Which SNG is better for me?

At the casino I frequently play at, they offer 4 different buyins for single table tournaments: $140, $250, $500, & $1050. I don't have the bankroll to play the $500 or $1050 yet (working with around $5,000), so should I be playing the $140 or $250 (cheaper buyin or more tournament chips)? I put a poll here but insight is appreciated.


$140 structure:
10 players, start with T1,500. Blinds start at T50/100, increase every 15 minutes: T100/200, 200/400, 300/600, 400/800, 500/1000, 1000/2000, etc. Top 3 positions paid (buyin included): 1st = $580, 2nd = $350, 3rd = $225.

$250 structure:
10 players, start with T2,000. Blinds start at T50/100, increase every 15 minutes: T100/200, 200/400, 300/600, 400/800, 500/1000, 1000/2000, etc. Top 3 positions paid (buyin included): 1st = $1075, 2nd = $645, 3rd = $340.

$500 structure:
10 players, start with T2,500. Blinds start at T50/100, increase every 15 minutes: T100/200, 200/400, 300/600, 400/800, 500/1000, 1000/2000, etc. Top 3 positions paid (buyin included): 1st = $2,325, 2nd = $1,395, 3rd = $930.

$1,050 structure:
10 players, start with T5,000. Blinds start at T50/100, increase every 15 minutes: T100/200, 200/400, 300/600, 400/800, 500/1000, 1000/2000, etc. Top 3 positions paid (buyin included): 1st = $5,000, 2nd = $3,000, 3rd = $2,000.

[valenzuela]

It would be nice if you posted your bankroll.

[ QUOTE ]
It would be nice if you posted your bankroll.

[/ QUOTE ]


Duh, sorry. Original post edited.

Both the low structures are going to stick you with a short stack real fast (after 15 minutes). Depending on the number of fish, these dont seem very profitable to me.

[valenzuela]

I hate to ruin your thread, but all the options suck. I hope I dont need to explain why.
I honestly recomend to play online instead, either party or stars. On party making money is easier but the sitehas crappier support, software, etc.

[ QUOTE ]
Both the low structures are going to stick you with a short stack real fast (after 15 minutes). Depending on the number of fish, these dont seem very profitable to me.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good point. Usually one mistake early on costs you the tournament. Depending on when you play, it's usually 60% fish 40% sharks (fish % increases on Fri/Sat nights, during the week it's usually the regulars: most sharks but some fish too). I need to start tracking my results but I haven't really seen a significant profit from either $140 or $250 yet (been playing couple of times a week for 3/4 a year). Another interesting point is when I cash in $250, I usually take 1st, but with $140 I usually chop 1st & 2nd.

[Melchiades]

The rake is awfull, and so is the structure. Playe these if you think it's a good night out, not to make money.

[ QUOTE ]
I hate to ruin your thread, but all the options suck. I hope I dont need to explain why.
I honestly recomend to play online instead, either party or stars. On party making money is easier but the sitehas crappier support, software, etc.

[/ QUOTE ]


Yea that's what I'm starting to think. I like live play better, but unless I move to Vegas I don't think I'll find a fairer format. The MTTs at the casino I goto are much fairer as far as tournament chips & blind structures, only problem is the real money is at the top 3.

[skipperbob]

Seems to me that the rake is atrocious & can't be beat

[jeffraider]

So am I right in thinking that the $140 is actually like $115+25? That's about 20% rake, which sucks obviously but I don't think it's unbeatable. Also, I think the structure is wicked! Give everyone the same stack and crank the blinds to 200/400 in 15 minutes? Booyah grandma! Pushbot heaven!