[BBP Guru]

Today is the official kick-off of the first WSOP Circuit event ever to come to Tunica, and the Grand Casino is filled with poker players from all over the South and Midwest looking to win big money. On the schedule today is the $300+40 No-Limit Hold'em freezeout event. The official word is that the Grand can handle 700 players for the event. Players will receive 1500 tournament chips at the start, and the blinds begin at 25/25. The blinds will rise to 25/50 after 50 minutes, and then double after another 50. It's doubtful many people will be knocked out within the first few levels, but those who do make an exit will be replaced by one of the many alternates expected to sign up for a chance at the money.

Read full article at http://www.blindbetpoker.com/news/ws...cuit-day1.html

Note: Pictures coming tomorrow.

[mikester47]

With the explosion of poker i imagine a lot more then 700 people will be signing up. Especially with that "low" buyin of 300 bucks. Thanks very much for keeping the updates on this tournament, I look forward to following them and learning about the tournament from your perspective.

[BBP Guru]

mikester,

I am not sure if you noticed but we are now into the Main $10,000 No Limit Championship Event #11.

[Arjonius]

Did they ever come up with a reason for the 300 tournament chip amount? That seems ludicrously inadequate to promote any kind of skill-based play. Doesn't even take a big mistake to cripple someone or put them right out.

[BBP Guru]

Originally Posted by Arjonius

Did they ever come up with a reason for the 300 tournament chip amount? That seems ludicrously inadequate to promote any kind of skill-based play. Doesn't even take a big mistake to cripple someone or put them right out.

Remember, not everybody is able to buy their way in the larger wsop circuit events. The $300 event allows these players to take a shot at the 1st prize + a gold ring. Experiencing the WSOP atmosphere is just another of the benifits. Also, there are satellites for the $300 event. So, imagine paying approx. $30 and making it into the $300 WSOP Event.

Having the $300 tournament on Day 1 not only means more qualifiers but it also attracts some of the money finishers from the $300 event to try their skill in the bigger WSOP events. So, in a way you could call this a marketing strategy to attract more players. Just for your insight: the $300 event had 873 participants and the rest had less than 50% of it.

[pookyman]

I live right across the river (in Texas) from the big casinos in Lake Charles La. They run the dumbest pokerrooms in the world. Example
They held a tournament to give away a seat at the WSOP main event. It was a rebuy (I hate) and the starting chips was 500 (way to low). Then after the rebuys were over they announced only one seat would be given away. They collected at least $14,000.

[pookyman]

When they offered another seat, no one wanted in their tourney. The other casino never offered a seat.