I'm going to Vegas at the end of this month and debating if I should play a few $125 buy-in tournaments. My other option would be to play in the Wynn Fall Classic for a $400 buy-in and maybe be able to play one $125 buy-in.

Is there a big difference in player caliber?

I've played in local bar and charity tournaments and usually end up doing well. I've only played 2 tournaments at my local casino (3 years ago?), I lasted awhile but made mistakes. I know I'm a better player now compared to a few years ago, but not sure if I'd be in over my head with a $400 buy-in.

I'd really appreciate any tips or advice.

Have you read and understood any of the below?
- Harrington on Hold'em
- Kill Everyone
- Secrets of No-Limit Tournament Poker

If so, you'll be above average for the $400 field, if not, play the $125 if you want the experience of playing in a Vegas tournament, but be aware that the structure is almost certainly somewhat of a crap shoot due to how fast blinds increase and that the percentage of your BI that goes to the house is likely unreasonably high. Actually, that's probably true of most $400 BI tournaments too.

I do have Harrington on Hold'em. I skipped around in it but have it highlighted and everything. Of course someone told me it was outdated and I should find something else. Yeah I'm not a fan of fast levels. Thanks for the reply, pleasantly surprised by what you said. Glad to hear I might be able to compete in the $400 buy-in.

Yeah, it's a bit dated, but it's still miles beyond what most live donkament players are using (which is nothing but their experience/gut feelings and maybe a couple of articles from Bluff Magazine). I played a WSOP $1.5K with it as my only tournament book (well, three books, given I read all the volumes) and am pretty sure I was miles ahead of average in the event. Obviously, by the time we got to the money I was a bit behind the field, but by then 80% of the starters were gone.

Obv luck plays a big role in these things too, but as long as you have an idea when to be in shove-or-fold mode and can play a short stack well, you'll have a shot.

In a single tournament with a fast structure luck plays an overwhelmingly large role.

I'd look at it like a fun budget. If you'll have more fun in a couple 125's do those. If you'll have more fun in a 400 do that. If you have even the most basic idea of how to play the game you won't be embarrassingly behind the field in either. There's also nearly 0% chance you'll be the worst player.

The $400 tournament will certainly have some better than average players , but mostly it will be the same folks who play the $125. Sounds like you have a limited budget/time so likely the $125 tournaments will give you more time to play. Not trying to be harsh but your experience seems limited also so maybe the higher Buy ins should be avoided till you get more experience or your BR/Budget gets bigger. Good luck.

Very nice. That is really cool to hear. I feel like I do have a good idea of when to and not to make certain decisions. Still 50/50 on what I want to do but I got time to figure it out.

Interesting. That's a great way to think about it. Honestly I think I'd have more fun at the $125 cause I won't be banking on 1 or 2 tournaments. Before I read this, I was only thinking about the payouts...

Oh I totally understand what you're saying. If nothing else I might be playing scared cause I don't want to walk away with nothing. I don't know if that would happen cause I feel pretty confident I can make the right decisions, but I could also end up unlucky. Thanks for the help.

Can you play a cheaper tournament first and play the $400 tournament if you do well?

That is a great idea. Timing wise I'd be able to do this.

It seems from your post that you're budgeting $500 or so for tournaments on a trip to LV. Assuming this is so, I don't think that your choices should be about any slight possible difference in monetary $EV (even if that favored the $400 entry, which it probably doesn't).
I'd really recommend playing several $125's vs. one $400, assuming you have the time.
Plan to play several. You'll play more and learn more, there will be (somewhat) worse competition, you'll feel under less pressure, you'll have a better chance of cashing in at least one, and you can always try a bigger tournament if you score big in one of the smaller ones.
Have fun!

The $125 @ Aria (twice daily most days) will be just as competitive, if not more than, as it is at the Wynn. The $125 @ The Orleans (Friday night) will be a little more rec heavy IMO.

How long are you staying for? I would hate to put all my eggs in 1-2 tournaments and then be sitting around the rest of the time. Do you have a cash budget as well? GL

Then there's always the $200 Satellites on 9/28-29 into the $400k guarantee if you're staying through the weekend.

Whatever you choose, best of luck and have fun playing!

If he is play nl tournaments at either stakes and bust out and does not have the $125 for another or the next $125 tournament, what level of nl cash could he possibly afford?

OP. do yourself a favor and play a session or two of 1-2 or 1-3 with the money instead of the tournaments.

These thoughts did cross my mind but I didn't want to discourage someone from taking their shot. I've seen plenty of people who play tournaments very well but are very weak at cash. IMO the 'obvious' advice is to play three $125 BI in lieu of a $400 depending on how long he's in Vegas just so the schedule is 'full'.

There's another thread about 2018 Colossus right now where the OP is fretting over $200 in travel expenses ... from Europe to Vegas. This being another case where someone is cutting things close to take a shot. That's part of our dream in poker .. which is fine for the rec, but not recommended for a reg.

I've been there with my cash BR ... Do I take $1600 and have six to eight 1-2 BIs or do I have two to three 2-5 BIs? I've seen guys sit at 5-10 with only one BI and get gobbled up by the table in short order.

IMO the best advice is to play where you are the most comfortable mentally. If he sits down at the $400 and is mentally distracted by the fact that he 'can't' bust early since it's his 'only' chance then he's toast! But if he can sit at the $400 and yet still understand he might get coolered anyway, then he can move on to take a look at schedules and structures in order to make the 'better' decision. GL

Thank you. I'm pretty convinced that I'll be playing a few $125 BI instead of the $400 unless I do well in the first $125.

Sounds good. I was originally going to only play at the Wynn until I found out they had the Fall Classic going on. I'll be there Tuesday-Friday and most likely won't be able to play Friday. My budget is about $550 right now.

Thank you! I won't be there through the weekend.

Damn I'm just so used to tournaments I don't think I can switch it up in Vegas. If I had been mixing in cash games I'd be open to it.

@Answer...I don't disagree with taking him taking a shot. Also like agree some people play tournaments better...some cash.

My point simply was if he can't afford another $125 tournament he really does have the cash at that point to play cash game either. I guess he could find a room with 1-2 and $60 min byin and do some short stacking. But if he has the game for that the &125 for a tournament would not likely be an issue

If you plan to play an Aria daily, be sure to have a backup plan. They have been known to cancel dailies on the spot with no notice whatsoever. Just be aware of that.

This happened to me twice. The second time, I thought I would be smart; I called an hour prior to start time to be sure the tourmament would be running. I showed up 30 minutes later, and it had already been canceled.

Hey all I played the first $125 tournament at Aria last night and got knocked out 18th out of 56 players. I had maybe 10 BBs and called an all-in who had me covered. I had 88 vs AK and there was a king on the flop. Debating if I want to try again today, take a break and play tomorrow, or try out a cash game instead.

Grind some cash this afternoon and then you're ready for the $400 Wynn Classic tomorrow! I'll even make you a deal. If you decide to play I'll buy you lunch at the buffet, just because I want you to experience a Wynn Classic event.

Either way, enjoy your trip!

Haha damn that is an awesome offer thank you! I'm going to see how cash goes and go from there

Ended up +$350 at 1/3 cash game today/yesterday. Sooo I made enough to play in the fall classic but I think I'm going to sit at another cash table tomorrow instead!