What is a GTD in poker?

Introduction

GTD, short for Guaranteed Prize Pool, is the organizer's promise to maintain a minimum prize amount in a poker tournament, no matter the turnout. It's widely used to attract players and add credibility to the event.

Here’s everything you need to know about GTD tournaments.

What is GTD in Poker?

In tournaments, GTD stands for Guaranteed Prize Pool. When a tournament is labeled with a guarantee, say, ₹5 Lakh GTD, it means the prize pool will be no less than ₹5 Lakh, regardless of how many players enter or how much is collected through buy-ins.

This is a key feature in tournament poker, where prize pools are usually generated from the entry fees paid by participants. 

How Guaranteed Tournaments Work

Every poker tournament requires players to pay a buy-in to participate. The total prize pool is the sum of these buy-ins, after subtracting any rake or service fee taken by the poker room. In standard, non-guaranteed tournaments, the final prize money depends entirely on how many players register.

But in guaranteed tournaments, the operator takes on the risk. They promise to pay out at least the guaranteed amount, even if the entries don’t generate enough to reach that figure. If the total collected from buy-ins falls short of the guarantee, the poker site covers the difference.

There are two primary outcomes in GTD tournaments:

1. When Player Entries Exceed the Guarantee

In this case, the tournament prize pool grows beyond the guaranteed amount, which is a positive outcome for both the poker site and the players.

For example, in a ₹10 Lakh GTD tournament with a ₹1,000 buy-in, if 1,500 players register, the prize pool becomes ₹15 Lakh.

The event is now said to have ‘surpassed the guarantee’ and the prize pool is based entirely on the number of entries.

2. When Player Entries Fall Short of the Guarantee (Overlay)

Sometimes, not enough players enter the tournament to meet the guaranteed prize pool. In such cases, the poker site must cover the shortfall out of its own pocket. This shortfall is known as an overlay.

For example, in a ₹10 Lakh GTD event, if only 800 players enter (₹8 Lakh collected), the site adds ₹2 Lakh to meet the guarantee.  Overlays are often considered great opportunities for players because they create extra value, you're playing for more money than what was paid in by the field.

Why Poker Rooms Offer GTD Tournaments

Poker operators use guarantees as a strategic promotional tool. While it may seem risky, especially with the possibility of overlays, guarantees help platforms in several key ways:

1. Attracting New Players

A big guaranteed amount looks attractive and can entice casual players to try the event. It creates buzz on social media, discussion forums, and poker communities.

2. Building Trust

By committing to a fixed prize pool, poker sites build credibility with their user base. When players see that even underperforming tournaments are honored in full, it reassures them that the platform is reliable.

3. Establishing Regular Marquee Events

Consistent GTD offerings like ‘Sunday Specials’ help turn occasional players into regulars by offering a dependable, high-value experience.

4. Encouraging Early Registrations

GTDs incentivize players to register early in hopes of overlay, which in turn attracts others and reduces the risk for the site.

Common Types of GTD Tournaments

GTDs come in a variety of formats, tailored to suit all bankroll levels and skill sets:

Micro and Low-Stakes GTDs

These tournaments have small buy-ins (₹50 to ₹500) but still offer guaranteed pools like ₹1 Lakh or ₹2 Lakh. They're ideal for recreational players or bankroll builders.

Mid-High Stakes GTDs

Buy-ins ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 or more, with prize pools from ₹5 Lakh up to ₹50 Lakh+. These attract regular grinders and semi-professionals.

Flagship Weekly Events

Most platforms have weekend flagships with massive guarantees and deep structures.

Series-Based Guarantees

During poker tournament festivals like NPS, WPT Online, or India Online Poker Championship, there are guarantees for individual events and often a cumulative series guarantee (e.g., ₹25 Crore GTD across the full schedule).

GTD Satellites
Smaller tournaments with GTD seats to larger buy-in events, offering value ladders and accessibility to high-stakes action.

What is Overlay and Why Does It Matter?

Overlay is a term used to describe the gap between the prize pool guarantee and the actual money collected through entries. This gap is funded by the poker operator and represents free value for players.

Suppose a tournament needs 1,000 players to meet a ₹10 Lakh GTD but only 750 register. That means ₹2.5 Lakh is missing. The poker site still pays the full ₹10 Lakh, effectively giving players better odds and a better ROI (return on investment).

Seasoned players hunt overlays as part of their volume strategy, particularly in soft fields where value exceeds variance.

Tips for Playing GTD Events

1.   Look for Late-Stage Overlays - Keep an eye on tournaments just before registration closes. If entries are below what’s required for the guarantee, there may be an overlay opportunity.
2. Use Satellites to Enter Big GTDs - Winning a seat via a ₹100 or ₹200 satellite for a ₹5,000 GTD tournament can offer massive upside.
3. Understand Field Size vs. Payout Potential - A low-buy-in, high-GTD tournament with limited players often means a softer field and higher value.
4. Be Aware of Re-entries - Re-entry formats tend to fuel larger prize pools and riskier early action, as players take more chances knowing they can buy back in.

Pros and Cons of GTD Tournaments

Frequently Asked Questions

What does GTD mean in a poker tournament?

GTD stands for Guaranteed Prize Pool. It means the tournament will award at least a specific minimum prize pool, no matter how many players enter. If not enough entries are collected to reach that amount through buy-ins, the poker site adds the missing funds. This gives players a fixed value to compete for and can sometimes result in extra value through overlays.

What is an overlay in GTD tournaments?

An overlay happens when the number of entries doesn't generate enough buy-ins to meet the guaranteed prize pool. The poker operator then covers the shortfall. For players, this means more money is in the prize pool than was paid in collectively, making the tournament higher in value and offering better returns.

Do GTD tournaments always offer overlays?

No. Overlays only occur if the total buy-ins are less than the guaranteed amount. In popular tournaments, especially on weekends or in major series, entries often exceed the guarantee. In such cases, the prize pool grows beyond the guaranteed amount, but no overlay is provided.

Conclusion

Guaranteed prize pools have become a defining feature of tournament poker, offering players consistency, value, and a reason to register with confidence. They reduce the risk of low participation and set the stage for bigger paydays. For players looking to make the most of their tournament experience, GTDs provide both opportunity and stability: two things every poker player should be looking for.