Advice on tournaments
April 16th, 2012 at 11:10:36 AM
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Any advice or suggestions on entering a tournament in Vegas? I'd be interested in poker tourneys, or VP, or certain table games. Not BJ or slots, as I have no affinity for either. I'd prefer a very low buy-in, say around $100 to $150.
For the record, I have no experience at all in this sort of thing, or even in playing at a poker room anywhere.
Thanks.
For the record, I have no experience at all in this sort of thing, or even in playing at a poker room anywhere.
Thanks.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 16th, 2012 at 11:31:22 AM
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The Poker Atlas is an excellent resource for poker tournament schedules worldwide. The link provided goes directly to the Vegas list.
I seriously doubt you'll find much in any other type of tourney.
Regarding the lack of experience, if you can, immediately join a poker league in your area, and play a few times before you hit Vegas. You'll gain enough experience so you at least don't make any obvious rookie mistakes when you get to Vegas.
I seriously doubt you'll find much in any other type of tourney.
Regarding the lack of experience, if you can, immediately join a poker league in your area, and play a few times before you hit Vegas. You'll gain enough experience so you at least don't make any obvious rookie mistakes when you get to Vegas.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 16th, 2012 at 11:52:10 AM
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Thank you!
I seriously have no idea whether such a thing exists in Mexico. I think some "casinos" here offer electronic poker tables where you can play against other players, but I'm not sure.
Unfortunately, between work and trip preparations, I won't even have time for that between now and Vegas.
I'd think making rookie mistakes on a tourney can lead other players to underestimate me :)
Seriously, I'll print and re-read your article about poker rooms. Other than that, my experience is knowing the game and having played against friends and acquaintances.
Quote: DJTeddyBearRegarding the lack of experience, if you can, immediately join a poker league in your area, and play a few times before you hit Vegas.
I seriously have no idea whether such a thing exists in Mexico. I think some "casinos" here offer electronic poker tables where you can play against other players, but I'm not sure.
Unfortunately, between work and trip preparations, I won't even have time for that between now and Vegas.
Quote:You'll gain enough experience so you at least don't make any obvious rookie mistakes when you get to Vegas.
I'd think making rookie mistakes on a tourney can lead other players to underestimate me :)
Seriously, I'll print and re-read your article about poker rooms. Other than that, my experience is knowing the game and having played against friends and acquaintances.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 16th, 2012 at 12:47:38 PM
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Excalibur used to have a really good low-roller poker tournament, run twice a day I think. Buy-ins were in the $25-$50 range. That's a lot of play for cheap.
The highest (and only) poker tournament I played in was a $65 buy-in at the Silverton with a $2,000 guarantee. I did not win, and the Silverton no longer has a poker room.
The highest (and only) poker tournament I played in was a $65 buy-in at the Silverton with a $2,000 guarantee. I did not win, and the Silverton no longer has a poker room.
"Dice, verily, are armed with goads and driving-hooks, deceiving and tormenting, causing grievous woe." -Rig Veda 10.34.4
April 16th, 2012 at 12:54:51 PM
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You're very welcome.
In the next few days, I'm going to update that article again. You've inspired me to add a couple sentences to the "Tournaments" section.
I just scanned that Intro To Poker Rooms article. Several of the first sections are specific to cash games. If you plan on only playing tournaments, you can probably skip to the "Misc. Novice Mistakes and Bad Habits" section.Quote: NareedI'll print and re-read your article about poker rooms. Other than that, my experience is knowing the game and having played against friends and acquaintances.
In the next few days, I'm going to update that article again. You've inspired me to add a couple sentences to the "Tournaments" section.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 16th, 2012 at 1:40:19 PM
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The Gold Coast is having a VP tournament 13-16th May. They just pinged me to see if I'd like to attend. Like and Can are two different things.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
April 16th, 2012 at 2:34:00 PM
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I signed up for Gold Coast email a few months ago. I got the same invite via email. Here's the web version.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 16th, 2012 at 2:41:23 PM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearI just scanned that Intro To Poker Rooms article. Several of the first sections are specific to cash games. If you plan on only playing tournaments, you can probably skip to the "Misc. Novice Mistakes and Bad Habits" section.
