Merge Network Step Tourneys

[PokerMagpie]

I am checking out Walker Poker, and have tried their SnGs. i found these Step tourneys that require play money to enter. You get a Step 1 coupon, and if you win Step 1, you get a Step 2 coupon. 2nd and 3rd get another Step 1 coupon, and this pattern repeats up to Step 3. Winning Step 3 awards one actual dollar.

I need the SnG/MTT practise, so I am not complaining, but :

1) WTF !?!?

2) If I am not mistaken, you'd have to win three SnGs in a row to get $1 in the shortest possible time ?

3) According to an error message I got, you can only have 1 Step 1 coupon at a time - no hoarding or bakrolling these things ?

4) Traffic on even the play money tables are thin. Am I to take it that one can simply reload by clicking the button in the cashier and have an unlimited amount of play money to buy Step coupons without having to play at the play money tables ? Cause if so, this is free SnG training with actual dollars at the end !

Please advise.

[nb1961]

In my opinion anywhere you can learn for free when you are starting out is good. I've played the steps a couple of time when I've been bored, and it's where I pointed my son to when he started learning.

You will meet some very bad play and step 1 is really about luck more than skill. I rarely had the patience to play them and on the odd time I lucked a step 2 I forgot about it. If you are going to give them a go play them on Carbon and build a small bankroll there then you can join a team and join in the 4kingpoker TPT. You will get a much better game

In answer to 4 yes you just press reload I think you are restricted to how many times in a day you do it as I remember.

[Killermanner]

I just can't believe people are still playing this, I mean come on there are no deposit bonuses available on the net for merge network poker rooms and why not simply... to learn? There is nothing to lose...

[kingjames07]

Carbon Poker Review & Bonus 200% up to $500
BONUS CODE: 4KP500




there is a bonus for a merge network skin.....lol

[PokerMagpie]

Oh, I've already gone through (almost) a no deposit bonus on UltimateBet : I was not aware there were others, lol ! Viva la free money !

My plan of attack is to bootstrap a stake there while practising SnG skills. It appears that all one needs to do is cash three times in a row.... I presently find Step 2 harder, and I see that the play is a lot less stupid at that level. I also found myself in some HU situations, which is very fascinating. Between the time of the OP, and this new post I have won Step 1 in 2nd or third place a few times, but have yet to actually win Step 2.

Now, thing is, there is the Fast Fifty SnG there on Merge as well; I have already won that once on Walker Poker. The traditional 40c buyin brm guideline would require $24 or thereabouts to swing the 50c + 10c buyin. I did notice a small field MTT called the Quick Quarter, however, that has a 25c + 5c buyin. The blinds go up very fast in these events, but the Quick Quarter in particular would require about $12.

To play enough Steps to get $12 or $24 would be insane. As I see it though, the time commitment is much better than the one needed for a 1500+ player freeroll, and it is much more likely to win 3 SnGs in a row than it is to cash in a field that friggin large. Also, by the time I am able to do that, I will be much more effective at the low buyin SnGs anyway. I have read the articles both here and elsewhere, and I see that even at Step 2 others have not (by the way they play), so if I can crack the SnG nut I think I will have something good going.

As of now, I have a Step 2 coupon. I immediately bought another Step 1 (with the play money). Man, this is great ! Even with the daily limit, this is a great idea and a great promotion. And fun !

[villaridge]

remember, the price is right on the fast fifty and the quarter quicky. but as they are turbos, you really wont be getting much of a poker foundation with them. turbos are played diff then normal 10 and 12 min blinds.

[PokerMagpie]

Okay, I have cashed in my first Step 3 $1 ! This is my first 1st place tourney finish, so I am very happy. I will see how many more $$$ I can pick up to get my SnG routine solid. I did spot a cool $2.20 Bounty tourney, and may go after that one soon.... everyone posts a $1 on their own head, and you get a $1 for everyone you eliminate... fun !

$1 down, $999,999 to go ! lol

[pakino]

As I always say these 1-3 fun steps are very hard to win because of the crazy play of opponents. So congrats of your winning in the Fun Step 3!

[Whatsthepassword?]

Well done. It's a heck of a slog to win a dollar. Use it wisely....

[pakino]

I don't suggest roullete. One spin and many hours of work is lost.