In Progressive Knockout (PKO) tournaments, bounty value dramatically widens your calling range. Learn to adjust your strategy for knockout formats.
In a PKO (Progressive Knockout) tournament, you earn a cash bounty instantly when you eliminate an opponent. This fundamentally changes traditional MTT strategy.
When you cover an opponent, your calling range against their all-in widens significantly.
| Situation | Calling Range (Traditional MTT) | Calling Range (PKO, medium-large bounty) |
|---|---|---|
| BB vs BTN all-in (covering) | Top 25% | Top ≈30–40% |
| vs short-stack all-in (covering) | Top 30% | Top ≈40–50% |
The figures above assume a typical PKO structure (bounty ≈50% of starting stack) and average stack depth. With smaller bounties (e.g., ≈25%) or significant ICM pressure, the ranges shift back toward traditional MTT play.
Source: GTO Wizard Blog
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