*** PokerStars VIP Rep thread ***

[PokerStars VIP]

Dear Awesome People at Stars,

I am soon returning to not-Americaland after hiatus in Americaland. I had my account locked after I left Thailand in December to prevent any wtfproblems from rising up (eg drunk me logging in to PS and then getting account banned). When I return to not-Americaland do I have to regrind my SN status from scratch? Or will I still have it as it's not like I could maintain it whilst in Americaland?

Hi Bikes,

If I understand the situation you're describing - you relocated outside of the United States, then returned to visit to the U.S. and are now back outside the U.S. - then you will have to regain your status from scratch. The monthly VIP status requirements remain the same for everyone, and while I know that many players have obligations back home that understandably prevent them from hitting their targets, we can't make exceptions in this case.

If you were relocating for the first time, then your status on April 15th, 2011, would be reinstated.

Dylan

[Micro2Macro]

Dylan you are going to have to drop in Kingston for a night this summer and visit the grind house once bikes moves in (along with another ftrer whos name is to be held on a hush until he confirms moving).

[Vi-Zer0Skill]

cool thanks! I'll send you an email once I've emailed pics of the documents to security@pokerstars.com.

[PokerStars VIP]

Dylan you are going to have to drop in Kingston for a night this summer and visit the grind house once bikes moves in (along with another ftrer whos name is to be held on a hush until he confirms moving).

While I can't make any promises, this would certainly be a most worthy cause to make my first venture into Kingston.

Dylan

[daven]

is there a 'hide country of origin' button? country seems to no longer be displayed for quite a few players. More to the point i guess, is it only spanish players?
and

deep ante euro tables - omaha and/or nlhe? i can't find them. I would like to find them.

[PokerStars VIP]

Hey Daven,

In regards to the deep ante euro tables, we don't offer those at this point (and don't think we ever have). I've passed along your interest in them.

Dylan

[daven]

what's the policy on grimmers? i had a quick look at the stars site and couldn't see anything. warning then ban?

[rpm]

what's the policy on grimmers?

first things first, what on earth is a grimmer?

[daven]

first things first, what on earth is a grimmer?

something like:
"running around and taking advantage of heads-up blinds by playing one hand and then leaving", not my definition.

[PokerStars VIP]

what's the policy on grimmers? i had a quick look at the stars site and couldn't see anything. warning then ban?

Blind avoidance isn't accepted on PokerStars and we appreciate player vigilance in reporting such abusers. First-time offenders are sent a warning and further action is taken against players who don't heed the warning.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Dylan

[Micro2Macro]

How about doing something about team pros that are notorious campers i.e. WizardofAhhs

I dunno how he's even online pro anymore he plays no more than two tables and never, EVER keeps games going. I know that other players have been given temp bans from high stakes for this (camping around fish, snap sit out when they go for a bathroom break etc), the fact that of your so called 'pros' does this, and is by far one of the worst, is completely pathetic and makes me want to vomit all over my screen so I don't have to witness this shit.

(@ your manager, I know you are just the messenger sir!)

[PokerStars VIP]

How about doing something about team pros that are notorious campers i.e. WizardofAhhs

I dunno how he's even online pro anymore he plays no more than two tables and never, EVER keeps games going. I know that other players have been given temp bans from high stakes for this (camping around fish, snap sit out when they go for a bathroom break etc), the fact that of your so called 'pros' does this, and is by far one of the worst, is completely pathetic and makes me want to vomit all over my screen so I don't have to witness this shit.

(@ your manager, I know you are just the messenger sir!)

Hi M2M,

I'll pass on your concerns for review to our Team Online manager.

Dylan

[Micro2Macro]

thanks boss

[Micro2Macro]

who should I talk to regarding notorious campers like 108th?

your chat moderators won't even point me in the right direction. support@pokerstars is pretty much useless regarding this issue.

[PokerStars VIP]

who should I talk to regarding notorious campers like 108th?

your chat moderators won't even point me in the right direction. support@pokerstars is pretty much useless regarding this issue.

Emailing highstakes@pokerstars.com or even myself at vip_canada@pokerstars.com is where you should be sending this for consideration. Appropriate action will be taken.

Dylan

[daven]

does stars have any rules against players insta-seat-hopping to jesus-seat the new player at the table when a ring game table that has been playing HU goes 3-handed ?
how about players in general seat-hopping to gain position on a player when the table has several empty seats?

or is this poor form that results in recreational players feeling targeted something that stars allows? (and, in doing so, rewarding the scum who do it?)

