[KingZilla]

I have a system of tourney payouts but occasionally we run short handed (people have problems, on vacation, other stuff). I won't run a touney with less than 6 players so let's go with that, 6 players. I try to keep my games friendly and "spread the money around" as much as possible.
So the question is: For a 6 player tourney with a $10 buy-in, would you pay top 2 spots of $40/$20 or top 3 spots of $30/$20/$10?
Advice/Opinions welcomed.

[Silverwind]

Originally Posted by KingZilla

I have a system of tourney payouts but occasionally we run short handed (people have problems, on vacation, other stuff). I won't run a touney with less than 6 players so let's go with that, 6 players. I try to keep my games friendly and "spread the money around" as much as possible.
So the question is: For a 6 player tourney with a $10 buy-in, would you pay top 2 spots of $40/$20 or top 3 spots of $30/$20/$10?
Advice/Opinions welcomed.

I would do the $30/$20/$10. This would "spread the money around". Also since the games run quicker you can squeeze in an extra game. Third place just won the buy-in for the next game.

[Vince]

I'd (well we do play it that way) play with 6 players $10 buy in
1st $50
2nd $10

If your players are uncomfortable with it, just lower the buy-in to maybe $5.
If your payout structure is too flat, there's actually not much motivation, 'cause you might win at least your buy-in anyway.

[StevenH72]

Originally Posted by Vince

I'd (well we do play it that way) play with 6 players $10 buy in
1st $50
2nd $10

If your players are uncomfortable with it, just lower the buy-in to maybe $5.
If your payout structure is too flat, there's actually not much motivation, 'cause you might win at least your buy-in anyway.

This is the same as my games, in 6 handed, 2nd gets their buy-in back and winner takes the rest.

[UW85]

For sure, IMO, spread the money around -- for me it's about the people wanting to come and play, not about the money. By spreading the money around, more people can go home saying, "Yeah, I won this or that" and their significant other is happier as well! Keeps them coming back for more.

[CRD]

I use this payout structure for my homegame:

5-7 players: 1st. 60% 2nd. 40%,
8-10 players: 1st. 50% 2nd. 30% 3rd. 20%

My players seem to like it.

[KingZilla]

Originally Posted by Vince

I'd (well we do play it that way) play with 6 players $10 buy in
1st $50
2nd $10

If your players are uncomfortable with it, just lower the buy-in to maybe $5.
If your payout structure is too flat, there's actually not much motivation, 'cause you might win at least your buy-in anyway.

This is practically "Winner take all".

As I stated, this is a friendly game and we do it for love of the game and fun so no motivation via money is necessary. I did have a short group of 6 and I decided to pay the top 3 spots. Sure everyone appreciates a buck, but 1st got triple his investment, 2nd got double, and 3rd got his buy in back. I also should have mentioned that we get in 3 tourneys per night. In the past I have payed only the top 2 spots in this situation, but everyone was happy with the new payouts.

[Silverwind]

I think that sounds like a good idea. Keeps the game going a little longer Also first place won't feel as guilty for taking everyone's $$.

[beekeeper]

We pay 2 places with 7 or fewer. We also play $10 tournaments.

6 players $40/$20
7 players $45/$25
8 players $45/$25/$10

[Big Mike]

Originally Posted by StevenH72

This is the same as my games, in 6 handed, 2nd gets their buy-in back and winner takes the rest.

Thats how we do it too. 5 or less is winner take all. 6-7 pays 2nd place money back only; 8 players plus pays 3 spots.
Our average game size is 5 players.