Measuring Progress in Multi-Table Tournaments with Precision
Progress in poker is rarely a straight line. Because of the inherent variance of the game, a player can be improving their skill while their bankroll remains stagnant or even declines over a short period. Measuring progress in Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs) requires a shift in focus from purely financial results to performance-based metrics.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Progress
Quantitative progress is measured in numbers: your ROI, your average finish, and your total profit. While these are important, they can be deceptive. Qualitative progress is measured by the quality of your decisions. Using a tracker allows you to quantify this qualitative growth by looking at your EV (Expected Value) trends.
- All-In EV: Tracking whether you are getting the money in as a favorite or an underdog.
- Cashing Frequency: The percentage of tournaments where you make the money.
- Deep Run Percentage: How often you reach the final 10% of the field.
By comparing these metrics over months rather than days, you can get a true sense of your trajectory. You can find more on this in our articles on long-term growth.
The Importance of the "Deep Run" Metric
For many players, the goal is to increase the frequency of deep runs. A deep run is where the majority of the profit in MTTs is made. By tracking how often you reach the final tables or the final few tables, you can determine if your late-game strategy is improving. If your cashing frequency is high but your deep run percentage is low, you may be playing too safely and failing to accumulate the chips needed to win.
Setting Performance Benchmarks
To maintain motivation, set benchmarks that are within your control. Instead of setting a goal to "win a tournament," set a goal to "increase my 3-bet percentage in late position by 5%." Using a tracker allows you to see exactly when you hit these benchmarks. For those looking for inspiration, the popular player profiles can show you the typical growth curve of a successful professional.