Fast or slow blinds?

SergioV

SergioV

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  • #1
Some tournaments have very fast blind levels, while others are much slower and deeper. Which structure do you prefer and why? Do you think slower blinds reward skill more, or do fast structures create a more exciting game?
 
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ramdon p358

ramdon p358

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  • #2
If it's a freeroll, I like hyper structures, whereas if it's a tournament with real buy-ins, I prefer a slow structure.
 
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BillyR23

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  • #3
I prefer deepstack freezeout tournaments with slow blind structure as this are IMO the best way to test/improve our poker skills and also because we are able to play a lot more post-flop, we can reduce variance and increase our chances to make money... And Yes - I think slower blind structure rewards skill more, but for some games (especially freerolls, community/home games), I don't mind and even prefer a faster blind structure as I also think it makes the game more exciting and fun for everyone involved...
 
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  • #4
Slow blinds 100%. More about skill, fast blinds for luck
 
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BaldHead

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  • #5
Personally, I prefer tournaments with a slower blind structure. In those tournaments, I have more time to make decisions, observe my opponents, and build my strategy gradually instead of constantly playing under pressure from rapidly increasing blinds. I feel that skill shows itself much more clearly in slower structures because patience, discipline, and the ability to adapt become far more important.
In fast tournaments, the game often turns into push-or-fold situations and short-stack decisions. Those structures definitely create more action and excitement, making the game more dynamic and intense. Sometimes I enjoy that format as well, especially when I want to play a shorter session or feel the adrenaline. At the same time, however, I notice that luck has a much stronger influence in fast tournaments.
That is why, for serious and thoughtful play, I still prefer slower blind levels. They allow for deeper decision-making and give stronger players more opportunities to realize their edge over the long run.
 
UngureanuDan

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  • #6
For me is 10min plus deepstack, fast is like gambling sometimes!
 
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moraeskvmi

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  • #7
I prefer faster tournaments.
 
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stampide

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  • #8
I like slow structure because you can play more hands in early blinds level. This game more same with cash
 
WrongUsername

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  • #9
the faster to end the nightmare the better.
 
Pabloro10321

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  • #10
For tournaments I prefer a slow increase in blinds, for freerolls I prefer a fast one.
 
LUKADONCICMVP

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  • #11
the slower the better so u can really play more poker and not bingo
 
eberetta1

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  • #12
I like a slower structure as I play so few hands.
 
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Bakti213

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  • #13
It depends on the stack and the buy-in of the tournament!
 
TeUnit

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  • #14
I like them both, its better to have a skill edge deeper, and its better to have an icm edge shallower.
 
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  • #15
If it's a freeroll I like turbo tournaments. If it's a regular tournament, I prefer the 8-10min blinds and 9-max tables.
 
mariale_1990

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  • #16
I generally always choose tournaments with slow blinds, but sometimes I take a few things into consideration, for example:

1. For tournaments with a good guaranteed prize pool, I prefer slow blind tournaments, but if the tournament is a freeroll, I prefer it to have fast blinds.

2. How much time I have available to play.

3. Whether I'm 100% ready to play a long tournament or a fast one.
 
Roller

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  • #17
Deep structures reward postflop skill, patience, and long-term decision making, while faster structures put a lot more emphasis on ICM awareness, pressure, and short-stack adjustments.
Different formats, different edges.
A strong player should ideally be comfortable in both.
 
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