In some tournaments players are given the option to buy extra chips. This is usually offered at specific points in the tournament, or rather allowed up until a specific point in the tournament. Unlike a re-buy the add-on can be exercised by any player, regardless of how many chips they currently have.

A tournament with add-on's will typically offer one add-on, or occasionally a second add-on after the first break. Once all add-on options have been exhausted the tournament reverts to the freezeout format.