Best Chip Count for but in?

[AAeyes]

Hey all

I played a few friendly home tourneys the other day. Most of the guys are just learning to play, quoting Rounders and doing their best to sound like the analysts they see on TV. In the first game I pretty much just blinded off through the whole first round and when i finally caught a remotely playable hand I was by far the short stack and busted out. For the next game I suggested raising the starting stacks, but keeping the blinds the same. Everyone agreed, but didn't seem to get the significance.

I rarely play 'real' tournaments. Is there an ideal stack to start everyone with in relation to the blinds? Should it also be related to the payout?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

AAeyes