What Does Overlay Mean in Poker?
Overlay refers to the extra money added by the host to a poker tournament prize pool when the total buy-ins fall short of the guaranteed prize amount. Enjoy the enhanced experience of online poker with added benefits.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Overlay
In conversations about poker tournaments with guaranteed prize pools, especially when attendance is low and the organizer needs to supplement the prize pool to meet the guarantee.
In-Game Example
Imagine a tournament with a $100,000 guaranteed prize pool, but only $80,000 is collected from player buy-ins. The host adds $20,000 to cover the difference, creating an overlay.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Look for tournaments with overlays as they offer added value with potentially less competition.
- Common Mistake: Ignoring overlays due to focusing solely on tournament buy-ins and entry numbers.
- Pro Tips: Use overlays to boost your bankroll in softer fields, as fewer players mean less variance and potentially easier paths to cashing.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Overlays are more common online due to frequent tournaments and variable player attendance.
Alternative Names
None commonly used.
FAQs
- Q: Does an overlay mean I have a better chance to win? A: Yes, an overlay can mean better odds due to fewer participants than initially expected for the prize pool size.
- Q: Are overlays common in live poker? A: They are less common in live poker due to more predictable attendance, but they do happen, especially in large events.
Related Terms
- Buy-In
- Guaranteed Prize Pool
