FAQ
Structure Points is the score calculated mathematically by entering values into a Structure Calculator. The higher the S-Points score, the slower and deeper the structure is which allows more play for longer, rewards patience, increases player edge, it can reduce variance and increase EV.
The three things that contribute to a higher S-Points score are Starting Stack, Level Length, Level Ante/Blinds Increments.
The values entered into the structure calculator are an orbit cost at 4 regular intervals, Level 6, 10, 14 & 18. (The cost of an orbit includes the Small Blind, the Big Blind, and Antes regardless of whether it is a Big Blind Ante, 8 regular Antes in an 8-handed tournament or 6 regular antes in 6-Max). Another value entered into the calculator is Starting Stack Minutes (the number of minutes before a full starting stack is equal to the cost of an orbit).
The following S-Point ranges approximately translate to these tournament speed classifications that you would be familiar with. Hyper 0-30, Turbo 31-70, Regular 71-120, Slow 121-170, Ultra Slow 171+.
A word on Turbo and Hyper-Turbo ratings. Ratings are just a calculation to get an idea of event speed. Some players like a turbo fast structures, have time constraints and can’t play longer structures, turbos can be a lot of fun. Operators also have time constraints. Turbo’s will suit players that play more hands and that play a more aggressive strategy to build a stack, they are much higher variance (often expect to require a re-entry or two) but can be rewarding and are usually over in a single day, hypers turbo’s can be over in just a few hours. I really enjoy a hyper-turbo tournament when I know it is that before I arrive at a venue. The website is not only to inform players of what is on, but what to expect before you turn up to play. Using the S-Point guide and the Structure Calculator will advise players in advance of what the tournament speed will be like so there should be no surprises and I encourage both players and operators to use it.
For comparative purposes:
- the 2021 $10,000 #67 WSOP Main Event (7-Day) scored 341 s-points 5- Stars
- the 2023 WPT Australia A$8,000 Main Event Championship (5-Day) scored 203 s-points – 5 Stars
- the 2024 $2,500 APL Centurion and APT Goliath (both 3-Day) both scored 164 s-pts. – 4.5 Stars
S-Points = [Starting Stack Minutes]/([Level 10 Orbit Cost]/[Level 6 Orbit Cost] + [Level 14 Orbit Cost]/[Level 10 Orbit Cost] + [Level 18 Orbit Cost]/[Level 14 Orbit Cost])
Structure Points may not be accurate for Mixed Games as well as tournament variations that reset blinds and start stacks as the tournament progress, eg. Shootouts & Heads Up tournaments.
Star Rating is a score calculated mathematically by entering the Structure Points score and the Rake as a percentage of the total buy-in amount, as well as factoring in if dealers are provided.
The Star rating is useful to compare similar tournaments of similar buy-in amount. For example there might be two tournaments on the same night in your area for a similar buy-in. The one with the higher Star rating will have better structured blind levels, eg. not as Turbo, less rake and offer better value for money.
Star ratings are relative to every tournament in Australia.
For example the WPT Australia A$8,000 Main Event Championship is fully dealt, 6% rake, and has 90 minute levels, 5-Days, 203 Structure Points. It is currently the best rated tournament in Australia, earning all 5-Stars.
Seeing a $300 Weekly tournament with only 3-Stars does not mean it is not a good tournament, 3-Stars is very good for a nightly tournament that might run from 6pm to midnight or slightly after. Comparing a weekly night tournament to a 5-day championship is not the intention as they are very different. A nightly 6-8 hour tournament cannot possibly receive 5-Stars because it will need to be a Turbo structure in order to finish on-time and is relative to all tournaments in Australia.
The rake percentage includes all amounts taken out of the prize pool that is not awarded in that event, eg. Player of the Series, Player of the Year.
Rake percentage = (Admin Fee / Total Buyin ) + additional % not awarded in the tournament.
Eg. $1000 ($900 + $100) + 3% contribution to Player of the Series = 13% rake
In this example, even though the 3% contribution to a Player of the Series competition is not raked for the operator, or towards admin costs etc., for a player to reclaim this additional contribution they must win a share of the Player of the Series prize pool. Normally the top 5 players across the series, which may include participation points for multiple entries in some events.
Please see individual operators Terms & Conditions.
All Tournament Organisers, Poker Operators, Poker Leagues, Poker Rooms, Casino Poker Rooms are invited to submit schedules of significant events, series, tours if they are not already listed. Currently we follow most leagues and operators on Facebook and do our best to add all of the major events and series to our website, totally free of charge of course.
This website is not purely for promoting all poker events, it is also about providing transparency through mathematical and statistical data so an objective analysis and conclusion can be made. Please do not send individual events through without every detail about the event.
I encourage operators to research how others present their structures, terms and conditions in professional and clear searchable PDF documents. WPT, WPT League, APL, USOP and The Star all provide some of the most details and the best Players Guides. Find them online and check them out.
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