In tournament poker, a starting day is often referred to as a starting flight. Multiple starting flights allow a larger number of players to participate in a tournament, even if the venue’s capacity is limited. Each flight plays to a predetermined point, such as a specific number of levels or until a certain percentage of the field remains. Players who survive a starting flight combine on a subsequent day to play down to a winner. For example, a large tournament might have three starting flights Day 1A, Day 1B, and Day 1C with the survivors of each flight merging for Day 2.
This structure offers several advantages. It accommodates larger fields, generating larger prize pools and creating a more exciting tournament atmosphere. It also provides flexibility for players who may have scheduling constraints, allowing them to choose the starting day that best suits their availability. This format has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly for larger events and online poker tournaments, contributing to the growth of the game.
