Holding first tournament

I have a fee questions and looking for some advice on holding a tournament for Hold'em NL.

Right now I have enough chips to cover 18-20 players. 1 Rebuy and 1 Addon per player. Plus any color ups.

Does this seem reasonable??

Should I have limit to players incase we exceed this number? Or purchase chips to allow a higher entry number?

This could become a monthly or bi-weekly event. Maybe limit the first one and just from there on chips.

Does a league structure entice players?

I'm thinking either a 18+2 or 30+3. The "fees" are donations for a local organization. But could be raised to give them a larger portion. I would be doing everything for free on my end.

Tournament software?? Reccomendation??

Thanks all!

Home games can be great fun!

Here are some things that have worked for me in the past:
- If you're uncertain about your chips, just give it a try. Let everyone know that you're testing the waters before you invest more money in chips. They should be understanding and will probably be willing to offer their opinion at the end of the night.
- A league structure can also be fun - although it will be a bit of administrative work on your part. In the past, I hosted a monthly tournament, with players earning points for the number of tournaments they attended and additional points for placing in the top 5 or 10. At the end of the year, starting stacks are determined by the number of points each person has accumulated. Each month's buy-in was $40, with $35 going to that night's prize pool and the other $5 going to the end-of-year tournament. It helped build the pot for the end-of-year tourney.
- Rather than adding a "fee" for playing, I've asked players to bring canned food, socks, etc. If they bring something to be donated to the local homeless shelter, they get extra starting chips. This was very well received.
- I use an App called PokerTimer for my tournaments. I like it a lot. There are many different options available, though.

I've gotten helpful feedback from the players who attended my games. Their input has been great and allowed me to continually improve the tournaments.

Good luck and have fun!

I like the idea of donations! That's something I will keep in mind.

You're right about the chips. Test the waters. No need to invest if it's not necessary!

I'll have to look at Poker Timer. I'm looking for something that I can display on a TV for everyone to see. As much "hands off" as possible.

Thank you

Does anyone have suggestions for software?

Thank you

I use "The Tournament Director 3"

http://www.thetournamentdirector.net/

If I use the trial will it be displayed someone on the screen? I would hate to have something like that across a large screen for everyone to see/be distracted by.

I thinktyou are about ready, make sure u sit down and write out a list of house rules and stick firm to them. Dont go back on your word. Dont change rules or payouts or structures...dont change guarentees unless your increasing the prize for the players. Dont take any bullshit from ppl trying to cheat you or other players, be fair and firm with every person and dont play favorites...if your going to be the host and play in it make sure your transparent with everyone...and most importantly, have fun

Does the "BS" factor happen often??

I plan to use typical house rules of casinos.

Could I play and host?? I wasn't planning to because I wasn't sure if I would be able to. Or if it was frowned upon. But I happily would. With software I'm pretty hands off unless there's a discrepancy at a table. And announcements for levels as a reminder.

Is a 50BB a decent start? 25/50 Blinds with 2500 to start. I could do 3000 start just to get you to 60 BB. I'm happier with 100 BB start but I'd either need to drop to $5 chips which I dont have enough of....or increase the starting stacks but I think I would have to take from possible addon/rebuys.

Be Aware/Safe

Hello....Just as a heads up.... keep all cash in a safe place and have a plan for any people with bad intentions. It seems self evident but when you have a regular game it can attract some undue attention. Have fun and good luck!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! It's not scheduled for a few more weeks. I will probably make a thread sharing the experience afterwards.