I have played a little on Pokerstars and done fairly well at both the $5 and $10 SnGs. Between that and a few mini-tournies my friends host at our monthly poker get-togethers I have limited tournament experience. However, my buddy recently took me to the Hustler casino for the Grand Slam of Poker events. I played in the 1st event, a $100 entry event, and ended up winning 3rd place without any re-buys when we struck a deal with 7 players left out of 373 entries and 460 re-buys. Both he and I were more than a little surprised at how well I did.

I'd relay the whole story but I'd be typing up a short story worth of hands and experiences. Suffice it to say that neither of us thought we'd be out that late and when I got home my wife was pissed! Thankfully the money I won toned the anger down a few notches.

I have kept away from both PokerStars SnGs and B&M places since I'm worried that my recent win will block me from doing well because of cockiness or some other mental/emotional handicap from an early success.

That was a long winded way for me to ask these questions:

1. On average, how many people sign up for those events?
2. What are the average payouts and for how many players?
3. What is the quality of play?

I think I am about ready to try playing again and plan to enter a few weekend events at the upcoming Legends of Poker down at the Bike but I think I'll limit myself to satellites mostly and try to enter the tournies that way. Have y'all had much luck in that?

Thanks in advance!