My calculations (previously posted on a different thread) show that entering at the $1,000 level gives the best EV by far. In addition, all play would be over in 1 day. This forum seems to be pre-occupied with entering tournaments with a positive EV so why would any other seasoned play want to enter at the other 2 levels?
The reason why I,for one, would enter at the lowest level is called "gambling". Regardless of the level, the luck factor still predominates BJ tournies.
Indeed. A BJ tournament may be a risky 'investment', but not many investments have an average return of 40%! Rick, I don't understand why you are so wedded to these three figures - $1000, $400, and $250. Finding the right spread of fees for the different levels is as important as designing a good structure, and I'm not sure you've found it yet. The $1000 and $400 players get a spectacularly good deal, and that deal is being subsidised by the $250 players (plus the casino, I suppose, by sponsoring some of the $250 players).
Call me a ploppie if you wish, but I'd still enter at the lower level and attempt to work my way up through the field in the old-fashioned way. With a pretty solid record of successfully advancing in BJT's without using wildcards or rebuys, I'd be willing to take my chances against the likely ploppie-filled field at that level. With rebuys available, it simply makes the most sense to me. Other factors related to personal "SV" would have to be taken into account. Factoring in an extra night's motel/meal costs and possibly a lost workday's pay could change the numbers and make the middle level more attractive. True, the 40% overlay at the $1,000 entry point is excellent, but it's even better when one has advanced to that same point for $250. For others, buying in at the highest entry point may make the most sense, and that's fine. Whatever floats your boat!
Actually, Leftnut, that's a good point. Leaving aside the issue of additional expenses for the extra night, a player's personal edge, combined with the ability to rebuy at a discount, must have some impact on the relative value of the different levels. The earlier you buy in, the more your edge gets multiplied through the levels. [The only problem might be limited opportunities to rebuy.] But, although this poll is asking the question 'which entry would you pay?', another question might be 'What combination of entry fees would attract the largest overall number of players / prize pool?' And lots of 'average' players will have to find the first level attractive, for the format to be successful. Maybe making the deal a bit less sweet for the high-rollers might make it possible to attract more people at the other levels, and actually result in a larger prize pool overall?
Pot builder With a $20,000 guarantee and possible 17 players jumping on the "First class" entry level as soon as entries will be accepted will only help sell these events. Once players know the guarantee has jumped from $20,000 to $37,000 I believe even more players will sign up and help build the prize pool higher. This format will build big prize pools with less players and the double qualifying will help keep bringing players back, (or so I hope). Then the open Championship's will help build that event even more. Yes the Championship will be an open event for a higher entry and all open players will start in round 1 while all qualifiers will start in round 2. Last the more qualifiers a player plays in during the year, the lower their entry will be for the Championship finals.
Pretty close to expected Not many voted, but the numbers would be close to expected with the $250 Coach class entries leading the pack, followed by the $1,000 First class entries, and then $400 Business class entries.
Late to the Poll...but I'm a $250-girl because of budgets right now. But I'd consider a higher-buy depending on the conditions others mentioned. And I'd like to see a wider spread in rates so that my $250 looks like a good deal to a Ploppy. Or figure a way to lower the rates and add more players...and tht goes back to tweaking table seats (5, 6, 7, or more?) and how many advance from the lower ranks. Call me crazy, but a $150 starter with more chances to re-buy/more seats for sale may be a stronger Casino-Side-Action plan.
