Guarantees

Among many years of playing poker I have played in many Guarentees at Full Tilt. I have been intrigued to play these tournaments because usually the prize pool is pretty big and the payouts are good. I have also found these to be really fun but kind of long because of the rebuys and add ons usually included in the tournament. Most of the time I do decent in these tournaments but I am not sure if they are worth it. Almost every guarentee I play in the prize pool end up more than what it was guarenteed to be. They are also so long that I usually end up getting bored and getting knocked out late in the tournament. I have been wondering if these tournaments are really worth it because even though you think you are getting a deal because it is a guarntee usually the prize pool gets over that number anyway. Has anyone been successful in these tournaments or played in any that do not reach the guarenteed prize pool?

yes i have but therebuys and the first hour sucks.. nobody gets knocked out due to rebuys the prize pool was well over 3k.. yeah it sucks but in the long run its great.. i came in second for 600... i say it was well worth it

It depends on the prize pool. In the micro tournaments where 5000 people are playing for $500 guaranteed and 15% payout, then 750 people will be sharing that $500, then I do not believe it is worth it.

If you are putting a little more money into it and you can get a decent chunk if you make the payout structure, then they are well worth it

I think if you keep your cost down (no rebuys, add on only if in real good shape) then they can be worth it. As far as the time involved (getting bored) try opening some fake money tables. I found them to be a great place to drop some chips. You can have a little fun being loose on them, while protecting your stack in the real money tourney.
I also like to open CC 1/2 screen sometimes late in a tournament when I get bored. Browse some of the MTT strategy posts. Occupies your time while reminding you not to donk out late.