Well, I thought I'd play in a cash game before trying a tournament, prefferably in the same casino. We'll see. I usually don't stick to firm plans anyway.
Quote:In the next few days, I'm going to update that article again. You've inspired me to add a couple sentences to the "Tournaments" section.
You're welcome ;)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 16th, 2012 at 2:42:12 PM
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Quote: thecesspitThe Gold Coast is having a VP tournament 13-16th May. They just pinged me to see if I'd like to attend. Like and Can are two different things.
Does it last for three days? Can you enter it without booking a room?
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 16th, 2012 at 3:36:37 PM
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Quote: NareedDoes it last for three days? Can you enter it without booking a room?
I know about as much as in the flyer, sorry, but if I was in town for those days, I'd take them up on that offer, as I don't mind the Gold Coast. It's not swanky, or active, but for some cheap gambooling, I enjoy it. Plus I'd like to try out the much vaunted Chinese restaurant there. But, off topic...
I can also echo the idea of checking out the Excalibur for the poker. It's never been a bad place to play cheap poker with newbs.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
April 16th, 2012 at 5:05:41 PM
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Quote: thecesspitI know about as much as in the flyer, sorry, but if I was in town for those days, I'd take them up on that offer, as I don't mind the Gold Coast. It's not swanky, or active, but for some cheap gambooling, I enjoy it. Plus I'd like to try out the much vaunted Chinese restaurant there. But, off topic...
Oh, it's on my list of places to visit this time. Last trip I stayed at the Rio, wo you'd thingk I'd ahve taken care of it then, and the Palms, too. BUt usually I left the hotel by 10 am and returned late. By then i was too tired to walk across the street.
But I'm in better shape now :)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 17th, 2012 at 8:21:58 AM
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It just occurred to me that this price range is NOT, as Nareed puts it in the original post, "a very low buy-in".Quote: NareedI'd prefer a very low buy-in, say around $100 to $150.
Also, several people are recommending the Excalibur.
However, according to their website, (surprisingly, they aren't listed in The Poker Atlas) they have tourneys in the $40 / $50 range.
While this is far cheaper than Nareed's range, The Poker Atlas DOES list tourneys that are even cheaper, and some of them are on the strip as well as downtown!
Bottom line, use the atlas.
Note that it doesn't provide a lot of future listings. Most casinos in Vegas run the same tourney, same price, same time, 7 days a week. Some have weekend variations
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 17th, 2012 at 8:44:51 AM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearIt just occurred to me that this price range is NOT, as Nareed puts it in the original post, "a very low buy-in".
I thought that was low. Honest I did.
Quote:Also, several people are recommending the Excalibur.
I like the Excalibur for low-rolling opportunities on the Strip at a decent property. As opposed to, say, IP, CR or Circus Circus. Not that you can't find $5 tables at Harrah's or Bally's, either, of course...
However, all trannys know to stay away from "family" oriented places. The advice I've searched or and asked for online recomends this as well. So that's out.
Quote:Bottom line, use the atlas.
A hasty look tells me the Golden Nugget seems like a good place. I expect I'll check casino websites as well. There's also one at Bill's that looks intriguing.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 17th, 2012 at 8:52:58 AM
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Generaly speaking 100-150 isnt considerd that low when one can find em for 25-30. The lower the buy in the quicker the tournament structure. Here is a pointer from a poker junkie. The blinds will go up fast and your starting stack will be small. Try not to splash around in to many pots. pick a couple premium hands per round and play them strong. good luck.
April 17th, 2012 at 9:00:07 AM
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I almost forgot www.pokerplayernewspaper.com click tournament tab at top. It lets u fill in buy amount location ect... and bam there is your list it works good.
April 17th, 2012 at 10:08:03 AM
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If you've never played a tournie before, play a low stakes one, only to get a feel for the environment and methods. No-one should care if you make mistakes or don't get the process down. Then go play a bigger one if you feel like it... the $40 are bad value in general.
