Tex's TEARS began as a way for a professional poker player to rate the playability of a given tournament. Over the years, and with input from many of the world's best players, Tex's TEARS has grown into a powerful tool for players and tournament directors alike.

Probably the best-known aspect of Tex's TEARS is the level structures. By careful selection of forced bets (such as antes, bring-ins and blinds), Tex's TEARS provides a gradual increase in the amount a player is required to pay each level. These gradual betting increments are considered by many players to be the hallmark of a good poker tournament.

The level structures, however, are not enough by themselves. A sufficient number of chips must be given at the start of the event to allow players the time to maximize their skill before the rising forced bets eat away at their chip stacks. This is why Tex's TEARS also defiines a minumum number of starting chips that needs to be given for each level structure.

When a casino advertises that their tournament uses "Tex's TEARS Structures & Starting Chips", players know exactly what to expect - and this may be the greatest benefit of the Tex's TEARS system. The knowledge that your money will be well invested in a quality tournament - before spending money on airfare, hotels, meals and buy-ins.