Is this structure as unfriendly as I think??

AlbinoDragon · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 10:16 PM

I'm not 100% sure if this is the right area to post in, so feel free to flame/move as needed!

I have been playing on occasion at a $35 buy-in NL tourney at a casino near here (Casino del Sol, Tucson) and while I cashed the a couple times in the first few times I went (final table = 10 players = $$), I haven't even made it past about 25th position (out of usually 100) in many months (probably 15 tourneys during that time).

I'm by no means a great player, but feel I have a good handle on the fundamentals. I tend to play tight, semi-agressive poker, but can't manage to make it more than about an hour-and-a-half in before busting out under heavy blind pressure. This is even after winning several hands early on in the tourney. My question to those here, is this as nasty a blind schedule as I think it is?? I really like plaing tournaments, but with what is starting to feel like luck of the draw, I might as well just play the loose cash games! Let me know what you think!

T2000 with 15 minute levels
BB SB ANTE
25 50
50 100
75 150
100 200
5 minute break. I almost always make is here.
200 400
300 600
500 1000 100 (I haven't seen this level in a VERY long time)
1000 2000 200
1500 3000 300
2000 4000 400
2500 5000 500
3000 6000 600
5000 10k 1k (I think this last one is right... only been here once)

I have no intention or desire to use this for a home game structure! It just seems there's too much emphasis is on getting lucky fairly early then somewhat consistent (but still lucky) play after that. I also don't really see the same people make it deep, which really makes me think it's an all-in fest. Thanks for any ideas/411.

tikipirate · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 11:07 PM

IMHO that 600 to 1000 & 100 level is a heck of a jump. I'd like a 400/800 level in there. 15 min is a bit short for each level too. Otherwise this isn't much off that standard low buy in casino tournament. Being aggressive, and lucky, is the name of the game in these things.

Jonah 99 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2007, 11:32 PM

15 min. is bad.
My local casino had a simular schedule, then made it 20 minutes after people complained.
Since the change I get through 2/3 of the field regularly, once the blinds get past the 400/800 (we don't have the 300/600 level) it can go either way.
I made it to ten handed super short stacked and tied for first, the chip leader was out fifth our sixth after a few players doubled through him.

Basically the longer the blinds are, the less 'luck' will play out, you'll still have a coin flip here and there, but less likely to be all-in on a blind, or be called by a blind because you can't raise enough.

Hopefully the local players can but some pressure on the casino to add some time to the levels or put in some progressive steps, I think you'd see the better players finish consistently, and make the whole experiance feel less like playing slots and more like playing poker.

Good 'Luck'.

Joe85 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 12:48 AM

Blinds like that and you only start with 2000?

You may as well play slot machines. That structure is horrendous.

xtwalker · #5 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 12:49 AM

That seems to me to be a very generous structure -for the entry fee- I imagine it is a $5 rake and $30 to the prize pool... I would get it takes 3.5 - 4 hrs to finish it. Not much money there for the casino. They are at best breaking even on the tourney.

All the casino games I play in move it along that fast to get it over with and get the "loose cash games" going. $3 per hand x 30+ hands per hr, pays a lot more than $5 for 3+ hrs per player.

I don't expect a structure quite as friendly as you described unless the entry fee is over $100 or it is a special VIP tourney or other promotion.

All that being said, it is a speed tournament, and I gladly pay more to get into tourneys with better structures.

AlbinoDragon · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 01:09 AM

It's a $35 buy-in with $12 to the house. They guarantee a $2000 prize pool, but it almost always goes over the 87 players to make that happen. They've lost about half the entrants by the break at 1 hour in.

Any additional comments?

Joe85 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlbinoDragon

It's a $35 buy-in with $12 to the house. They guarantee a $2000 prize pool, but it almost always goes over the 87 players to make that happen. They've lost about half the entrants by the break at 1 hour in.

Any additional comments?

I wouldn't play it unless it's a total donkfest and I'm nearly guaranteed to cash. $12 is more than 1/3rd of the buy-in which is crazy.

BigWoody · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 10:49 AM

Why are you playing this crap, instead of those loose juicy cash games you spoke of???

FL70 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe85

I wouldn't play it unless it's a total donkfest and I'm nearly guaranteed to cash. $12 is more than 1/3rd of the buy-in which is crazy.

It's guaranteed to be a total donkfest! That's why you shouldn't play.

A mere 40xBB starting stack and 15 minute levels will negate any skill.

Skip it.

Millertime · #10 (**permalink**) 03-28-2007, 03:01 PM

It is definitely a crazy structure that takes a big jump in the middle, but that is a pretty low buy in. The casino is not making a ton of money on that so they are probably just trying to get the tourney done and probably do not care that it will end up being an all-in-fest.