For $120 there used to be a very good one in Cesar's most evenings. I have no idea if it's still on, but if I'd certainly go back there again if I was in a poker playing mood.
As far as tips go, the shorter tournaments you need to play relatively aggressive, you'll get looked up with any two cards a lot, so you can't do too much to protect your hand but to get in with the odds in your favour. Limping to a multi-way flop with cards that can potentially make a big hand (suited connectors, small pairs) is fine, but know to get out if you miss.
For $120 there used to be a very good one in Cesar's most evenings. I have no idea if it's still on, but if I'd certainly go back there again if I was in a poker playing mood.
As far as tips go, the shorter tournaments you need to play relatively aggressive, you'll get looked up with any two cards a lot, so you can't do too much to protect your hand but to get in with the odds in your favour. Limping to a multi-way flop with cards that can potentially make a big hand (suited connectors, small pairs) is fine, but know to get out if you miss.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
April 17th, 2012 at 10:14:07 AM
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I won the first casino poker tournament I played in, so it can be done.
Of course, I had played both limit and no-limit cash games in a casino poker room before, so I wasn't intimidated. I recommend you do that before you play the tournament.
As far as tournament strategy in a low limit buy in tournament, the blinds will go up fast, so if you have good pre-flop cards, go for it.
Of course, I had played both limit and no-limit cash games in a casino poker room before, so I wasn't intimidated. I recommend you do that before you play the tournament.
As far as tournament strategy in a low limit buy in tournament, the blinds will go up fast, so if you have good pre-flop cards, go for it.
April 17th, 2012 at 10:42:15 AM
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Thanks everyone for all the advice.
Perhaps I should try to obtain some experience in cash games first, but I'm thinking I should do what I did with cooking: dive right in. That has worked out pretty well, but perhaps I just happen to have a talent or affinity for cooking.
Assuming I don't chicken out later, I'll post a full report about it.
Perhaps I should try to obtain some experience in cash games first, but I'm thinking I should do what I did with cooking: dive right in. That has worked out pretty well, but perhaps I just happen to have a talent or affinity for cooking.
Assuming I don't chicken out later, I'll post a full report about it.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 17th, 2012 at 11:12:31 AM
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Cash games and tournament games are different beasts. The only reason to try a limit cash game over a tournament for a while is to just get the handle on the card flow, reading your hand and process. I assume you understand the rounds of betting, hand ranks, and so forth (more or less anyways).
If your preference will be tournaments, that is. Might be worth an hour at a low limit cash game, you might find those fun. I did for a while.
If your preference will be tournaments, that is. Might be worth an hour at a low limit cash game, you might find those fun. I did for a while.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
April 17th, 2012 at 11:13:17 AM
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Its far cheaper to cut your teeth in tournaments than a cash game sir. check www.pokerplayernewspaper.com as i specified above there you find listings for every vegas tourney. Time, location, buy in etc...
April 17th, 2012 at 11:39:07 AM
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Please don't get into a spitting match over which is better or cheaper.
This is all about my doing 4 trips to Vegas and wanting to try a tournament of some sort, nothign more. I'm more interested in the experience than the cost or EV, if any. Of course I welcome any and all advice. But naturally whether a cash game helps or not is something that depends on each person.
This is all about my doing 4 trips to Vegas and wanting to try a tournament of some sort, nothign more. I'm more interested in the experience than the cost or EV, if any. Of course I welcome any and all advice. But naturally whether a cash game helps or not is something that depends on each person.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 17th, 2012 at 11:47:55 AM
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Which is better or cheaper is a matter of perspective, and what you're hoping to achieve.
Cash games have their advantages because you can take your stack and leave any time you want.
However, they also have thier disadvantage because you can get caught up in a hand and lose a lot of money. This happens to novices a lot. It happens to expereinced people more often than they care to admit.
Tournaments have their advantage because you know going in exactly how much it's going to cost.
