New Skip-It MTTs: AI-powered poker tournaments by ACR

ACR Poker's Skip-It MTTs blend AI speed with high-stakes poker strategy

ACR Poker has introduced a new tournament format called Skip-It MTTs, currently in beta. The games are available at three buy-in levels: $1.05, $5.25, and $10.50. This format aims to speed up play by using AI to quickly reduce the number of participants in the early stages. The tournament begins with a fast-paced 'race phase' where AI Racers take over for all players. These AI-controlled avatars have identical profiles and abilities, ensuring fairness. Within five minutes, the field is cut down to just 20% of its original size.

Once the race phase ends, players regain control of their stacks. They then compete until only 10% of the original field remains. At this point, play pauses, and the remaining stacks are carried over to Day 2, which takes place every Sunday. All players who reach Day 2 start in the money, with tournaments typically lasting around four hours. Add-ons are available to everyone at the start of Day 2. For those who miss the initial race phase, a direct buy-in option exists for $26.25, though these players begin with fewer chips. ACR Poker allows players to let the AI continue playing on their behalf during the controlled phase. However, the platform advises against this, as skill becomes more important once the field narrows. The format shares similarities with 'flip-out' tournaments, where luck dominates early, but strategy takes over later.

Skip-It MTTs offer a mix of speed and skill, using AI to quickly reduce the field before human players take over. The weekly Sunday finals ensure a structured progression, with all remaining competitors guaranteed a payout. The format provides a faster alternative to traditional multi-table tournaments while maintaining competitive elements.