GGPoker is pioneering a new way of playing tournaments with a novel innovation that should appeal to action junkies and casual players.
The games are called Flip & Go and, despite sounding like a PokerStars invention (i.e. Spin & Go), they add a unique dynamic to MTTs.
GGPoker released the update on January 12 and buy-ins currently range from $0.05 to $20.
Flip & Go Tournaments Will Turn on Some but Not Others
GGPoker ambassador Daniel Negreanu described Flip & Go tournaments as a way to enjoy the “hottest action.”
The format suggests he could be right, but the dynamic might not appeal to everyone.
Flip & Go Tournaments Explained
- Step 1: Players choose their desired number of starting stacks. It’s currently possible to start with 10X buy-ins.
- Step 2: Every tournament begins with a “flipout” phase. Players start each hand with three hole cards during this stage of the tournament. The aim is to discard one card and, after that, play as if it were a standard Texas Hold’em hand. As an added extra, players receive extra chips if their three hold cards make certain poker hands.
- Step 3: Finally, the flipout phase of the tournament is played as a shootout. That means nine players are whittled down to one.
Once each table has a winner, those players are put together and the tournament plays out as normal MTT from that point onwards.
This isn’t the first time a poker company has tried something different. Weird and wonderful innovations have come and gone over the last five years.
PokerStars has led the way and trialed a number of unique variants and in-game add-ons. Some, such as Spin & Go, have stuck. Others, like Power Up and Deep Water Hold’em, have fallen by the wayside.
The underlying aim with these products and, indeed, Flip & Go, is to attract casual poker players.
GGPoker Takes Aim at Casuals
The days of offering standard games filled with tough grinders and expecting novices to ante up are long gone. We’re now in a time where online poker operators are focusing on low-stakes players and beginners.
Unibet Poker has thrived thanks to this cultural shift. Although it’s not on the same level as GGPoker or PokerStars, Unibet has prospered as standalone site. Moreover, it’s won multiple awards for its “casual” focus.
💥A POKER REVOLUTION BEGINS💥
From Jan 12, we're bringing you a game that will blow your minds 🤯.
INTRODUCING … FLIP & GO 🤸🤸🤸.
👉 https://t.co/n1dQ756dRl#ThanksGG pic.twitter.com/yuLxgrN3mK
— GGPoker (@GGPoker) January 11, 2021
Times have changed. Anything that increases variance means skilled players have a tougher time preying on weaker opponents. In turn, this keeps a steady stream of newbies flowing into the game.
In many ways, GGPoker is tapping into this trend with Flip & Go tournaments. The dynamics are such that there’s a bit of something for everyone. That may be a winning formula but, as we’ve seen with similar ideas in the past, it could fall short.
