I've been playing a lot of the $1 buy-ins (always with $500-$1000 added to the prize pool) and having a blast. I've been placing in the money about 1/3 of the time, so I'm actually ahead there. I really enjoy playing in these tournaments because I feel it gives me lots of hands to play (I need the hands for experience, and I ususally get at least 2 hours worth) with only 1 dollar on the line. I learn a lot about "going all in," and after the fist half hour or so you basically get rid of all the idiots who go all in with every hand. I don't like playing with play money because the betting is so ridiculous with those--who cares if they bust out, so they call
everything.
This morning I played in a $5 + .50 ($500 added to prize pool), and have decided I will play this one a little bit more. Not as many people (normally 2400 people in a $1 or freeroll, about 500 in a $5 + .50) and the money is better. Of course, I got knocked out 20 players from the money when my pocket kings got beat by pocket jacks on the river, but I'm optimistic about this game.