[checkm8r]

HPT recommends the initial chip stack be 50X the BB (e.g., 10/20 for T1000). I notice that many here and on 2+2 use 100X the BB instead. What do you use and what are the pros and cons of each? I'm thinking that starting at 100X BB really just adds 20 or 30 more minutes to your tournament, as you'll be at 50XBB the next level.

[Sniper2075]

Originally Posted by checkm8r

HPT recommends the initial chip stack be 50X the BB (e.g., 10/20 for T1000). I notice that many here and on 2+2 use 100X the BB instead. What do you use and what are the pros and cons of each? I'm thinking that starting at 100X BB really just adds 20 or 30 more minutes to your tournament, as you'll be at 50XBB the next level.

Yup and it also lets you play more poker because you can afford to mix it up a little and the earlyier levels and it won't cripple your stack. In theory it helps experienced players win because it lets them outplay weaker players early before it becomes an allin fest.

I'm sure others will have some better things to say but thats my take on it.

[BigKyle]

I like using a larger number of big blinds when using bigger starting stacks for tournaments. For example, if I have a T2500 or T3000, I would likely start the blinds at 25-50, or 50x the BB starting stacks. But at T5000, I keep the first level at 25-50, for 100x the BB starting stack. Usually the T5000 or T10000, where I start at 50-100, are bigger buyin games, and I want them to take longer. The T2500 or T3000 are quick tournaments that I want to last a maximum of maybe 2-2.5 hours.

[checkm8r]

Thanks, guys. I have been using T1000 w/ starting blinds of 10/20, but I plan to move to T25 chips as my minimum after my TRK customs arrive. I was wondering if T1000 with 25/25 starting blinds (i.e., 40x BB) might work. All this being said, I have no real issues w/ migrating up to T2500 or T5000 tournaments.

[D3scride]

I have a high denomination WSOP replica set so I do T200,000 with blinds starting at 1000/2000 (100xBB) with blinds increasing every half hour.

I prefer a deeper stack with relatively slow blind levels so that there's room to play poker and not have to rely on getting cards.

[BigKyle]

Originally Posted by checkm8r

Thanks, guys. I have been using T1000 w/ starting blinds of 10/20, but I plan to move to T25 chips as my minimum after my TRK customs arrive. I was wondering if T1000 with 25/25 starting blinds (i.e., 40x BB) might work. All this being said, I have no real issues w/ migrating up to T2500 or T5000 tournaments.

T1,000 with 25-25 would be okay, but way too much of a crapshoot. If you did that with unlimited rebuys for a few rounds, it would be much better. But even then, it would become an allin fest.

[rowlin]

Having a low number of initial BB (i.e. 50 rather than 100) can be offset by increasing the length of the levels.

Our weekly one-table tournament starts with 60 BB. We need to have fairly long levels, or play very quickly, to keep the blinds from escalating fast relative to our stacks.

Generally speaking, people say that bigger stacks relative to the initial BB, and longer levels, tend to decrease the amount of "pushing with anything because I'm short," and thus gives an advantage to better players - or players who play better after the flop.

[Guma]

I agree with Sniper. I like to make some moves early in the tournament to establish a certain demeanor at the table. But I don't want to get caught and get so low on chips that I am being blinded out in the second round because the blinds jumped so high.

For a T1000 I will do a 10/20 and for a T5000 I will do a 50/100.

[Button Potato]

We always play 100x BB

[ky70]

Another vote for 100x the big blind but as rowlin states, extending your blind minutes can offset starting with a smaller stacks in the relation to the BB.

I do 50x the BB (and even 40x the BB) in cash games but I'm programmed to hand out 100x the BB in tourney games.