[PokerStars VIP]

Hi Daven, sorry for the delay. I'll be back hopefully tomorrow with an answer on this - I remember it being discussed in the past but I want to make sure I give you a clear answer on where we stand on this issue.

Dylan

[Micro2Macro]

I threw up in my mouth when i saw the cap lobby today

17 tables at 5/10 of regs sitting alone waiting for action, 4 games running.

[daven]

Hi Daven, sorry for the delay.

no worries

I remember it being discussed in the past but I want to make sure I give you a clear answer on where we stand on this issue.
Dylan

cool, cheers

[PokerStars VIP]

does stars have any rules against players insta-seat-hopping to jesus-seat the new player at the table when a ring game table that has been playing HU goes 3-handed ?
how about players in general seat-hopping to gain position on a player when the table has several empty seats?

or is this poor form that results in recreational players feeling targeted something that stars allows? (and, in doing so, rewarding the scum who do it?)

We discussed this internally, and there's currently no specific rule against this type of behaviour. Recent trends (the addition of Zoom) address this, but as always we're open to hear player suggestions.

Would be happy to hear any thoughts,

Dylan

[jyms]

It's easy, like when short stack leaves a table and can't return without the same amount of money he removed, his table chip stack is recorded for a certain length of time before he can return. Make it a timed 5 minute pauses to return to a table if you give up your seat with or without the same buy in.

Bumhunter leaves table, can't sit again for 2 mins, 5 mins, anything that keeps fish from seeing this action and killing guys from starting tables that fish sit at. There are plenty of tables on Stars at every stake, no need to leave a table and instantly return.

[daven]

We discussed this internally, and there's currently no specific rule against this type of behaviour. Recent trends (the addition of Zoom) address this, but as always we're open to hear player suggestions.

Would be happy to hear any thoughts,

Dylan

cheers for getting back on this
here are two suggestions:
1) implement a specific rule against this type of behaviour. (Given that this discussion has been held internally at stars, there is obviously a stronger argument for allowing this than for preventing it. I would be interested in hearing the arguments for allowing this behaviour, are you able to share these?)

2) kinda like what jyms suggested; if a player leaves a table, then for the next five minutes (?) the only seat at that specific table they can return to is the seat that they left. If it's occupied, well, guess they can't rejoin for five minutes - serves them right. If the table fills, well, guess they shouldn't have left, now they can enjoy the waitlist

[PokerStars VIP]

cheers for getting back on this
here are two suggestions:
1) implement a specific rule against this type of behaviour. (Given that this discussion has been held internally at stars, there is obviously a stronger argument for allowing this than for preventing it. I would be interested in hearing the arguments for allowing this behaviour, are you able to share these?)

2) kinda like what jyms suggested; if a player leaves a table, then for the next five minutes (?) the only seat at that specific table they can return to is the seat that they left. If it's occupied, well, guess they can't rejoin for five minutes - serves them right. If the table fills, well, guess they shouldn't have left, now they can enjoy the waitlist

Thanks for the suggestions guys; I'll be personally be handing these over to our Ring Games Managers for consideration and perhaps it will stir up more debate.

Dylan

[daven]

1) implement a specific rule against this type of behaviour. (Given that this discussion has been held internally at stars, there is obviously a stronger argument for allowing this than for preventing it. I would be interested in hearing the arguments for allowing this behaviour, are you able to share these?)

^

then again, changing status quo is a bigger deal than maintaining status quo, so i guess the arguments for change would have to be overwhelming - plus there would be a non-zero cost of implementing any changes into the poker stars client, plus communications around the issue, etc. Probably answered my own question

cheers for passing on the suggestions

[TLR]

Hi Dylan

Is there a way to have a custumized table theme per specfic game type - for example one theme for 180 man Sng, another for 45 man Sng and a 3rd for Omaha Sngs?

[PokerStars VIP]

Hi Dylan

Is there a way to have a custumized table theme per specfic game type - for example one theme for 180 man Sng, another for 45 man Sng and a 3rd for Omaha Sngs?

You can customize your table themes specifically for Tournament, Ring games, Zoom, and SitnGos. There isn't yet functionality to differentiate between an Omaha SitnGo and a Hold'em SitnGo, however.

In the PokerStars client, go to Options --> Beta Options -->Table Themes and customize your table how you please. Then choose which type of game you want to apply it to (all tables, tournaments, ring games, Zoom, or SnGs) and click on Apply --> Ok and you're all set.

