What is a Shootout in Poker?

Introduction

Among the numerous poker tournament formats, the shootout stands apart due to its unique structure. Often overshadowed by massive-field multi-table tournaments (MTTs), shootouts are hidden gems where players must win entire tables, not just outlast opponents.

This guide will walk you through everything about shootouts in poker.

What is a Shootout Tournament?

At its core, a shootout tournament is a multi-stage poker event where each table operates as an independent mini-tournament. Unlike regular MTTs, where tables are broken and merged to keep numbers balanced, shootout tournaments preserve table integrity per round. Players stay at their table until it finishes, and only the winner, or top few, advance to the next stage.

You must conquer your table to earn the right to fight at the next one. This structure means each table win is like climbing a rung on a championship ladder.

Basic Structure of Shootout Tournament

A shootout tournament can be single-round, double-round, or even triple-round, depending on the field size and format.

Round-Based Format Example:

In a Triple Shootout with 729 players:

Round 1: 81 tables with 9 players each. 81 winners advance.

Round 2: 9 tables of 9 players. 9 winners move forward.

Final Round: 9-player final table to determine the champion.

Each stage requires you to beat your entire table, simply surviving isn’t good enough.

Key Format Characteristics:

Types of Shootout Tournaments

Single-Table Shootout

This is the most basic form of a shootout tournament. It plays like a Sit-n-Go (SNG), usually with 6 to 10 players at one table. The key feature here is that you must win your table to claim the top prize. Often, only the first-place finisher is paid, making it a winner-take-all format. However, some structures may award payouts to the top 2 or 3 spots, especially in more casual settings. 

Double Shootout

This version introduces a second round, usually consisting of two levels of play. In the first round, you are assigned to a single table. If you win, you advance to the final table, which consists of other winners from round one. This format is often used in satellite tournaments, especially online, where the final table may award seats to larger events. 

Triple Shootout

As the name suggests, this tournament requires players to win three consecutive tables to claim victory. It starts with a large field that’s spread out over many first-round tables. Winners from each table then advance to a second round, and then again to the third and final round. The WSOP $3,000 No-Limit Hold’em Shootout is a prime example of this structure. Winning just one table isn’t enough; you need to run well and play solidly across three to take the title.

Bounty Shootout

This is a high-action variant of the shootout structure. Not only do you need to outlast your table to advance, but every player you eliminate earns you an immediate cash reward (a ‘bounty’). These tournaments appeal to aggressive players who excel at exploiting marginal spots for knockout opportunities. 

Mastering Shootout Strategy Stage by Stage

Early Stage (Full Ring – 6 to 9 Players)

At this point, the table is packed, and many players approach it like a typical MTT. That’s your edge.

• Play tight, but smart: In the first few orbits, let overly aggressive opponents self-destruct. Focus on playing in position, and avoid bloating pots without strong hands or clear plans.
• Survival isn't enough: This isn’t a cash bubble scenario. You must eventually accumulate all the chips at your table. Start identifying weak spots to exploit early.
• Set traps, isolate fish: Target looser players when you hold value. Isolation plays become more important than ever when there's only one winner per table.
• Don’t sit back too long: Once you have identified player tendencies, be proactive. You’re not laddering here—you’re hunting.

Mid Stage (3–5 Players Left)

The game sharpens here. With fewer players, the dynamics start resembling a short-handed cash game, and your ability to shift gears matters immensely.

• Loosen up: You can’t wait for premiums anymore. Start increasing your open-raise frequency, especially from late position.
• Exploit stack size mismatches: Target medium stacks. They have the most to lose and will fold more often under pressure. Avoid leveling wars with the big stack unless you have a clear plan or strong hand.
• Stealing blinds becomes critical: Don’t let the blinds eat into your stack. You need to be the one applying pressure, not folding away your equity.
• Spot mental fatigue: Many players lose focus here. Keep your situational awareness sharp. Payy attention to who’s tightening up, who’s tilting, and who’s trying to coast into top 2 or 3 (even if they don’t realize it doesn’t help them win).

Heads-Up Play

This is the deciding moment. And in a shootout, you will need to play heads-up well in every round if you want to make a deep run or win it all.

• Study heads-up formats: Get comfortable with small-ball poker, limp-heavy strategies, and unconventional lines. You’ll face a variety of opponents, and you need to be able to adapt.
• Polarize your strategy: Use a balanced mix of value-heavy and bluff-heavy lines. Mix in check-raises on dynamic boards and pressure with marginal holdings when you sense weakness.
• Know when to apply pressure: Stack size matters. Big stacks can afford to play looser and apply ICM-free aggression. Small stacks must pick their spots carefully but can't wait forever.
• Momentum is psychological, but real: Winning a big pot can tilt your opponent or give you the mental edge. Confidence and rhythm play a huge role in heads-up shootouts, especially in late stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shootout Poker?

Shootout poker is a tournament format where you must win your current table to move on to the next round. Each table plays down to a single winner before progression. It’s essentially a series of self-contained Sit-n-Gos stacked together. This structure tests your ability to adjust, dominate short-handed play, and close heads-up battles. Only table winners (or top 2–3 in some variants) move forward, making each stage feel like a final table.

What is Shot Taking in Poker?

Shot taking refers to playing at higher stakes than your usual level in an attempt to accelerate bankroll growth or challenge stronger competition. It’s a calculated risk. If the shot goes well, you may level up faster; if not, you return to your regular stakes. It’s common for players to ‘take a shot’ after a big win, during a heater, or when they feel especially confident in their edge. Done irresponsibly, though, it can quickly lead to bankroll depletion.

What’s the main difference between a shootout and a regular MTT?

In a standard MTT, players are moved between tables as others bust out, and payouts are based on how far you progress. In a shootout, you must win your table to advance. There’s no table balancing. Each table is its own self-contained battle. This means strategy must shift from survival to domination. Winning each stage is the only way forward.

Conclusion

In shootouts, every stage demands you outlast and outplay an entire table of opponents. It’s poker in its purest, most unforgiving form, and that’s exactly what makes it so thrilling. If you are looking for a tournament that tests your resolve and rewards your ability to rise above, shootouts are the perfect challenge to sharpen your game.