Bounty and knockout poker tournaments (KO and PKO) explained
In a bounty or knockout (KO) tournament, part of every buy-in becomes a bounty on each player’s head. When you knock someone out, you win their bounty straight away, on top of the normal prize pool. In a progressive knockout (PKO), the bounty you win is split: part is paid to you and part is added to your own bounty, so the more players you eliminate, the more you are worth.
How the buy-in is split
Section titled “How the buy-in is split”A typical bounty tournament splits each buy-in into two parts: one goes to the prize pool, paid out at the end like a normal tournament, and one goes to bounties. For example, in a $10 PKO the split is often around $5 to the prize pool and $5 to your starting bounty, but the exact numbers depend on the tournament, so always check the lobby.
Regular knockout (KO)
Section titled “Regular knockout (KO)”- Every player has the same fixed bounty for the whole tournament.
- Knock someone out and you get their full bounty in cash.
- Your own bounty never grows.
Progressive knockout (PKO)
Section titled “Progressive knockout (PKO)”- Everyone starts with the same bounty.
- In the most common version, when you knock someone out you get half of their bounty as cash and the other half is added to your own bounty.
- Big winners carry big bounties, so other players are keen to call their all-ins.
- At the end, the winner usually collects their own remaining bounty as well.
Example of a PKO
Section titled “Example of a PKO”You eliminate a player whose bounty is $10. You receive $5 at once, and your own bounty rises by $5. If someone later knocks you out, they win your bigger bounty.
Tips for beginners
Section titled “Tips for beginners”- Bounties change your calls. If a short stack goes all-in, the bounty is extra money in the pot, so you can call with a slightly wider range.
- Covering matters. You can only win a bounty if you have at least as many chips as the player you knock out.
- Don’t spew for bounties. Losing your stack to chase a small bounty early is a common mistake.
- Check whether you can lose a bounty by being eliminated. Rules differ between sites.
Mystery bounty
Section titled “Mystery bounty”In a mystery bounty tournament the bounty amounts are hidden until you win them. Read more in our mystery bounty guide.
What is a bounty in poker?
Section titled “What is a bounty in poker?”A cash prize for knocking a specific player out of a tournament, paid as soon as they are eliminated.
What is the difference between KO and PKO?
Section titled “What is the difference between KO and PKO?”In a KO the bounty stays fixed. In a PKO part of each bounty you win is added to your own bounty, so bounties grow during the tournament.
Do I need more chips to win a bounty?
Section titled “Do I need more chips to win a bounty?”Yes. You win the bounty only if you cover the player, meaning you started the hand with at least as many chips.
Who wins the last bounty in a PKO?
Section titled “Who wins the last bounty in a PKO?”Usually the tournament winner collects their own bounty at the end, but check the rules on your site.