Let me know if you have any questions about this - changing the felt colour is a great way to quickly differentiate between games.

Cheers,

Dylan

[DoubleJ]

Hi Dylan,

What's with the speed change on 2NL tables?

[PokerStars VIP]

Hi Dylan,

What's with the speed change on 2NL tables?

Hi DoubleJ,

We are moving to a model in which the speed of every table "type" is the same. For instance, all $.01/$.02 NLH and PLO are now "fast" games. As is all razz, except at the highest stakes. This will roll out over a period of time, but the goal is to eventually have one speed per table "type".

We're continuing to listen to feedback and suggestions from players on this, so feel free to share your thoughts and I'll pass them on to the appropriate person for consideration.

Thanks,

Dylan

[DoubleJ]

...the goal is to eventually have one speed per table "type"...

why?

[PokerStars VIP]

why?

Hi DoubleJ,

There are a few reasons in favour of this potential change:

1. Simplifying the appearance and offerings in the Lobby making it easier for players to sit down and play.
2. Improving player liquidity with the union of the 'speed' and 'normal' table player pools.
3. Improving the playing experience for those inconvenienced by the slower play of some of their peers.

We are very interested in player feedback on this issue, so you're invited to share your thoughts.

Regards,
Dylan

[DoubleJ]

1. Simplifying the appearance and offerings in the Lobby making it easier for players to sit down and play.

Huh? How much easier does it need to be?

2. Improving player liquidity with the union of the 'speed' and 'normal' table player pools.

I've no idea what this means. Can u explain please?

3. Improving the playing experience for those inconvenienced by the slower play of some of their peers.

...whilst at the same time massively inconveniencing those who mebbe don't want to play fast tables.

If we have the choice, then we'll vote with our feet, won't we? Are you seeing a signif. bias towards "fast" tables right now?

[daven]

Hi DoubleJ,

3. Improving the playing experience for those inconvenienced by the slower play of some of their peers.

i'm all for this
it's going to fuck with the 24-tabling, auto-timebanking rakebots that just slow down the whole system - and i like things that fuck with them without inconveniencing most other players

also, think of it from stars' perspective. If all holdem tables are averaging 75 hands per hour instead of 55 hands per hour, without any effect on the number of tables running then.... they make more $$. This is what most business decisions boil down to. I doubt that anyone finds the lobby that complicated, I have no idea what this will do wrt to player and game liquidity.

note that eliminating camping and introducing the seat hopping prevention measures suggested above would also improve the playing experience, but it wouldn't improve profits, so, watch that space...

[PokerStars VIP]

Huh? How much easier does it need to be?



I've no idea what this means. Can u explain please?



...whilst at the same time massively inconveniencing those who mebbe don't want to play fast tables.

If we have the choice, then we'll vote with our feet, won't we? Are you seeing a signif. bias towards "fast" tables right now?

1. We believe some new players find the Lobby complicated, and that simplifying it where possible is better.

2. Liquidity refers to the number of players at any given table type. The more table types we have, the less liquidity each type will necessarily have.

3. We do receive a lot of feedback from recreational players that they don't like slow play.

I assume that you would be against such a move? Are you happy with the current model or is there another option you'd prefer? I'd be happy to pass your feedback on directly to our Ring Game managers.

Regards,

Dylan

[OngBonga]

1. We believe some new players find the Lobby complicated, and that simplifying it where possible is better.

Do you not think that some old players feel inconvenienced when you change things? It wasn't broke, the lobby is equally as complicated now as it was before, ie not very, unless you're stupid.

Not that I care, it's just I find your reasoning here a little flawed. How stupid do you think the newcomers are if you think they find the lobby complicated?

[DoubleJ]

I assume that you would be against such a move?

Hi Dylan,

First off - apologies if my tone came across as hostile previously; was not my intention.

To answer your question - I don't know for sure, as I've never played fast tables; mebbe they're the nuts

From my POV, though, i was disappointed at the news about table speeds as:
1) I'm English, and as such detest having my Freedom of Choice compromised, especially by $MultiBillion Corporates , and
2) As evidenced by my membership here, i'm a student of the game and am concerned about the impact of being forced to play faster is going to have on my development. I do not want to go back to playing robot-style

As I said before, I don't see the how unifying tables this way provides any player benefits. If there are player who don't like the pace of the Normal tables, they already have the Fast table option. (Or are these the players who are too stupid to work the Lobby? )

As daven pointed out in his wacky antipodean fashion, this does rather smack of further fleecing the micro player to help pay off the $720m you owe the DOJ.