However, they too have a disadvantage in that you could be knocked out early - even on the first hand!
For the record, I was the first to point out that you described your desired range, $100-$150 buy in, as "very cheap". On the contrary, except in certain casinos that attract players with bigger bankrolls, that would be more than most ever charge for a tourney. A LOT more.
Cash games have their advantages because you can take your stack and leave any time you want.
However, they also have thier disadvantage because you can get caught up in a hand and lose a lot of money. This happens to novices a lot. It happens to expereinced people more often than they care to admit.
Tournaments have their advantage because you know going in exactly how much it's going to cost.
However, they too have a disadvantage in that you could be knocked out early - even on the first hand!
For the record, I was the first to point out that you described your desired range, $100-$150 buy in, as "very cheap". On the contrary, except in certain casinos that attract players with bigger bankrolls, that would be more than most ever charge for a tourney. A LOT more.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 17th, 2012 at 12:12:57 PM
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If you pay 35 for a tournament and you play for awhile lose go home all it cost was 35. on the other hand try and buy in to a cash game for 35 and see how long it lasts. Im not spitn Nareed :) each to there own just makin some points civil like. :)
April 17th, 2012 at 12:26:17 PM
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Rainman has a point.
Typically, the MINIMUM that a poker room will let you sit down with at a $1/$2 game is $60. Sometimes it's $100.
Something just popped into my head.....
It's not a bad idea to watch the action for a little while. Just don't lurk. Let them know you're just observing, and keep a respectable distance.
Typically, the MINIMUM that a poker room will let you sit down with at a $1/$2 game is $60. Sometimes it's $100.
Something just popped into my head.....
It's not a bad idea to watch the action for a little while. Just don't lurk. Let them know you're just observing, and keep a respectable distance.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 17th, 2012 at 1:27:52 PM
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Quote: DJTeddyBearFor the record, I was the first to point out that you described your desired range, $100-$150 buy in, as "very cheap".
Consider my typical flea buy-in at a $5 table game or a 0.25 single hand VP is $100, I thought a tournament around that amount would be within my comfort level. Since I usually bu-in low, I thought that was low
Quote:On the contrary, except in certain casinos that attract players with bigger bankrolls, that would be more than most ever charge for a tourney. A LOT more.
So much the better, then. It does wonders for my hubris ;)
Now seriously, some practical questions: about how often are there breaks? What happens to my chips while on break? Is the prize pool split on several unequal prizes, or is it winner take all? (I suppose the last may vary according to the casino)
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 17th, 2012 at 1:38:32 PM
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Quote: rainmanIts far cheaper to cut your teeth in tournaments than a cash game sir. check www.pokerplayernewspaper.com as i specified above there you find listings for every vegas tourney. Time, location, buy in etc...
I agree with this (no spitting match here). I was merely suggesting to get playing casino room poker, a cheap buy in at a cash game would be the way to go. But a $30 fast tournament (donkament, right) will probably work fine as well. I guess all I'm saying, playing a $100 tournie is a good fun time, but try a smaller one first before comitting to a biggie.
Prizes, breaks and all that are "it depends". Prizes tend to be split among 20-30% of the entrants, with final player getting the lions share. However deals for the remaining cash can happen before there is actually a final player. Breaks on the fast tournaments seem to be "when it's over". As they are quick (1-2 hours) you should be good. The longer one is every 90 minutes to 2 hours (in my experience), but the sources rainman notes will have much more details. You can always just walk away if you want (I assume you are concerned about smoke breaks?), and miss a hand or two. Do it after you've been in the dealer spot (or a hand after being dealer), as these are the positions you're less likely to want to play in. But if you have a short stack of chips, you are best of keeping in there... you need a hand to keep going.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
April 17th, 2012 at 1:40:46 PM
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OK, a couple more things to put into my Poker Room article:Quote: NareedNow seriously, some practical questions: about how often are there breaks? What happens to my chips while on break? Is the prize pool split on several unequal prizes, or is it winner take all? (I suppose the last may vary according to the casino)
Typical low buy-in tourneys have 12 or 15 minute blinds. Better tourneys have 20 minute blinds. Breaks are scheduled, typically about 10 minutes every hour. Higher priced tourneys can have blinds as long as 2 hours, followed by a 15 minute break. In such tourneys, they will also schedule a longer meal break.
