Late registration

The period after a tournament starts during which new players can still buy in, usually with a full starting stack. Modern events keep it open for several levels; registering late means a shorter stack relative to the blinds but a field that has already thinned.

Frequently asked questions

What is late registration?

A window after the tournament has started during which new players can still buy in, usually expressed as a number of levels — 'late reg through level 9'.

Is it better to register late?

It is a real trade-off, not a free edge. You skip the deepest, most playable levels and start with a shallower stack relative to the blinds, but you also skip hours of play. In fields where most of your edge comes from deep-stacked play, registering late costs you.