Poker Stars 180 Player SNGs Part #1 – Facts and Figures

** Updated For 2008 **  Comprehensive Guide To Poker Stars’ 180 SNGs
Including Payouts, Buy-Ins, Blinds And Time Taken

by Mark

180 Player SNGs Update For 2008

Since the original article was written there have been some changes to the 180 SNGs available at Poker Stars. The $10+$1 180 Player Sit N Goes are no longer running, in their place there are $12 Turbo 180 SNGs – with super-fast 5 minute blind levels. These have become a huge hit at Poker Stars and fill up faster than the $4+40c and $20+$2 180s which are still running.

We have switched the $10/180 payouts to the $4/180 structure for this article – for the 180 Final Table article we stick with the old $10 payouts (as the dollar amounts are only used to illustrate the strategy principals discussed).

The other interesting development for those who enjoy 180 MTT SNGs is that Full Tilt Poker 180 SNGs now fill the gap with the introduction of $8+80c 180s and $2+20c 180s. For details of these tournaments see our dedicated Full Tilt Poker 180 SNGs Article.

Poker Stars 4/180 and 20/180 Player SNG Tournaments

The Poker Stars 180 Player Sit N Go Tournaments have increased in popularity greatly over recent months. These are labeled as SNGs as there is no scheduled start time – they simply start when full. In reality they play more like small Multi-table tournaments and are a great way for players to gain experience in mid to late game MTT situations.

This article looks at the facts and figures for Pokerstars 180 Player SNGs. Part #2 to follow will look at SNG strategy for these games and look at opponents tendancies during the different blond levels.

Firstly here are a few facts and figures concerning the Poker Stars 180 Player SNGs.

How Much Do They Cost?

There are three buy-in levels available $4+40c, $11+1 and $20+2

How Often Do They Run?

During peak times there are 3 to 4 starting per hour at the $20 level and 7 to 10 at the $4 and $12 levels. Reduce this for times outside of US evenings.

How Long Do They Take?

You should allow for between 3 and 4 hours per tournament for the non-turbo versions and just over 2 hours for the $12/180s, obviously you will bust out of some sooner but ensure you have the time available to reach the final table!

What Are The Payout Structures?

The top 18 get paid, 10th to 18th place receive double their buy-in while the winner receives 57 times the buy in. The final table payout for the $4+40c level is as follows.

What About The Quality Of The Opposition?

This varies from very weak recreational players to low-stakes ‘pro’ players who use these tournaments as a means of building a bankroll. The generally poor quality of the opposition make the 180 person SNGs a profitable opportunity to gain MTT experience.

What Return On Investment Can A Good Player Expect to Make?

This, as always, depends on many factors including having a large enough sample size to draw conclusions from. The following are estimates for various skill levels of players.

Top 5% Skill Group vs Opposition: 120% ROI +

Top 20% Skill Group: 80% to 100% ROI +

Above Average Player (non specialist) 40% to 50% ROI +

Part #2 will follow next week and look at strategy tips for the 180 SNGs. In the meantime GL at those 180 SNG Tables!