When there is a break, you must leave your chips on the table. The dealer and/or floor people will watch them. The only time you may take chips off the table is when the tournament director moves you to a different table. Chip racks will be provided as necessary.
I invented a few casino games. Info:
http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ —————————————————————————————————————
Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
April 17th, 2012 at 1:42:10 PM
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Golden Nugget and Binion's both have good tournaments. For a cheap tourney on the strip, I recommend Harrah's. Don't play at Bally's. $100-150 will get you into better tournaments at Caesar's and Venetian.
Two things to look at in tourneys: How many starting chips and how long for each level of blinds. Blinds generally start at $25/50. A fast tournament will start you with $2000ish in chips, and have 10-15 minute blinds. After 30 minutes, your starting stack is only 10-20 big blinds, and you're in a short stacked all-in situation. A better tourney will start you with $5000-10,000 in chips, and have 20 to 30 minute blinds. Here you can play for two hours before feeling the blind pressure.
You generally get a break every 90-120 minutes.
Most tourneys pay about 10% of the entrants. A small tourney with 30ish players will pay 3 top finishers. A bigger tourney with 100 players will pay everyone at the final table.
Two things to look at in tourneys: How many starting chips and how long for each level of blinds. Blinds generally start at $25/50. A fast tournament will start you with $2000ish in chips, and have 10-15 minute blinds. After 30 minutes, your starting stack is only 10-20 big blinds, and you're in a short stacked all-in situation. A better tourney will start you with $5000-10,000 in chips, and have 20 to 30 minute blinds. Here you can play for two hours before feeling the blind pressure.
You generally get a break every 90-120 minutes.
Most tourneys pay about 10% of the entrants. A small tourney with 30ish players will pay 3 top finishers. A bigger tourney with 100 players will pay everyone at the final table.
April 17th, 2012 at 1:47:40 PM
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Quote: thecesspitYou can always just walk away if you want (I assume you are concerned about smoke breaks?), and miss a hand or two.
A little bit. I can stand a couple of hours, even three hours if I'm not bored. But my bladder is a lot less patient than that, no matter how much we argue about it.
Thanks for all the info. I guess I'll try a cheaper tournament first, but I make no promises. I do gamble a bit on the fly, too.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 17th, 2012 at 2:01:20 PM
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you can leave a poker table cash or tournament any time you want. They will post your blinds for you in tournament play.
April 17th, 2012 at 2:38:56 PM
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Again, thanks to everyone for the advice.
If there's one thing I've learned by going to Vegas is to look for information before the trip. You've all helped a great deal.
If there's one thing I've learned by going to Vegas is to look for information before the trip. You've all helped a great deal.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 18th, 2012 at 1:49:45 PM
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I'm late to this thread...
I really like the TI daily tournaments. They go quick but not too quick and run multiple times a day. Usually 2-3 tables of players and re-entry was allowed the last time I played it. I think the buyin is $60.
Another site with listings: www.allvegaspoker.com
I really like the TI daily tournaments. They go quick but not too quick and run multiple times a day. Usually 2-3 tables of players and re-entry was allowed the last time I played it. I think the buyin is $60.
Another site with listings: www.allvegaspoker.com
April 18th, 2012 at 2:00:20 PM
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Quote: slytherI'm late to this thread...
[..]
Another site with listings: www.allvegaspoker.com
It's never too late.
Thanks for the link. It looks interesting. You can't have too much information, either.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 19th, 2012 at 1:41:16 PM
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I've been looking through the avrious sites so kindly provided on this thread. They're all quite informative. However, I want to reiterate DJ's advice to also check the hotel's website for details, as they may differ slightly from what's posted on the other sites. I've found no major differences as yet, but some buy-in prices were off by $5 or $10 in some cases.
