Seeing as there's to be a lot of confusion I figured it might be worth having this all in one place which can be referenced:)
What is the Steps system?
It replaces the old $26 & $75 tokens with 7 Step tickets, ranging from $3.30 (Step 1) to $2100 (Step 7).
These tickets can be used to buy in to Steps Sit n' Goes and some tournaments (see later).
What's the idea of it?
The idea is to move up the Steps, so to speak. Buy in a low level, and each high finish will move you up a Step or even two (there are also tickets of the same level and one below, so even if you do not move up you may not necessarily lose your ticket).
Why would I want to move up Steps?
At the very top of the system currently is a $2,100 Sit n Go, with the winner getting entry into the WSOP 2010 Main Event. Theoretically, a 8 wins in a row (or even less as the two of the SnGs offer two level jumps!) could take you from $1.10 to a Main Event seat!
It sounds like future prizes will be added at the top too.
Is there anything else to use Steps for apart from WSOP main event entry?
Yes! :)
Tickets at Step 3 and above ($26) can be used to buy in to normal tournaments and SnGs - it's basically like a huge satellite system. This allows the possibility of starting at Step 0 or Step 1, getting a Step 3 ticket, and using it to buy into a tournament!
How do I start using the Steps system?
There are several methods of entry into the Steps system.
1. Step 0. This is a 99 person Super Turbo Sit N Go (300 starting chips, 10BB) with a $1.10 buy in. The top 30 get a Step 1 ticket.
2. Direct buy in. This is possible at any level.
3. FTP points. In cashier, click Purchase Tournament Tickets. The Steps tickets have their own category - values are listed below.
4. Academy credits. Prices vary from 675 credits for Step 1, 15,000 for Step 4, and 43,000 for Step 5. It is not possible to purchase any Step ticket higher than Step 5 using Academy credits, at least currently.
What Sit n Go's are there for me to buy into?
There is a large number at each level - Shootouts (4 people), Super Turbos, STT (6 and 9, turbo and non-turbo), 18 person (2 tables) and 36 person (6 max double shootout) are all available.
So, I've bought into a Sit n Go? What are the prizes?
Example 1: 9 person SnG:
1st & 2nd: move up a step (receive a ticket for the next Step up) :D
3rd - 5th: get back the same ticket you bought in with!
6th - 9th: nothing :(
Example 2: 18 person (2 x 9 tables):
1st - 4th: move up a step :D
5th - 10th: get back the same ticket you bought in with!
11th - 18th: nothing :(
Example 3: 4 person shootout
1st: move up a step :D
2nd: get back the ticket you bought in with!
3rd: nothing :(
Example 4: 36 person, 6 max double shootout
1st - 4th: move up two steps! :D :D
5th - 6th: get back the same ticket you bought in with!
As it's a double shootout, this means each of the 6 table winners is guaranteed to at least get back the ticket they started with, while the top 4 of the final table move up two Steps.
What are the values of the tickets?
As follows (values in brackets are FTP point cost to
purchase):
Step 1 -
$3.30 (750)
Step 2 -
$8.70 (1950)
Step 3 -
$26 (5800)
Step 4 -
$75 (16,500)
Step 5 -
$215 (47,500)
Step 6 -
$640 (140,000)
Step 7 -
$2100 (455,000)
Can I convert these tickets into cash?
No, you can't. They can't be converted into tournament dollars or Full Tilt Points either - they MUST be used as a tournament entry.
Can I use my Step 1, 2 or 3 ticket to buy into a tournament?
No. You can only use tickets above Step 3 to buy into a tournament or SnG.
HTH :)