Again, your point about Liquidity is puzzling - can you explain what this means to
a) me as a player and
b) you as a Business?

In particular your statement "The more table types we have, the less liquidity each type will necessarily have" is not coherent.

If liquidity is so important, then why not just offer one table type (let's say $100 PLO). Then you'll have 100% liquidity.

But not much of a player pool.

[Micro2Macro]

hey dylan, I have a suggestion for improving software you could pass on:

when you are first on the waitlist for a table, and two seats open up, the second person on the waitlist gets to pick their seat at the same time as you, whereas I think they should have to wait until you are seated given that you were first in line (should get first choice if in line first and then second in line only gets to sit after you have chosen seat)

[Cobra_1878]

I am also not very happy with the change. I have not been playing poker very long, maybe 6 months or so, and I find that having all tables set to fast is massively effecting my game.

I am being forced to make difficult decisions very quickly, which is costing me a lot of money, as I am making quite obvious mistakes but due to the time restriction I do not have the time to sit & think about what I want to do. I have 8 seconds....

As has previously been said, people already had the fast table option if they so wished to use them.

[jyms]

Making the software better/eaiser for the people who deposit will only help your game. You guys have to stop thinking of yourself and think of the bottom line. Make your suggestions on what will help stars gain deposits, not help you play 4 more tables. Re read all the posts M2M and other big winners have made. It's about stopping the bumhunters and the people making the game less enjoyable for the fish. It's never about grinding more hands and more tables.

Personally I think that nobody should be able to sit out on any one table while being dealt at others after the BB. I don't think anyone should be able to switch seats at a table ever, and I think we need to eliminate the HU bullshit that happens with people sitting out vs other regs, at multiple tables and the Grimming with either a minimum amount of hands when dealt in unless stacked.

[TLR]

zoom tournaments and 180 Sngs

[TLR]

Making the software better/eaiser for the people who deposit will only help your game. You guys have to stop thinking of yourself and think of the bottom line. Make your suggestions on what will help stars gain deposits, not help you play 4 more tables. Re read all the posts M2M and other big winners have made. It's about stopping the bumhunters and the people making the game less enjoyable for the fish. It's never about grinding more hands and more tables.

Personally I think that nobody should be able to sit out on any one table while being dealt at others after the BB. I don't think anyone should be able to switch seats at a table ever, and I think we need to eliminate the HU bullshit that happens with people sitting out vs other regs, at multiple tables and the Grimming with either a minimum amount of hands when dealt in unless stacked.

I do think that the user interface is very complex for new players, I see time and again in the Israeli forum I am a member of people asking questions about how to do abc because they cant locate it, there is no good help mechnism (where you can type keyword and get help options)

Also the top level menus are very complex and long, I dont know if stars supports a 'basic' view with only the commonly used options displayed for beginners

[Warpe]

Question about mobile app: downloaded to my iPhone and iPad, but I can't log-in with my normal p/w. Do these require a separate p/w?

[kiwiMark]

Hi Dylan,

First off - apologies if my tone came across as hostile previously; was not my intention.

That's nice, but then the rest of this post seemed the most hostile yet for no apparent reason so allow me to apologise in advance if my tone is harsh but your post annoyed me and so I feel it warrants more than the pleasant and polite reply that I'm sure PokerStars Dylan will give you.

To answer your question - I don't know for sure, as I've never played fast tables; mebbe they're the nuts

why not try them before you get yourself all worked up and have a go at this poor guy who has to take you seriously?

From my POV, though, i was disappointed at the news about table speeds as:
1) I'm English, and as such detest having my Freedom of Choice compromised, especially by $MultiBillion Corporates , and

I'm a New Zealander, and as such think that this makes zero sense. If you would have more "freedom of choice" were PokerStars to not exist at all, maybe you could argue like this. As it is, PokerStars is adding one or two choice(s) to your life, not taking any away that would by default be there. Just because they've previously enriched your life with two choices doesn't mean you're entitled to this forever. You may as well complain about the Man holding you under his evil corporate thumb because KFC doesn't sell popcorn chicken any more.

2) As evidenced by my membership here, i'm a student of the game and am concerned about the impact of being forced to play faster is going to have on my development. I do not want to go back to playing robot-style

Do you play more than one table? If so, playing fewer "fast" tables (so that you have roughly the same rate of hands/hr if that's a concern for you, but as you yourself implied volume should be secondary to thought while developing) is one easy solution to your problem that seems to have no downside and could in fact improve your development-- less individual players for you to try to keep track of.
If you only play one table, see above about trying the fast tables before getting your knickers in a twist- I'd be extremely surprised if you are unable to comfortably 1-table the "fast" tables. Just checking, are you aware of the timebank feature? (this might be of help to you too, Cobra) The timebank means you have more than 8 seconds for the difficult decisions.

