CvilleBilliards said:
Just wanted to ask you a couple of Questions... 1) What is the Payout Percentage for an Average Tournament? (How much comes out of the Entry Fees to run the Tournament?)
It depends on the venue and how much is added. There is a lot more money involved in producing a Windy City Open or a Derby City Classic than a one-time tournament held at a local neighborhood pool room. The way I've always done it is I add the entry fees, I add the added money, and I see how much is paid out. Don't get me wrong. The people who put on the tournament are supposed to get paid, but sometimes they are lucky to break even because of unforeseen hazardous weather conditions and lack of spectator involvement.
CvilleBilliards said:
2) What is a Reasonable Entry Fee to get 64 - 128 Players?
Well, CvilleBillards, I would say an average is probably in the $250 range. There are many excellent tours in my area such as Planet Pool 9-Ball, Viking Tour, and Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour which have very affordable entry fees, ranging from $35 to $100.
CvilleBilliards said:
3) Please BREAKDOWN...lol...the Billiard Lingo for me. (Buy-In, Add-In,etc..)
The buy-ins I seen at Derby City Classic make this venue a player-friendly tournament. Everybody seems to have a good time.
It is very important to notice how a tournament is advertised. There is a big difference between $5,000 guaranteed and $5,000 added in.
CvilleBilliards said:
4) What is your Favorite Tournament?
I'd have to say I like the U.S. Open and the Reno Open the best.
CvilleBilliards said:
5) Where do you find out about Tournaments? (Do Billiard Players have Agents, Websites, etc...) (Where is the Best Places for me to Post Tournaments....Top 3 Mags, Websites,etc..)
Some pool players do have websites and sponsors.
My favorite magazine is Inside Pool. There's other good magazines, but I happen to like Inside Pool the best. The publisher used to play on the circuit regularly, knows the game well and all of the problems associated with the sport. I am appreciative of the opportunity Inside Pool has given to me to contribute to their readership.
There are many pool websites available to post tournament announcements. On AzBilliards website, right here, there is a separate forum category for tournament postings. Inside Pool has an excellent website and forum as well. Billiards Digest has a category on their Discussion Forum for tournament postings.
Pool seems to be on the upswing. This weekend alone, there are three tournaments going on that are close to me: Planet Pool 9-Ball tourney at Bill and Billie's in Arnold, Maryland, $65 entry fee; Mike Zuglan's Joss Northeast 9-Ball tourney at Ultimate Billiards in Berlin, Connecticut, $100 entry fee; and Mike Janis' Viking tourney at Cornfed Red's in Columbus, Ohio, $35 entry fee. It is nice to be able to pick and choose.
I'll be in Arnold this weekend, sticking close to home, hoping to get some good practice in for the Allen Hopkins' upcoming pro event at Valley Forge, March 25-28, 2004.
