Four tables, 7 players, one player plus 3 high chips from all tables advances. Three sessions like this to provide 3 tables of 7 players for semifinal. Two players from each table plus one high chip advance to final. The Wong book does not cover this type format. What effect would the first round format have on money management strategy? $500 in chips, $10 minimum, $500 maximum, 20 hands.
Since the "number to beat" for high chip count is unknown, your objective should be table winner. Stanford addresses that in his book.
Agreed that the initial strategy should be basically the same. However, the above may be an over simplification. For instance, I just played a practice round where with three hands to go three players were near 2,000 which is generally enough to get high chip. Now, the dealer makes the hands, if the three players compete with near max, they are nocked out of high chip contention and only one wins. If they all bet 10, they probably all advance. Also, at this tournament, there are only three other tables, which you can stand up and get an idea of what's going on. I have not read what Stanford says. Does he go into any detail?
I think it would look like a fire drill if everybody is able to get up at any time to see the chip count at the other tables. I have played in tournaments with the high-chip advancing and they would not allow checking the other tables or conversing with non-players.
No! Most players don't check the other tables. It would only be certain players that would even be concerned with the high chip count and most don't even try to check. I do by just "stretching" and glancing at the other tables. You cannot talk with others. So, there is no fire drill. Of course, you cannot walk away, only stand. I have been in that, should I bet high to catch the leader or bet to try for the "unknown" high chip twice. Once I tried to catch and lost. Once I guessed that I could get high chip and bet minimum and got the last high chip by little margin. High chip varies by as low as $1500 and can go as high as $2500 loosing out. It is an unknown and can change quickly where the dealer busts on the last, bet high hands.