As I said before, I don't see the how unifying tables this way provides any player benefits. If there are player who don't like the pace of the Normal tables, they already have the Fast table option. (Or are these the players who are too stupid to work the Lobby? )

Firstly, I agree with TLR that the lobby is complicated/cluttered. That said, I don't see this particular change having a big impact on that one.

Secondly, (@misteronggggg as well) if the recreational players are too "stupid" to find the fast tables and go play somewhere else, then either you can sit and breakeven while feeling superior that you're smart, or the lobby can be redesigned so that the recreational players are happier, stay, and you have an easier time winning money.

As daven pointed out in his wacky antipodean fashion, this does rather smack of further fleecing the micro player to help pay off the $720m you owe the DOJ.

sounds like from daven's post he's a) in support of this change and b) was trying to make the point that of course businesses are going to try to maximise profits, the follow-on being that they will of course put their interests before yours, and that your apparent feeling that pokerstars owes you something isn't going to play a big role in their decision. Make a case that this change will be worse for enough players that it will also be worse for pokerstars, not a case that it will be worse for you personally while not explaining why stars should give a crap about this. (what daven and jyms already said)

Again, your point about Liquidity is puzzling - can you explain what this means to
a) me as a player and
b) you as a Business?

In particular your statement "The more table types we have, the less liquidity each type will necessarily have" is not coherent.

If liquidity is so important, then why not just offer one table type (let's say $100 PLO). Then you'll have 100% liquidity.

But not much of a player pool.

Seems perfectly coherent to me, maybe you should just reread it. Liquidity in this case can be used as good as synonymously with "traffic" or "player pool", but used here on a table-type basis, rather than site-wide. Hopefully that clears up why your point here doesn't make sense.

[Pascal]

As daven pointed out in his wacky antipodean fashion, this does rather smack of further fleecing the micro player to help pay off the $720m you owe the DOJ.

Pokerstars yearly profits are rather substantial (Forbes estimated them at $500m yearly in 2010) so I doubt $720m spread over several years is going to be that much of a problem given FTP will be profitable too...

[DoubleJ]

...your post annoyed me ...

head hung in shame.

sorry mate - it was meant to be light-hearted, y'know "RANT RANT, SIGNED ANGRY FROM BASILDON"-stylee.

i even put smileys in it.

it obviously didn't come across. Not the first time. prolly not the last.

Sorry all.

[kiwiMark]

NOW I FEEL BAD AND I'M GOING TO WRITE IT IN CAPS LIKE KENNY POWERS. SORRY.

[alexandrel]

pokerstars vip is a best vip program

[DoubleJ]

NOW I FEEL BAD ...

no worries mate - my own fault for thinking i'm being witty when i'm really just being a jackass.

plus....you raise a lot of very interesting points. Thanks.

I will get back later with some comments minus the silliness.

[DoubleJ]

This is the Titan (iPoker) lobby.



it scores over the 'stars lobby in a couple of ways IMHO:

1) Sexy Look 'n' Feel - it looks like an App, whereas the 'stars lobby looks like a fuddy-duddy 'computer programme'
2) Quick Seat option - steps you through the games, structures, buy-ins and table size (with hints), and then either shows you a list of matching tables [Browse Similar], or seats you at the next availabale matching table [Seat Me]

Is this the Kind of thing you mean, Dylan?

[PokerStars VIP]

Interesting discussion! First off, to Warpe: No, your password is the same for the Mobile app as the desktop version. If you're having password issues you should contact support@pokerstars.com ASAP.

As to DoubleJ/Kiwimark topic, I would expect you to be 'tough' on us as we want you to have high standards, so no worries about the tone of any posts. I've been pretty busy at an on-site event in Montreal this week, but this feedback is still getting passed on to superiors. Making the lobby as intuitive as possible is certainly important to us. Out of curiosity Double J (and anyone else), have you checked out the look and feel of our Mobile App yet? If so I'd be interested in hearing your 1st impression.

Cheers,

Dyan

[Pascal]

Dylan, please please can you get this changed:



That's the date column of the tournament lobby fwiw.

I know what date it is, and if you make the column smaller it cuts out the time first, not the date. Can you look into this please?

Thanks!