PokerStars sets a new record
There is a long tradition at PokerStars of breaking records and reinforcing the belief that they are at the pinnacle of online poker, setting benchmarks that other poker rooms cannot reach. One of the ways they have done this in recent years has been to set new records for the largest ever online poker tournament in terms of field size. This past week has seen that record tumble again, at the start of their new ultra micro stakes series 'Common Cents.' The opening event had a $0.01 buy in fee, and attracted 253,698 runners. In years gone by, these record breaking tournaments appeared to be a case of PokerStars flexing their muscles in terms of their huge player pool, but these days, it is perhaps more a case of trying to hide the fact that their ring game traffic has declined. This years WCOOP set a record for prizes paid out, mainly due to the big increase in buy in for many of the events. Similarly, making a record breaking attempt a $0.01 tournament rather than the $1 tournament of old, ensures a new record.
253,698 runners in the " Comments Cents" opening event
888 Poker Sees Largest Player Traffic Increase
Increase 888Poker have been taking steps forward lately, and have strengthened their position as the second largest online poker room in the world. September saw a rise in player traffic for 888Poker, in the region of 200 extra cash game players, which is greater than any other online poker room rise for the month. Their current average for cash game players each week has risen to 2,300. One of the upsides of growth within 888Poker has been the opportunity to be bolder in their tournament guarantee figures. This has resulted in a $1,050 buy in tournament being announced for February 1st . This tournament will see a huge $1 million guarantee for the prize pool, and represents just one part of a larger drive to expand their tournament offerings.
PartyPoker bans tracking softwares
The winds of change are passing through the poker world this year, and initiatives to level the playing field slightly and keep the game fair have led to the banning of HUDs at PartyPoker. This isn't an isolated case as far as online poker rooms are concerned, with Pokerstars also announcing stricter rules with regards to tracking software. It is thought that Pokerstars will not be quite as strict as Party Poker in their stance, but there is certainly a shift in online poker room views across the board, when it comes to tracking and HUD software. The three key points that PartyPoker are addressing include firstly, random seating for cash games to stop fish being hunted down. Secondly, not allowing players to download hand histories in order to prevent players to use softwares like Holdem Manager or PartyPoker. Thirdlly, players will only see the names of their opponents once the first hand is dealt.
Article by Craig B.
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Louis Hartwell
Graduated in Media Communication at the University of Lausanne, Louis Hartman is a co-founder of somuchpoker.com. He began his career in Cambodia as freelance journalist. In same time he was making his living by playing poker every night at that time. Intense learner, he read dozens of poker strategy books to improve his skills during many years. With a strong interest about poker "behind the scene" in Asia and his communication skills, Louis launched Somuchpoker in 2014.
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