Also, does anyone know anything at all about craps tournaments? I think the Riviera offers a regular one. I'm not looking to enter one, or not until I find more information on them. It strikes me that strategy for a crpas toruney would be more complicated than pass line +odds and come +odds.
Thanks.
Also, does anyone know anything at all about craps tournaments? I think the Riviera offers a regular one. I'm not looking to enter one, or not until I find more information on them. It strikes me that strategy for a crpas toruney would be more complicated than pass line +odds and come +odds.
Thanks.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 30th, 2012 at 7:13:17 AM
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After all due consideration (of sorts, at any rate), I've decided to try a small, cheap tourney first. In this case it will likely be Bill's $30 at 2:30 PM next Monday May 7th, assuming I'm free by then and can sign up in time (I've plans for that morning). Another possibility is IP for $40 at 3:00 PM
This means diving right into a tournament with zero experience in Vegas poker rooms and with a very rusty command of NL Hold 'Em. What could possibly go wrong? But all joking aside, I find such direct, to the point, bull-by-the-horns action works better for me lately.
On other things, when looking through different information on different casinos, I've found some feature an ante after a few rounds. I gather this is a regular kind of ante, where every player has to put in the same amount prior to the cards beaing dealt. I gather, too, this is in addition to the blinds. Now, is this a good, bad or neutral thing? On the one hand it means a richer pot, on the other hand it may not be good if you're running low on chips. any info would be appreciated.
This means diving right into a tournament with zero experience in Vegas poker rooms and with a very rusty command of NL Hold 'Em. What could possibly go wrong? But all joking aside, I find such direct, to the point, bull-by-the-horns action works better for me lately.
On other things, when looking through different information on different casinos, I've found some feature an ante after a few rounds. I gather this is a regular kind of ante, where every player has to put in the same amount prior to the cards beaing dealt. I gather, too, this is in addition to the blinds. Now, is this a good, bad or neutral thing? On the one hand it means a richer pot, on the other hand it may not be good if you're running low on chips. any info would be appreciated.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 30th, 2012 at 8:15:06 AM
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Antes are there to help move the action along. Every player puts in the ante, including those obligated to pay a blind. In these short crapshoot type tournaments the antes force the action and you will have to open up and play 'faster'.
A good measure of where you stand is the "M" which is your chip count divided by the total amount is costs you in blinds and antes to play 1 orbit. Typically when your M is single digits you need to be considering 'shove or fold' pre-flop. However in these shorter tournaments you will find your M is not often far above single digits so you can't always go by the book.
The Bill's tourney is very short. If you are willing to play for a slightly higher buyin, I recommend the TI tourneys which run multiple times a day for $50 buyin.
A good measure of where you stand is the "M" which is your chip count divided by the total amount is costs you in blinds and antes to play 1 orbit. Typically when your M is single digits you need to be considering 'shove or fold' pre-flop. However in these shorter tournaments you will find your M is not often far above single digits so you can't always go by the book.
The Bill's tourney is very short. If you are willing to play for a slightly higher buyin, I recommend the TI tourneys which run multiple times a day for $50 buyin.
April 30th, 2012 at 11:53:49 AM
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Thanks for the info!
I was eyeing the Harrah's and Golden Nugget tourneys. But since it's my first and I'm rather inexperienced, I thought I'd go with a bargain first.
Quote: slytherThe Bill's tourney is very short. If you are willing to play for a slightly higher buyin, I recommend the TI tourneys which run multiple times a day for $50 buyin.
I was eyeing the Harrah's and Golden Nugget tourneys. But since it's my first and I'm rather inexperienced, I thought I'd go with a bargain first.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 30th, 2012 at 1:06:40 PM
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You should probably stay away from most Harrah's tournaments... they usually have a ridiculously large "entry fee" that never gets refunded to the player. My guess is that "$50" tournament is either a 35+10+5 (meaning 30 to the pool, 10 to the entry fee and 5 to the dealers) or the actual cost to get into the tournament is $65. Either way, you're paying a lot more to win less. Since the tournament is a crapshoot, very little skill will come into play, making it a slightly better option than a slot machine.
