression. The aim is a stack big enough to coast into a seat.
- 3
The bubble: your stack decides everything
Near the cut-off, how you play depends entirely on your stack. Big stacks tighten up dramatically, and short stacks must take the initiative.
How to play the bubble
The bubble is the most important stage of a satellite. Say there are 12 players left and 10 tickets: just 2 more eliminations and everyone left qualifies.
| Your stack | How to play |
|---|---|
| Big stack (almost certain to qualify) | Tighten up dramatically. You can fold almost everything. Extra chips won't win you a better prize, but losing a big pot could knock you out. |
| Medium stack | Avoid confrontations with the big stacks. Pressure players shorter than you and wait for the short stacks to bust. |
| Short stack | The blinds will keep eating your stack, so look for chances to move all-in. Ideally do it when everyone before you has folded and you are first in, giving your opponents room to fold. |
The idea behind this is ICM (the Independent Chip Model): the value of tournament chips depends on the prize structure, and in satellites that effect is at its most extreme.
Planning your budget and time
- Check when the target event runs: it would be a shame to win a ticket you can't use. Check the date of the target event and the ticket rules before you register.
- Set a total satellite budget: decide how many satellites you will play, so you don't keep re-entering just to make sure you win a ticket.
- Set aside plenty of time: the bubble often drags on, and leaving early means giving up your chance to qualify.
- Keep perspective on results: only a small share of players usually qualify, so not winning a ticket is normal. Play for fun.
Looking for other tournaments? Try the poker tournament brand Red Dragon Poker, or CoinPoker with its freerolls and low buy-ins. To learn the basics of tournaments first, read our guide to poker tournaments and cash games.
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FAQ
FAQ
What do you win in a satellite?
The prize in a satellite is usually a ticket to the target event. How and when the ticket can be used depends on the site and event rules, so check the official details.
How is a satellite different from a regular tournament?
In a regular tournament, the higher you finish the more you win. In a satellite every qualifier wins the same ticket, so the goal is to make sure you qualify, not to finish first.
What is the bubble in a satellite?
The bubble is the stage when only a few more eliminations are needed before everyone left qualifies, such as 12 players left for 10 tickets. At that point your stack size changes the best strategy dramatically.
Should you really fold aces in a satellite?
When you are almost certain to qualify and your opponent is a big stack who could knock you out, folding AA can be correct, because winning more chips does not improve your prize but losing could knock you out.
Are satellites good for beginners?
Yes. Satellites have lower buy-ins and are a great way to experience big events. Learn the rules of regular tournaments first, and set a budget and time limit before you play.