They might be fishy but there is so little poker involved that its just a shovefest and hope you can win a coin flip.

First hand of the tournament and my M is 4, I have ATo utg, hmm.

M and BBs are both appropriate ways to measure depth, both do the same thing. Just don't tell the 2+2 SNGers that, they flip out.

Dude, you are just using different units to measure the same thing. I prefer M because it accounts for non-standard ante sizes. But seriously, its like arguing over using standard american measurements or metric measurements. Different ways to get you to the same place.

Yes, they both are appropriate ways to measure "depth". The accepted standard for SNGs is BBs mostly because it's easier to calculate than with M and for SNGs gives you a better idea of when you need to start taking risks. With an M of 5 in an MTT you REALLY need to start making plays - in a SNG, that's equivalent to about 11x BB. You are not so desperate yet.

It's confusing to try to think of SNGs in terms of M, when most people associate M with Harrington's discussion on it in MTTs. And going by Harrington's M, you'd be taking more risks than needed if you use the "M" factor throughout the SNG.

I understand you don't think there's a significant difference and you're welcome to have that opinion. I would never recommend someone who wants to profitably play SNGs to think of their stacks in terms of M though.

Also worth mentioning that "serious" SNG players sometimes play more than 9 tables simultaneously. You need to make your decisions quickly, and again, BB is much easier to calculate.

These do seem like a fun way to burn up some time bored but it really isn't playing poker, even if you can be selective enough to have a small edge is not worth the sick high variance this structure brings. When I used to a lot of online poker I used to play the micro Turbo SNGs on stars to blow off some steam afer a long session. After grinding for 4 hrs, ending your session with a couple of moronic all in shoves with 4 high is a great stress reliever. Plus I have never been cursed at or called as many names as I did when I sucked out on the micro donks. Good times.