Yep. Payouts are always enhanced by added money, but it is the participants who usually make the biggest contribution which is why I have always encouraged paying deep into the field, at least 25%. Unfortunately, this gets shot down by some who believe differently, but I still stick by my statement that, more people will play in pool tournaments if you pay deeper. Sure, you're going to get some caterwauling from the best players and those who think they have a shot at the first, second & third place money. The complainers usually say that they would rather have a "decent" payday or nothing at all.
If 7 foot tables become the norm for pool tournaments, then it is quite possible that eventually there will be GREATER PARTICIPATION rather than fewer, as soon as the "dead money" realizes they aren't so dead and that they are appreciated. And don't let those middle of the road bums think they can get a whiff at the first, second and third place money.
It might not happen this year, but IF more top players opt for other events where larger tables are present, lesser players will realize that they have a better chance to get to the feed trough at the 7 foot events.
Personally, I don't blame the better players for wanting to play on the larger tables. Larger tables mean greater difficulty which means advantage better players. I sure wish there was more money in pool than there is.
Unfortunately for the top players, the economy of 7 foot tables makes more sense to the promoters and that's why you continue to see more and more 7 foot table tournaments.
It will be interesting to see if the tournament promoters move back toward the larger tables or opt to stay with the smaller tables.
It will be interesting to see if the top players who are opting to not play on 7 foot tables, continue to avoid tournaments on the smaller tables.
I'm not sure but I think the top players will realize that if it's about the money, then they will still be earning the lion's share of the purses even on the 7 foot tables.
EXCITEMENT is what good tournament promoters want and need. As I was writing this I was just wondering if the CSI events are alternate break or winner break?
If more added money came from sponsors outside of the industry, then the tournament promoters might not have to shoulder so much of the financial responsibility for holding these events. Until then, as you suggested, I think we may be stuck with smaller tables.
JoeyA
A format that leads to the very best players being almost guaranteed to win is fine in a sport where the money is coming from sponsors/media. In pool, most of the money for the prize pool comes from the players, so races that are short enough to let a lot of players have a chance at a deep run are key to getting participation among the pro players. It probably also helps to get the amateurs to play as well, although some of them will know they are dead money and step up anyway just for the experience.