I think this thread could be an epic,some very well put points and counter points.Interesting that both Des,Leigh and Richard have already added comments,as if this topic was already on the APAT agenda.The one thing that makes this organisation uniqe is that they listen and take on board members comments and suggestions,always ever moving APAT forward,i like it,wether i agree or disagree with the changes made they have always been open to debate.
Fwiw here"s my tuppence worth....
I have always thought APAT live events are way too top heavy on the money side,with 9th to 4th getting the same pay out.I still don"t quite equate how making this flat payout impels people to go for the win.People want to win an APAT event full stop,the trophy,gold medal,Gukpt seat,COC seat,ranking pts and of course the "significant media exposure" are enough of an incentive,surely?.Then to get the lions share of the prizepool,imo,distracts from what "ameuter" is all about.
Everybody knows how tough it is to make a day 2 in any event let alone an f/t so i would like to see the top 3 payouts filtered down to reflect such achievements.
There have been numerous occassions where playing down to the money on day 1 has been a viable option and has never been more than 1-2 levels away.For the sake of people having to return on day 2 and not cash to claw back added petrol/hotel costs i"m sure they wouldn"t mind playing an extra level or 2.
Deal making,i think someone has already mentioned that having a standard f/t payout virtually negates against any deal making,it just wouldn"t be worth it.If people want to ladder that"s fine,as Will says its part of a final table dynamic who to exploit who to avoid.I witnessed Chan in Ireland clearly going ftw, fantastic,but i"m sure he could have applied more pressure on some had there been a payout structure to exploit.
So,
1, Better structured f/t payouts
2, No deals (see above)
3, Payouts start at people who make day 2.
would all get my vote.....if we were voting,which were not...but if.....