F
fundiver199
Legend
Loyaler
This is actually the biggest problem with satellites, because apart from whatever ROI, you have in the satellites, they do not reduce the required bankroll for the target tournament. So its very easy to end up not following sound bankroll management. Lets say for instance you play a satellite for a 33$ tournament, you normally follow a 100 BI rule, and your ROI in the satellite is 20%. Then you should actually have a 3.300 / 1,2 = 2,750 $ bankroll to play this satellite.
And lets be honest now, how many people have anything near that amount, if they play satellites for a 33$ tournament? Its very few, so the reality is, that satellites are best suited for recreational players, who want to gamble and have fun. But they are a bit of a trap for people, who want to try to build up a bankroll.
BetterThanAvgButNotByMuch
Visionary
Bronze Level
It really depends on what type of satellite you're talking about.
There used to be satellite SNGs 9 handed where top two win the prize to a much bigger tourn and third place takes down a break even cash prize so that's reasonable. If its one of those tourn satellites where you have to beat like 1000+ people for 20 seats then that's an entirely different beast.
The quick and easy answer is to look yourself up (if you don't know your record) in that type of tourn (i.e buy-in, structure, game etc) to see how well you do then decide if its worth your time and investment. Like if you normally don't see a final table on a regular basis with that type of tourn you're interested in playing but you need to reach the final table for the prize then that saty might not be for you.
If you're online I would look for freerolls and those type of SNGs I mentioned. Nobody ever goes broke playing freerolls and cashing in SNGs depending on the structure and who you're playing against generally would be easier than going though a massive amount of people.
The other thing with an SNG is you could strengthen your odds by looking folks up online to see if they're winning players. You don't have to pay for a few searches on sharkscope or Pokerprolabs, so its free. If you play live then you might have played against the folks you're against at a previous SNG or at the cash table, so you still might have a clue want you're up against.
If its a freeroll and you have the time then go for it regardless. The only thing that will happen at worst is your profit graph will flat line. But regardless of what you decide I would suggest looking up previous results or if playing live (if possible) to just go down to the casino during one of these satties you're interested in to get a clue what you're getting yourself into (i.e having to play for 5-6 or more hours for example when you don't want to commit to that).
There used to be satellite SNGs 9 handed where top two win the prize to a much bigger tourn and third place takes down a break even cash prize so that's reasonable. If its one of those tourn satellites where you have to beat like 1000+ people for 20 seats then that's an entirely different beast.
The quick and easy answer is to look yourself up (if you don't know your record) in that type of tourn (i.e buy-in, structure, game etc) to see how well you do then decide if its worth your time and investment. Like if you normally don't see a final table on a regular basis with that type of tourn you're interested in playing but you need to reach the final table for the prize then that saty might not be for you.
If you're online I would look for freerolls and those type of SNGs I mentioned. Nobody ever goes broke playing freerolls and cashing in SNGs depending on the structure and who you're playing against generally would be easier than going though a massive amount of people.
The other thing with an SNG is you could strengthen your odds by looking folks up online to see if they're winning players. You don't have to pay for a few searches on sharkscope or Pokerprolabs, so its free. If you play live then you might have played against the folks you're against at a previous SNG or at the cash table, so you still might have a clue want you're up against.
If its a freeroll and you have the time then go for it regardless. The only thing that will happen at worst is your profit graph will flat line. But regardless of what you decide I would suggest looking up previous results or if playing live (if possible) to just go down to the casino during one of these satties you're interested in to get a clue what you're getting yourself into (i.e having to play for 5-6 or more hours for example when you don't want to commit to that).
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nuttea
Visionary
Bronze Level
lyncho I do not recommend playing them, because many players simply do not understand the essence of satellites and literally gamble at them. Often they have bad structures and payout structures. Therefore, if you play them, then what you play for tournaments with about 1-2 buy-ins, or occasionally to some major tournaments and only by bankroll
pavel1111111
Legend
Platinum Level
Yes of course ; It is the best way to make money in poker 
, if this is your goal , and is also a way in which you can qualify for some tournaments, that you usually have not been able to play due to excessive buy-in
, if this is your goal , and is also a way in which you can qualify for some tournaments, that you usually have not been able to play due to excessive buy-in
Risto234
põrandaalune pokkerimängija
Loyaler
If you are rich enough to buy yourself a place in main event then time-wise they are not ...
10gerka
Visionary
Platinum Level
of course, when you want to grindear you have to do it at some point, that way you will not risk too much to play a big tournament, many do it and if it is worth it, it is a question of each one takes it as he wants, but in general it is worth it, many do it.
rock0001
Legend
Bronze Level
of course they are worth playing unless its a low buy in tournament which you can just enter directly ( less than 11 dollars) instead of playing a satellite. however even in lower buy in tournaments i think its worth to try to quality through a satellite because in most cases it will save you some money at the expense of investing more time playing tournaments.
wlad20082009
Legend
Loyaler
I've been disappointed in them lately - especially in those poker rooms where they offer tickets to the next satellite. Endless ticket game!