Iron Man Tournaments
There is a new type of poker tournament emerging through the casinos in the USA that are gaining momentum of a true test of poker ability. Named the Iron Man structure, it involves testing the ability of poker players with no breaks in play. Most live structures will involve breaks in play, hour long dinner breaks, toilet breaks, etc. It allows the players to eat, have a cigarette, go to the toilet and just stretch their legs to kick off some of the unstretched ligaments.
For online poker players who are use to only a five minute break ever hour, this is a much preferred structure since it means that more poker is played and there is more time gain an edge over weaker players who can not handle thinking for long periods of time. They can break, but their hand is just folded while they go about having a cigarette or to the bathroom.
This format also favours casinos since there is less staff time required and they have the players on and off the felt as fast as possible. Their buy in fees are then maximised and the players can be off playing some of the other more profitable casino games.
This type of poker favours the type of player who can play 18 – 30 hours straight. They have to keep their focus for long periods of time whilst the poker players who are less prone to playing for long periods will fade away and lose focus. This is when poker really becomes a test of sport and endurance and poker players can be labelled as athletes. Smoking players will also have to kick the habit for extended periods of time and focus their brain on playing cards.
Look out for this type of iron man structure, it just might be the tournament that gives you the edge.
