Guaranteed money = more entries

[StormHotRod300]

I am just curious as to everyones opinion and experience, as to the tournaments they have gone to, that when there is a Guaranteed first place payout, is there normally more people that show up?

Even if its a lower amount? heres a example of what i would do for a low entry fee ( 10 $) or so tourny for like B and under players.

payout

1st 100$

2nd 55$

3rd 30$

4th 15$

I only ask this because its hard as hell to get lower skilled players to show upto a money tournament even for 5$ I am wondering if this would help having a set prize fund, for payouts and making sure its for lower skilled players so someone doesnt try to sneak in.

dave

 

[jhendri2]

I would only do this if you're willing to pull the money needed out of your pocket if you don't get enough entries to cover your advertised payouts. Also what happens if you get more entries than you figure on? Are you going to pay more place? Increase the top 4? Just some things to think about.

I used to run small monthly tournements at Lindsey Air Station and we paid 50%, 30%, 20% with a $10 entry (back in the early 90's). It worked out great, we would have maybe 20-25 players. Anyway, this would be my suggestion.

Jim

 

[jjinfla]

At first more people show up but they soon learn that they have no chance of winning and then they give up. Especially if prize money just goes to 1st and 2nd.

The local $10 tournament just had ten people show up last week and the local SS who runs it for the owner decided that the payout should be $65, $25 and $10. Guess who won it? The local SS of course. Most of the players are just 5's and 6's in the APA and are just now realizing that they have no chance of beating him. And then he skews the prize money in his favor.

But I like your method where you limit it to B players and under. I would spread the payout to 6 places. The more people who win the more they will spend in your place. Afterall, I take it the reason you are running a tournament is to get people in your place and spend money so that you can show a profit.

Of course it never hurts to talk to your customers and see what they would like.

Jake

 

[TSW]

If you really want lower-skilled players to come out, you could try handicapping the tournament. Many lower-skilled players won't come out regularly if they think they have no chance of cashing.

 

[pete-biker]

I think and that also what i've seen that those "all entry fees payed out" tournaments with good pay out percentage always attracts people from all skill levels. So maybe doing it in a way that top 8 are payed something? That will give a lot potential on amount of players, 'cause that amount covers a lot. My idea is to split the money 40-20-10-10 and players from place 5 to 8 get 5%.