Considering the Payout Structure

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 | Beginner Lesson

How the prize pool is distributed is different from site to site with 2 main differences in the percentage awarded. For the past 30 years the payouts have been about the same style known as the regular payout and some people prefer a flat payout structure.

What is the difference? Which do you prefer?

With a Regular Payout (most common) is 10% of the field (entrants) get paid which is very top heavy, rewarding those that play for first. A Flat Payout is 15% which makes it a easier to finish in the money.

I’m all for finishing in the money but at the same time I want my time and effort to be rewarded. With the way online poker now a days is played it really isn’t that hard to finish in the money with a flat payout structure. Play with patience and some understanding of the other players at the table and you will accumulate chips to double up your buyin.

Doubling up isn’t always worth that much time it takes to play, sure it is better then not making anything, no one wants to end the game busting out the money. A skilled poker player feels they will win every tournament they enter so why not get the most out of the prize pool.

Really the argument would be just that, for who is playing the game. If your a grinder or amateur player playing low level or online then the flat payout would be ideal. If your a pro having to travel to venues to play big tournaments then the regular payout is almost a necessity.

I was reading an article on Card Player Magazine that was dated back in 2001 how Barry Shulman (owner of Card Player), and T.J. Cloutier (the most successful tournament player in history) talked about the differences and their objections to the other payout structure.

Shulman prefers the flat structure and TJ prefers the regular structure.

The two bring up a valid points, personally I will side with TJ on this one because his view is about poker for the players, while Barry is all about marketing the game of poker.

Have a read over this article Payout Structure Debate by Mike Sexton
and lets talk about which payout structure you prefer.

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