WPT satellites in rake-free home games?

BlondeFish

Now that the WPT satellites have started, a lot of players will be going to Niagara Fallsview Casino to pay $90-$1,200 to play in a turbo satellite.  Looking at the Step 1 $90 structure, it is basically bingo that will finish in less than one hour, but you have to pay a rake of 19%! 

A better alternative would seem to be having a private satellite where it will cost less than $900 that Fallsview is charging for ten players.  Would Bristol Street, KPS, Chinguacousy Hill Poker Club or any other home-based club be willing to host rake-free home games where the winner gets a free buy-in to a satellite? For example, 10 players can pay as little as $64 each (saving almost 1/3 from Fallsview's price), then the winner gets the $640 to play in the Step 2 two-table satellite at Fallsview. The Step 2 rakes of 4 or 5% is much more reasonable.

The 10 friends can even agree that if the winner ends up cashing in the Main Event, then the other players get at least their money back.  A warm-up tournament can also be held where 10 players pay $10 each, then 1st place wins ~$65 to buy in to the next tournament and 2nd place gets the remaining $35.

Does anyone think this is a good idea?

pokermojo wrote:

Fallsview is going with a Step program for the satellites:
Step 1
$90 ($73 + $17) Single table.  Winner receives a Step 2 $640 satellite voucher entry, second receives a replay satellite voucher entry at $90 level.
$800 in starting tournament chips, 10 minute blind levels.
Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.

Step 2
$640 ($607 + $33) Two table.  Winner receives a Main Event entry, second receives a $1,200 satellite voucher entry, and third receives a replay satellite voucher at $640 level. 
$2,000 in starting tournament chips, 20 minute blind levels.
Fridays.  
:
- OR -

Step 1
$160 ($136 + $24) Single table.  Winner receives a Step 2 $1,200 satellite voucher entry, second receives a replay satellite voucher entry at $160 level.
$1,000 in starting tournament chips, 15 minute blind levels.
Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.   

Step 2
$1,200 ($1,150 + $50) Single table.  Winner receives a Main Event entry, second receives a replay satellite voucher at $1,200 level.
$2,500 in starting tournament chips, 30 minute blind levels.
Saturdays.
:

beanie42

A number of the KW guys have discussed this, and at least a dozen guys have expressed interest so far. I'm pretty sure we'll end up having at least 1. Most likely an MTT with winner getting a seat into the $640, it would probably be $20 - $40 (somewhere between 2 and 4 tables).

Shannon (stpboy) had also mentioned a similar swap idea. Everyone playing could get 1% of the winner, and if they make it into the ME and cash, everyone gets a little piece. I think this is a great idea, partly for the extra incentive, but also since most of the guys who would be playing are friends anyway, it would give us another reason to cheer/railbird . This could be optional though, and you'd simply decide prior to the satellite if you're in/out of the pool.

On a side-note, I'll be starting up again soon, and I was planning on doing a $20 4-table Superstars/Grudge Match format event (3 SnG's, with top point winners playing FT) for my "reopening". Assuming we fill, that would be exactly $640, so we may do that for a satellite seat as well.

GTA Poker

I would be interested in playing any non-casino satellites, even if it means driving to KW -- I would prefer single table satellites with the target of the $640 or $1200 step 2 satellites. Anyone who is running one feel free to email me and I'll be there schedule permitting.

I may set-up some rake-free satellites at my place at Yonge and Finch if there is enough interest, there would be a small rake for a professional dealer or an understood tip at the end.

I'll start a seperate post to see if there is interest in my area.

beanie42

As a suggestion, why don't those interested post what they're interested in, and where they are located. Then, based on interest/location, hosts can start planning. To make it easier, I'd also recommend "codes" for the potential satellites, so it doesn't take as long to figure out who wants what. How about:

A = 1-table to $640
B = 2-table to $640
C = 3+ tables to $640
D = 1-table to $1200
E = 2-table to $1200
F = 3+ tables to $1200
G = Heads-up (for GTA )

beanie42

Kitchener - BCF

BlondeFish

Oakville - ABCEF
If the only rake-free home games will be in Kitchener-Waterloo, then I am willing to drive or car pool there. 

One of the free bar leagues, Pirana Poker Tour, will have several championship tournaments with WPT seats as prizes.  Just like they will be sending three players to the WSOP including the Main Event this week, they will send a school of piranas to the WPT in October.  I easily won one game at a bar, then I won the weekly Winners Circle Invitational, so I have now qualified for their free WPT championship tournament.

beanie42 wrote:

A = 1-table to $640
B = 2-table to $640
C = 3+ tables to $640
D = 1-table to $1200
E = 2-table to $1200
F = 3+ tables to $1200

GTA Poker

North York -- A

Multiple Single Tables to the $640...rake free, self dealt.

To start Sat, Aug 5 pending player interest.

See seperate thread in home games for sign-up.

AcidJoe

While not a home game there is this event in Eastern Ontario with the winner going to the WPT in Niagara. $150 entry fee.

http://www.pokerpoker.ca/modules.php?op=modload&name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=5829

AK*1

I am definitely interested in playing satellites for the WPT.

I'll probably try out the step system at Niagara - $160, but if anyone is having home game Sats, I would be into playing those as well.

I live in Oakville.