A satellite is a smaller tournament in which the prize is an entry into a larger tournament. Satellites are inexpensive to enter compared with multi-table tournaments. While a multi-table tournament may carry a $200 buy-in, one can buy into a satellite for $20 and win a $200 seat in the multi-table tournament. Multi-table satellites are scheduled as regular tournaments, and the sign-up details and play are identical.

An example of how a satellite would work: The buy in for the larger tournament is $200+$20. The buy in for the satellite is $20+$2. If there are 10 entrants (into the satellite), first place will get an entry to the larger tournament. If there are 20 entrants then 1st and 2nd place will receive entry to the larger tournament. If there are 23 entrants, 1st and 2nd place will get entries to the larger tournament and 3rd place will get a $60 prize.

If there is a cost to enter either a tournament or satellite, it will be denoted by stating the buy-in amount and the entry fee. A cost of "30+3" indicates that the buy-in is $30, and the entry fee is $3. The $30 goes to the prize pool which the players compete for, while the $3 entry fee is taken as compensation for hosting the tournament.