I started out in the regular steps, and the first four I played really tested my resolve to just have a good time. In each of the four, I made it to the point where there were four left (only 2 spots pay, each paying into the Step 2), and each time, I ended up all in before the flop with either JJ, QQ, or KK, and each time, I lost. Twice I lost to AT and twice I lost to AJ....every time I was a big favorite, and I believe that four tournaments in, I had not won a single hand where I'd put all my chips in the pot and been called.
Under normal circumstances I would be quite frustrated by this sort of run, but true to my word, I did not let it get to me. In fact, I was having a great time for whatever reason, and I wanted more. So more I had.... I finally won a couple seats in the $55 Step 2, which I haven't gotten around to using yet (I'm sure I'll turn each into $4500, since I only have to win 4 more sit-n-go's to make that happen).
One of the things I started noticing more and more was how easy it is to float around forever in these things, never really getting anywhere but never being kicked completely out of the system. The steps are set up in such a way that it is very hard to get to the final step but not very hard to at least get a seat in some step for your efforts.
Anyway, I discovered something better (and much more realistic for someone with a limited budget) than the steps--the mini-steps. Sorry again to everyone who's known about these and been playing them forever, but I have to take KK's line here and tell you I was like a kid in a candy store when I found these things. I have been playing around 10 of these tournaments per day the last couple days, and I'm not finished (though I'm not putting any more than my original allotment into it).
The great thing about the mini-steps (for someone who's just playing for enjoyment but wouldn't mind winning a few bucks) is that the payouts are divided out based on trying to keep people around the same level. For instance, in the $20 (which is where I started), the top 2 pay a seat in the $50 and the next 3 pay a seat back into the $20. That means all you gotta do is beat 5 people to at least stay at the same level. The $50 isn't much different with the top 4 all moving up or staying. The $150 is the same as the $20, with the top 2 moving up and the next 3 staying. The $400 pays out cash to 5 spots (although the real money is at the top).
The point of all this is, really, that all you have to do is consistently beat half the field (and occasionally beat 80% of them) to eventually turn your $20 into at least $200 (prizes in the mini-step 5 range from $200 to $2000). That's not really very tough at all, honestly, as at least 80% of the players in all but the top level seem to be willing to put it all in on the first hand with ace ten or a pair of 4's. The competition is really weak, and simply by following my strategy for tight play at the beginning, you should have no problem outlasting 5 of your opponents almost every time, often putting yourself in position to make the top 2.
I haven't made it to mini-step 5 yet, but I believe I will in the next couple days, and I plan on making things happen when I get there. It's still just an experiment--not about the money--but why not make a little money in the process? The main thing about it is it's a nice distraction, playing these things all day long. They're fun and hard to take overly seriously, since the blinds quickly reach an astronomical level. I just keep entering and entering and entering....quite possibly to no avail, but hey, if that ends up being the case, I won't have lost much.
I do genuinely recommend giving these mini-steps on Partypoker a try, as I've had a great time with them and believe I have a very legitimate shot at winning some money off of a miniscule investment. There's less frustration than the regular steps--less bouncing back down to the level below, etc, and when you finally do make it through, for a medium-bankroll player, the money will be worth it. Good luck!
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