Poker tournaments take too much time

Noobgila · Jan 9, 2026

Cash games are king if you only have a couple of hours and want to make some cash vs some casuals...
but a tournament offers such a big return, that its really worth playing.

mariale_1990 · Jan 13, 2026

Depending on the tournament structure, you should keep in mind that it can take many hours of play. You need to be very patient and carefully analyze the structure to see if playing a specific tournament is right for you. Some people prefer playing Sit & Go tournaments, which are faster, or turbo tournaments, which are also a bit quicker.

miklcct · Jan 22, 2026

I never have time to play anything except hyper.

ODRAGD3 · Jan 23, 2026

Goggelheimer said:
The reward and the variance is higher in Poker tournaments.

Pros of Poker Tournaments

More time allows skilled players to showcase strategy and patience.

Larger blind structures reduce luck and emphasize skill.

Extended play creates a deeper, more memorable experience.

Cons of Longer Poker Tournaments

Can be physically and mentally exhausting.

Requires significant time commitment, limiting flexibility.

Longer duration may discourage casual or recreational players.

That's why it's better to play them on a mobile device! Because you can do other things while you play.

HunRicky63 · Jan 29, 2026

Gaurav123p said:
Poker tournament take much time

Yes, sometimes I fall asleep while playing. It's quite exhausting.

sibkaz · Jan 29, 2026

If it's a long time, choose whichever is faster... Calculate your time...)

Viking26 · Jan 29, 2026

One of the keys to good poker game is patients ...tournaments can be good training for patients

Uncloggie · Jan 29, 2026

I so agree. It is a waste of time but more fun than traffic or TV.

monkeytilter · Jan 29, 2026

Uncloggie said:
I so agree. It is a waste of time but more fun than traffic or TV.

Traffic? 😯😄

Uncloggie · Jan 29, 2026

monkeytilter said:
Traffic? 😯😄

Sometimes when you just want to feel worse about life, there is nothing better than to just let the misery wash over you in a nice warm swarm of traffic. Breath in that dieselly bouquet.. or bathe in the glorious EMR of your electrical chariot if you are so fortunate

kunkgreen · Feb 3, 2026

Yes... Generally, that's part of the tournament format, but there are other formats like quick tournaments, turbo, hyper... Sit 'n Go and others that can shorten the playing time, and we also have cash games for those who don't want to spend hours in sessions.

In online poker, we can play several tournaments at the same time, which gives a different perception of how time is spent. But if it's live, we don't have much room to maneuver.

miklcct · Feb 3, 2026

I'd rather play €4 sit and goes rather than €1 MTTs and ended up min cashing after hours of play.

Cooking · Feb 3, 2026

True, for me this is the main drawback of tournaments. That’s why I often choose turbo or super turbo tournaments.

theoxy · Feb 4, 2026

If you like poker and i think , it doesn't matter how long time its take . Just need enjoy every tournament .

)

Lena M · Feb 4, 2026

Gaurav123p said:
Poker tournament take much time

There are different types of tournaments. Some do not require much time, but they require a lot of luck.

valanddon · Feb 5, 2026

Have a cut off time, and quit allowing people to join in through out the game.

daniel.g · Feb 6, 2026

Live ones yes online ones no.. however that’s the edge to players understanding if they wanna do well it’s a buy in plus a 2-10 hour time investment if they wanna do well cash and win the thing. I honestly think about half the players hop in plat Crazy and bust out before registration closes

RonanPERNA · Feb 6, 2026

Duration depends on the structure. For those with limited time, Hyper-turbo or "Sit & Go" tournaments are better alternatives than regular tournaments.

thedarkman · Feb 6, 2026

Not on-line they don't. What I don't like is long rebuy times.

Chebchoub · Feb 6, 2026

Hi

That's only true if we can stay in the game. Generally, tournaments often require at least two or three hours of gameplay. There are also some tournaments that may take more than seven or ten hours at times, especially the slow ones. However, the biggest and most famous tournaments may take more than sixteen hours, which means at least two days of gameplay.
However, the tournament prize will always remain the biggest, most valuable, and most prestigious.

Snake2007 · Feb 6, 2026

My opinion is that late registrations take too long.

KeyPatience · Feb 6, 2026

Gaurav123p said:
Poker tournament take much time

Yes tournaments do take too much time but give too much money as well if played with adequate study and serious mindset!

antonis32123 · Feb 6, 2026

It is true . I don't believe many would disagree with this statement . Of course you can play one day of the week when you'll find a lot of free time . Maybe play turbo tournaments , or even hyper turbo . Although the hyper turbos are less of skill , more gamble . But yeah . 7 hours or more , playing tournaments, yeah it's time consuming .

oroochimaru · Feb 6, 2026

Gaurav123p said:
Poker tournament take much time

Due to the potential, MTTs are excellent. You only need to buy in once, your risk is limited and one strong run might significantly increase your bankroll. The margins in cash games are smaller and the grind is more consistent. Tournaments are also more strategically enjoyable and less repetitive than constant cash games because they reward patience, ICM knowledge and the ability to adjust to stack sizes.

The good news is that, it is no longer necessary to spend 12 hours playing MTTs. You can choose from a variety of formats, including turbo and hyper turbo tournaments, knockout (PKO) competitions, sit & go MTTs and even short session daily events that are intended to wrap up quickly.

Some can be completed in two to four hours, making them ideal for gamers with little spare time.Yes, lengthy MTTs may be terrible, but there are many tournament choices available in todays online poker environment for regular people with busy schedules.

jrgum25 · Feb 6, 2026

Yes poker tournaments require more time but I prefer them to grinding the cash tables. I think it's just knowing the reward for my patience can pay off with a big score for me. It doesn't always happen but I have way more fun playing poker tournaments than sitting at a cash table for an hour and not making much money. If time is a factor in keeping you from playing tournaments then I suggest trying turbo tournaments with shorter blind structures and less late registration time.

Poker tournaments take too much time

Noobgila

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miklcct

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ODRAGD3

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