Quick facts by PokerStrategy

  • A rebuy in poker is an additional amount of chips you can purchase after your initial entry to a tournament.
  • Poker rebuy rules vary depending on the tournament.
  • Rebuys are often unlimited within a set time frame, known as the rebuy period.
  • Rebuy tournaments promote aggression, but focus on exploiting reckless players to build your chip stack

What Is a Rebuy in Poker?

A rebuy in poker gives players the chance to buy an additional amount of chips after they have lost some or all of their stack, usually within a set time limit.

In a rebuy poker tournament, rebuys allow you to stay in the game and remain seated at the same table by purchasing a fresh stack of chips. This is different from a freezeout tournament, which only allows each player to take one entry.

How Rebuy Tournaments Work

Rebuy poker tournament structures vary depending on the game. Details of the rebuy structure will be outlined on the tournament clock or within the online lobby. There, you’ll find the conditions of rebuys, such as how many you can take and how long the rebuy period lasts:

  • Rebuy Period: This is the amount of time that the rebuy period lasts, such as the first 60 minutes of play. It may run in sync with the late registration period.
  • Number of Rebuys: You will often be able to take an unlimited number of rebuys. In some cases, the number you can take will be limited.
  • Rebuy Conditions: Some tournaments only let you rebuy when you have completely run out of chips, while others let you rebuy when you have lost a certain amount. In some tournaments, you may be able to rebuy straight away, effectively doubling your stack for the price of a second entry.

Add-Ons in Rebuy Tournaments

Rebuy poker tournaments may also offer an add-on. This is an additional amount of chips you can purchase as a one-off as the rebuy period closes. All remaining players will usually have the option to take the add-on, regardless of stack size.

The add-ons are entirely optional. However, you should seriously consider taking it. They usually cost the same as a rebuy, yet the amount of chips you gain will be greater than the starting stack. This ensures the add-on remains valuable even with higher blinds.

Example Rebuy Poker Tournament Structure

  1. An $11 multi-table tournament is running with a rebuy structure.
  2. Players are given 3,000 chips upon entry and can only rebuy if and when they have lost their entire stack.
  3. Players can take unlimited $11 rebuys within the first hour of play and are given the starting stack for each rebuy.
  4. At the end of the 60-minute rebuy period, players are offered an $11 add-on for 5,000 chips.

Rebuy vs Re-Entry in Poker

Rebuy and reentry poker tournaments are very similar, and so the terms are often used interchangeably. However, rebuy poker tournament structures are actually slightly different from re-entries.

In re-entry tournaments, players have to leave the table and register again as a new player. You’ll be seated at a new table with a fresh stack in a re-entry tournament. Usually, you’ll only be able to take a limited number of re-entries, such as one initial entry and two re-entries to the game.

Rebuy Poker Tournament Strategy Tips

Rebuys significantly change the dynamics of a poker tournament. Players don’t have to worry too much about busting, as they can simply fire another bullet. This encourages aggressive and sometimes just plain bad strategy at the tables. Some of your opponents will be spewing chips left, right, and centre.

You don’t want to be one of those players. Don’t make the mistake of seeing rebuys as an excuse to go crazy and move all in with poor hands.

You want to be countering those players and taking their chips:

  • Take note of opponents who are relentlessly rebuying and look to double up through them by moving all in with stronger hands.
  • Bluff less against spewy players during the rebuy period, as they are too likely to call you down readily, knowing they can fire another bullet.
  • Generally, stick to playing for value during the rebuy stage to take advantage of the looser mode of play. The action will tighten up once the rebuy period has finished.

Pros and Cons of Rebuying

The main upside of rebuying is that you are given additional chips and have another shot at the tournament. The main downside to rebuying is that it costs money. You’ll need to pay the entry fee again.

It’s important not to start throwing chips away just because a tournament offers rebuys. You still have to pay, and you don’t want to negatively impact your win rate by playing badly.

At the same time, if you’re playing a rebuy tournament, then you should probably plan to fire several bullets. This will give you the best chance of making a deep run and encourage you to play without fear. If you don’t want to rebuy, you might as well play a freezeout.

Rebuy Rules: Live vs Online Poker

Poker rebuy rules may be different for each tournament that you play, whether online or live, so make sure you understand how and when you can rebuy before taking your seat. Here are the key differences between rebuy rules in live versus online poker.

Rebuy Rules in Live Poker

  • In live poker, you’ll need to verbally request a rebuy from the dealer, who will notify the floor and provide you with the additional chips.
  • The action may be paused during this time.
  • Live poker tournaments often have stricter rules regarding the number of rebuys you can take and may require you to lose your entire stack before rebuying.

Rebuy Rules in Online Poker

  • In online poker, you can take rebuys with a single click without interrupting play. The button will usually appear when the option is available.
  • Most leading online poker platforms will offer an auto-rebuy feature. By checking the box, you’ll automatically purchase additional chips when your stack falls below the required amount.
  • Online tournaments may require you to fully bust before rebuying, but are more likely to allow rebuys whenever you are below the starting stack.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a rebuy in poker?

A rebuy in poker usually costs the same price as the initial entry to the tournament and will grant you the same amount of chips as the starting stack.

How many times can you rebuy in poker?

The number of times you can rebuy in a tournament depends on the specific structure of the game. Usually, you’ll be able to take an unlimited number of rebuys within a set time period.

Should you rebuy in a poker tournament?

It’s your choice whether to rebuy in a tournament. Rebuying gives you another shot to win with a fresh stack. On the flipside, you’ll have to pay the entry fee again.