Comparison of major NLH event structures

Steve Brecher · #1 03-02-2007, 04:49 PM

I've prepared an Excel workbook containing structures for major NLH tournament structures from the past year and (as of now) three upcoming ones. The tournaments are compared based on the cost per orbit (blinds + antes) as a percentage of starting stack size for each hour in from 1 to 36. For want of better data, I made the simplifying assumption that all tables are 10-handed.

Major NLH Event Structures.xls

The workbook includes charts for easy comparison of events. To avoid possible hassles from anti-virus software, it does not contain the "macros" (program code) that generated the cost-per-orbit table.

sketchy1 · #2 03-02-2007, 04:59 PM

i'm not sure what your intentions were but this to me just proves the need for standardized structures for each circuit. WPT should just set their structures for ALL $10k, $15k, $25k, $8k, etc. tournaments so that they're universal and all alike. it's not fun going from one casino to the next, not knowing what the structure will be like for the next event.

the same should be true for payouts, table breaking orders, late registration policy, etc.

Steve Brecher · #3 03-02-2007, 05:08 PM

[ QUOTE ]
i'm not sure what your intentions were

[/ QUOTE ]
My intentions are to facilitate comparing the relative amount of "play" for my own planning purposes as a potential entrant.

[ QUOTE ]
but this to me just proves the need for standardized structures for each circuit. WPT should just set their structures for ALL $10k, $15k, $25k, $8k, etc. tournaments so that they're universal and all alike. it's not fun going from one casino to the next, not knowing what the structure will be like for the next event.

the same should be true for payouts, table breaking orders, late registration policy, etc.

[/ QUOTE ]
I agree! Standardization is one of the primary goals of the World Poker Association, which I encourage those interested to join.

PITTM · #4 03-02-2007, 05:37 PM

This schedule looks to indicate that the WSOP ME could probably stand giving entrants more chips to start with. Agree/disagree?

Mondogarage · #5 03-02-2007, 05:38 PM

If I'm reading this correctly, then the most "play" in mid-to-late stages would have been the 2006 WSOP, and the best value in early play would be the 2007 WPT Borgata?

Just trying to make sure I'm understanding this correctly.

sketchy1 · #6 03-02-2007, 05:44 PM

i think the WSOP main event structure is fine. starting with less chips is probably a good decision because it's already a marathon of a tournament. doubling the stacks will only increase the length, as less players will go broke early, and later round play will be even more deepstacked. the structure is already so liberal, that play is deeper than any other tournament (besides maybe the 25k up until it's at the WPT table).

Admo · #7 03-02-2007, 05:48 PM

Great tool, Steve. I have a similar Excel file, though it's not as good as this. Graphs really tell the story-- that WPT Reno tourney has always been my least fave of the year.

I've saved structure sheets from several other tourneys over the last couple years if you want to plug in some holes.

Mine also includes payout schedules, both in terms of % of field paid and shallowness/top-heaviness. PM if you'd like a copy.

sketchy1 · #8 03-02-2007, 06:24 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Great tool, Steve. I have a similar Excel file, though it's not as good as this. Graphs really tell the story-- that WPT Reno tourney has always been my least fave of the year.

I've saved structure sheets from several other tourneys over the last couple years if you want to plug in some holes.

Mine also includes payout schedules, both in terms of % of field paid and shallowness/top-heaviness. PM if you'd like a copy.

[/ QUOTE ]

that's another interesting question altogether, in fact. what do you prefer, a shallow or deep payout? i am mixed on it personally. at the commerce, i just wanted to get the 10% standard. at bellagio, it's kind of ridiculous how many they actually pay. am i the only person who just likes a standard payout of something along the lines of 10%?

Steve Brecher · #9 03-02-2007, 08:25 PM

[ QUOTE ]
This schedule looks to indicate that the WSOP ME could probably stand giving entrants more chips to start with. Agree/disagree?

[/ QUOTE ]
All events in the 2007 will break with tradition and have starting stacks of twice the buy-in. Structures will likely be adjusted, but AFAIK have not yet been made available.

Steve Brecher · #10 03-02-2007, 08:42 PM

[ QUOTE ]
If I'm reading this correctly, then the most "play" in mid-to-late stages would have been the 2006 WSOP, and the best value in early play would be the 2007 WPT Borgata?

Just trying to make sure I'm understanding this correctly.

[/ QUOTE ]
Right. WPT Championship was roughly the same early as Borgata Jan. 2007.