[FlopZnuts]

Here is the deal. I set this up to sort of follow the PokerStars 1&2 table S&G's, but just to use for a live tourney at my house. I will have 2 tables of 9 for 18 players. Most are friends with whom I have been playing for a while most of us play in the World Tavern League, but these players are all the tops at each bar so they are not donkeys. Most are very solid players. Anyhoo, the bar tourneys start out with T5000 with blinds at 100/200 for an "M" of only 16.6! And the dilema you face is that by the 2nd level, any decent preflop raise (3xBB) basically forces you to be willing to commit your stack in the hand if you are going to play. Personally, I hate this as I like to splash around alot in early levels hoping to hit the big one and double up. So, I thought about starting out with a nice stack compared to the blinds for the 1st 3 or 4 levels (M50), and then start applying pressure at the mid point to those who may be getting on the short stack. This structure should run a little over 3 hours which would give time for a Second Chance Tourney for those who want to play. Please give me some feedback on what you think!

Thanks

[the3rd]

The tavern structure is just one reason I don't play anymore. It is built for an economy of chips which is only beneficial to the tavern owners. Levels should progress smoothly. Your structure is the tavern structure minus a "0" and a triple size starting stack. It really doesn't make it any more player friendly. Here's my suggestion. With 5000 in tourney chips and blinds starting at 25/50 you get an M of 66.7. This will run over 4 hours with 18 people and 20 min blinds. You can start with T3000 to move it quicker. Don't go less than 20 min. for the levels. Let the losers play cash games or chinese poker while you finish. I would rather play one good tournament, than two speedy ones. Three hours may be an eternity online, but it's too quick for a live game IMO. It's tough to find a smoother, player friendly schedule than this. Make it T10,000 and 30 minute levels and you have a real winner.
25/50
50/100
75/150
100/200 color up 25s
150/300
200/400
300/600
400/800
600/1200
800/1600
1200/2400 color up 100s
1500/3000
2000/4000
3000/6000
The best home tournament I ever played in was T30,000 with 30 minute levels and starting at 25/50. With 24 players it took some time, but was worth it. I got second.

[BCR_9er]

I don' like the Tournament structure in the OP. Overall, it's too fast. Also, It's not smooth. Here are the percentages of raises: 100%, 100, 25, 100, 100, 25, etc. Just my opinion.