"One out of every four people are [morons]"- Kyle, South Park
April 30th, 2012 at 1:41:04 PM
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Quote: TiltpoulYou should probably stay away from most Harrah's tournaments... they usually have a ridiculously large "entry fee" that never gets refunded to the player. My guess is that "$50" tournament is either a 35+10+5 (meaning 30 to the pool, 10 to the entry fee and 5 to the dealers) or the actual cost to get into the tournament is $65. Either way, you're paying a lot more to win less. Since the tournament is a crapshoot, very little skill will come into play, making it a slightly better option than a slot machine.
While I agree with the general sentiment to keep an eye on the entry fees, I don't think it is valid to single out Harrah's properties as being "ridiculously large." In my experience, the entry fee is a strong function of the cost of the tournament. Low budget tourneys with $40-60 total buy-in generally have entry fees of 25-30% I prefer to play tournaments with total buy-in in the neighborhood of $100-150, as these typically have entry fees of 15-20%.
The $50 tourney at TI which I see recommended above has a $13 entry fee (26%). The $60 tourney at Harrah's has a $17 entry fee (28.3%). The $80 tourney at Harrah's has a $20 entry fee (25%). I don't think there is sufficient variation in these numbers to warrant discrimination.
April 30th, 2012 at 2:45:12 PM
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Check the link Slyther so kindly provided to allvegaspoker.com. The fees are broken down by how much goes to the house. Just click on each tourney for details.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
April 30th, 2012 at 3:13:35 PM
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Quote: NareedCheck the link Slyther so kindly provided to allvegaspoker.com. The fees are broken down by how much goes to the house. Just click on each tourney for details.
Yep, that's what I do. Actually, the main tournament table at AVP used to have the entry fee listed on it (without having to click on the individual tourney). I would copy the entire table into an Excel spreadsheet, calculate the entry fee %, and sort from lowest to highest. I'd throw out any tourney over 30%, and mostly pay attention to those under 20%.
'Cause that's the kind of poker/engineer/nerd I am.
Now that the table doesn't include the entry fee, I'm going to have to come up with a new plan before my next Vegas trip. I'll probably just hit up the tourneys that I already know are good.
May 16th, 2012 at 7:57:05 AM
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Quick update: I decided against entering a tourney, as I realized I'm woefully unprepared. So the goal for next year is to improve my play and then do a tournament.
Thanks to everyone who posted. Your advice was and will be very useful.
Thanks to everyone who posted. Your advice was and will be very useful.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
May 16th, 2012 at 8:39:12 AM
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I would suggest you play in a low entry fee tournament this year. Nothing like the real thing to prepare you for next year.
You can only learn so much from books.
You can only learn so much from books.
May 16th, 2012 at 8:50:52 AM
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when at a tournament or a cash game,
the number one thing to remember:
if you don't know who the sucker is at the table,
it is probably you!
also remember,
sharks don't eat each other,
they come after you.
the number one thing to remember:
if you don't know who the sucker is at the table,
it is probably you!
also remember,
sharks don't eat each other,
they come after you.
In a bet, there is a fool and a thief.
- Proverb.
May 16th, 2012 at 10:01:16 AM
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Nareed, go for it and take a shot at a low buyin one and get your feet wet. No better time than the present. Those <$100 buyin tourneys aren't anything special skill-wise. Lots of people trying their hand at that cool poker game they saw on TV.
May 16th, 2012 at 10:19:45 AM
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I won the first tournament I played in at a casino.
It wasn't skill. I got decent cards and just stuck around until the blinds were high, then I kept getting QQ, AA, AK, that all held on people's all ins. For $50, it's pretty much a crapshoot like everyone says.
It wasn't skill. I got decent cards and just stuck around until the blinds were high, then I kept getting QQ, AA, AK, that all held on people's all ins. For $50, it's pretty much a crapshoot like everyone says.
