when we have around 20 for a mid-sized buy in i pay 4 spots. If it is a small buy in like 10 or 20 bucks, i would go with three buy ins. Do you allow re-buys?
The usual 3 spot payout I use is 50% 30% 20%
If you went with 4 spots, I would go 50% 25% 15% 10% and if you have odd amounts you can round up or down.
20 dollar buy in with 20 players
1st - 200
2nd - 100
3rd - 60
4th - 40
if you allow rebuys i would divide them equally as well into this. some players want the rebuys all added onto 1st place, but I dont do that.
Good luck, sounds like a nice tournament is forming. Need 21??
