It's been a very confusing couple of weeks for me so it's time to sit back and have a rethink. There's been a few threads about changes to the steps in satellite qualifiers and the possibility of bringing an amended version of exchangers back.There is also a small amount on how much it would cost the average low stakes player to qualify, @Brocky and indeed wether it's worth it to start at the low levels at €1, @NMPfan bankrolled for it or not, makes you think when you see the figures. The UOS is also imminent so it's time to make some decisions. Tickets obtained one way or another: UK 11 x €4, UO 6 x €2 1 x €4, mtt 1 x €10. I intend to use all those this week then take a break from qualifying until things become a bit clearer. If it takes too long for things to settle down and I start running out of time for various events then so be it, there's always next year, hopefully. You may know I have a love/hate relationship with tournaments and in that case why bother trying to qualify for live events that realistically I have little chance of cashing in, let alone getting near the end. That's not the whole point though, sometimes the journey is worth making the effort even if the final destination is a disappointment in terms of results, though not the chance for a change of scenery and meeting new people, gaining new experiences and generally having a good time. Trust me, once you've done it once you'll want to do it again. (Reminds me of something from my youth, but I won't digress.) Onto the UOS. The last series I intended to play all the Nanos and Lows but after 3-4 days frustration got the better of me. I crashed out of that night's four within the space of 5-10 mins, all good hands and all the best pre-flop, so disgusted that I didn't play another. Hopefully this time it will be different. Playing so many satellites seems to have calmed me down, I no longer rant and rave at the awful beats, shrug it off and on to the next, and want to carry that forward to "proper" tourneys. I know I won't be able to just sit back and let players bust each other but feel I'm much better prepared to be more active, and calmer in the face of adversity. Not being a great fan of r/a, re-buys or bounties and wondering about checking the freezeouts, I saw the thread by @FreedoM with an excellent break down of the structures and buy-ins. Nine freezeouts at each level, 27 in total, a break every third night and a total outlay of €488.75, and the decision was made. The leaderboards haven't come into my calculations at all, I just wouldn't expect to feature. I wasn't properly rolled for the last series, hoping to pick up winnings here and there to continue, but this time I regard the roll as accounted for (lost) before I begin so any additions will be a bonus and there'll be no pressure to win. Of course I may get lucky and have a couple of shots at the big ones, I'm really looking forward to it. Cash play has taken a back seat for the time being and sngs have been consigned to the dustbin. The only format I'm truly happy playing are the qualifiers, they seem to suit my style, but are a very restricted field at the moment, so it remains to be seen where I go from here. Good luck all whatever your game, should still be entertaining.
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