> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://team-race.gitbook.io/race-protocol/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://team-race.gitbook.io/race-protocol/race-games/race-poker-app/how-to-play/pko-bounties.md). # PKO Bounties Understanding Progressive Knock-Out (PKO) Bounties Many of our most exciting tournaments are Progressive Knockout (PKO) events. Get ready for a high-action poker experience where you win instant cash bounties for every single player you eliminate! *** ### **The Big Idea: Poker with a Price on Everyone's Head** Think of a PKO tournament like a video game where every player has a bounty on their head. When you knock a player out, you immediately collect a portion of their bounty as a cash prize. The other portion is added to your own bounty, making you a more valuable target for other players. The more players you eliminate, the bigger the target on your back becomes! *** ### **How it Works: The 50/50 Split** The most important concept to understand is how the bounty is split. \ When you buy in the tournament, the bounty portion of the ticket is allocated to the bounties.

On the screenshot, we see that 20% of the 10 RRR buy-in is reserved for bounties.

This amount is then divided in half — an instant prize for elimination and progressive knock-out.
* **💸 50% is available instantly upon player elimination:** This is a real cash prize, sent directly to the one who eliminated the player. It's theirs to keep, no matter where they finish in the tournament.

In the game interface you see the Instant Payout portion of the bounty next to the profile picture:
The amount you will get instantly for eliminating that player.

* **📈 50% is added to the killer's "Head value":** This "progressive" portion is not displayed in the UI and it increases the price on the head for those who eliminate players, making them a juicier target for their opponents. Let's break down the two types of bounties you'll see in-game: * 💰 **Your Bounty Winnings (Cash in Your Pocket):** This is the total amount of cash you have already won by knocking out other players. It goes to your wallet and is available instantly.

* 🎯 **Your Bounty Value (The Target on Your Back):** This is the prize amount another player will win if they eliminate you. This value grows larger every time you knock someone else out.\ It is displayed in-game next to your profile picture. #### Key Takeaway The bounty amount shown on a player's head is not their earnings. \ It is the prize someone else gets for eliminating them.
*** ### **Let's See it in Action: A PKO Example** Imagine a tournament where part of your buy-in gives every player a **starting bounty of $2**. **The Setup:** * After the 50/50 split — You have a **$1 bounty** on your head available instantly. * Player B also has a **$1 bounty** on their head. **The Knockout:**\ You go all-in against Player B and win the hand, eliminating them from the tournament. **The Payout (The Magic!):**\ Here’s what happens instantly to Player B's **$2** bounty: * **💸 You get $1 in cash!** (to your wallet, instantly) as your Bounty Winnings. * **📈 Your own bounty value increases by $1!** (the other 50%). **The New Scoreboard:** * **Your Bounty Winnings:** You have now earned **$1**. * **Your New Bounty Value:** Your own starting bounty was $**1**. You just added $**1** to it. The bounty on your head is now $**2**. **Let's Keep it Going...** Now, you eliminate another player who also had a **$1 starting bounty**. * **💸 You get another $1 in cash!** Your total cash winnings are now **$1** + **$1** = **$2** * **📈 Your bounty value increases by another $1!** Your own bounty is now **$2** + **$1** = **$3**. The next person who knocks you out will get a bigger prize, because you're a bigger threat! {% hint style="info" %} If you eliminate a player with a higher instant payout part - displayed next to the player's head - you will receive that amount instantly, however your own "value" will only grow by the 50% of the initial bounty part.\ \ Let's say Player D has eliminated few players already, so his "head value" is $5.\ If you eliminate Player D, you will receive $5 instantly, while your value will grow by $1. {% endhint %} *** ### **Why PKO Tournaments Are So Exciting** * **💰 You Can Profit Without Reaching the Final Table:** You can be eliminated before the official prize money starts and still walk away with a profit just from the bounties you've collected. * **💥 PKOs Reward Aggressive Play:** Every all-in confrontation is more intense when there's an instant cash bounty on the line. It encourages action and creates thrilling moments. * **🎯 The Target Grows:** As players accumulate knockouts, their bounties can become huge. A late-game pot can be worth a massive prize, not just in chips, but in real money from a single elimination.