At VIPpoker.com, you can download free software and sign up for a poker tournament today. But is your strategy ready to go? Even players who play limit poker regularly might have to alter their strategies for tournament play. Part of developing an effective poker tournament strategy is learning what makes tournaments different from regular poker games.

The biggest difference between tournament games and regular poker games is the blind increases. In a normal poker game, players can win by being patient, waiting for good hand, and betting hard when they "hit." In a tournament, those who wait for the best hand might end up losing their stacks to blinds. This effectively forces more passive and tight players to loosen up their playing styles significantly.

Another major factor when it comes to tournament play is the elimination of players. In a normal poker game, the number of players at a given table is likely to remain constant. In a tournament, however, the longer you play, the fewer players you will be playing against. This means that you will have to adjust your pre-flop and post-flop play accordingly.

For example, a king nine unsuited might be considered unplayable in early position for a full table of nine players. There are just too many chances that your king will be "out kicked." In a reduced table of four or less players, though, this same king nine off suit is completely playable and much more likely to be a winning hand, especially if played aggressively. To test your poker tournament strategy, sign up at VIPpoker.com.