buy In question

[PanchoStern]

I'm barely trying to get started in this game but my cousin has been around & plays a lot of tournaments but not for money (we are in South Texas no casino's here). We were planning a trip to Eagle Pass for him to try playing there. They apparently have a tournament that says $35 buy in. What exactly does that mean? Do you pay $35 to play or is that what you need to sit at a table etc? He doesn't have access to the net so I'm doing this for him & I'll be along for the ride. Also for a tournament such as that how much bankroll should one have? I only have played roulette so far so this is totally new to me. Also any suggestions for online sites for someone like him who is not new to the game but IS new to playing for real $$?

[golddog]

It sounds like first you need to understand the difference between a tournament and a cash (also called ring) game.

In a tournament, you pay a fee and get a certain number of chips. In your case, the fee (buy-in) is $35.

These chips are played until you're busted; they're not real money, you can't cash out. If you place highly enough, you get money back (typically the number of people who get paid is around 8-10% of the number who start, I think).

Now, some tournaments allow re-buys. In those, if you bust (or get below a certain amount of chips), you can re-buy (i.e., get another stack for another starting price). Usually there are time limits on rebuys (only during the first hour, say), and sometimes quantity (limited to two re-buys, for example).

Then, there can be an add-on. Those are another stack you can purchase at some designated spot (typically the first break). Say another $35 gets you another $1000 in chips or some such.

So, make sure you understand whether re-buys/add-ons are available, and think about the bankroll accordingly. If it's a freeze out, then your bankroll is $35--you buy in, and there's no extras.

Be warned if there are re-buys (I suspect for such a small buy in there will be), play is likely to be very loose.

Of course saying "what bankroll should I have" also opens up the possibility of bringing extra money to play in the side games which will inevitably start once people start getting knocked out of the tournament. You might consider whether that's of interest to you.

I think my advice to you, not having any experience, is to consider one of two things:

a) Just go along and observe. See how the tournament runs, watch how the dealers manage the tables, understand acting in order and the standard parts of the tables.

b) Just bring $35 if that's not a big deal for you to lose. Go, play, have a good time, chalk up that money to tuition, make sure to try to get away having learned something.

[PanchoStern]

Thanks for that explanation. Now I understand. It had the $35 buy in & said (you can check the Lucky Eagle casino web page) you get like $2K or $2.5K in chips. That's what I did not understand.
Like I said I have NO business even dreaming of competing but my cousin wants to. I'd be willing to pay his $35 just to get to see how it runs. For now I'll stick to roulette. ONce again thanks for your explanation it was VERY clear.

[jimmer]

For now I'll stick to roulette.

I think i speak for everyone on this site when i say, once you've discovered poker, you'll never play roulette again. (or not as long as theres a poker game going on)

happy casino'in!

[supafrey]

If you play in the poker tourney and JUST push or fold with a certain hand chart you would make more money than roulette. =/

[PanchoStern]

Well I'm trying to learn but I'm NOT putting any $$ down till I feel I'm at least competent. I just don't know if I'd be good at bluffing or reading people. As for roulette I enjoy it because I DO make $$ on it unlike most people I see.

[Gunslinger]

As for roulette I enjoy it because I DO make $$ on it unlike most people I see.

Not in the long run you won't. The odds are against you.