Correspondence with Pokerstars.
I wrote to PokerStars yesterday, prompted by a visit to my table by Lee Jones, the site's Poker Manager.

I attach the correspondence:

From me to Lee

Hi Lee, great to be able to chat with you during a game

I think that PS is making some very serious mistakes:

1) It hasn't got any limit hold'em between $10\20 and $30\60.

This is a huge chasm. Also, $10\20 is always a horrible game. I recommend getting rid of it and replacing it with $8\16, then introducing $15\30 (with the critical $10 small blind, which generates so much action). The limit games on PS are the tightest anywhere and I refuse ever to play them. I think that my suggestions might loosen things up.


2) Get rid of the $3\6 PLO game.

Poker players are macho and hate to admit that they can't play in the biggest game. A lot of people will rather risk going broke than be seen not playing in the biggest game. I think that the $3\6 has done a lot of damage.

And most important from my point of view:

3) You have far too many levels for the Sit N Gos.

The result is that instead of getting a game started quickly, you end up with players scattered across lots of tables and nothing starting for ages. Some of the levels should be eliminated. In order to retain choice, I would avoid duplication between the one-table and two-table games. Therefore, for example, keep the $30 one table SNG but eliminate the two table $30 and stagger the limits across the 1 and 2 tables, in the same way that the Mirage and the Bellagio stagger limits. This would get things started much quicker. Most people are 'hitters'. They want to see "8 out of 9" and click for the last seat. It is impossible to do that now and the result is that people have drifted over to Party.

David Young

P.S. Also, the tournament menu is far too cluttered. Too many options.

Lee wrote back to say:

Hi David -

Your suggestions make a lot of sense. I don't know exactly what we'll do, but I really appreciate the input. In fact, we're seriously looking at some kind of mid-limit game (15-30 or 20-40). We're hesitant to remove a game that we've already started spreading (and obviously people want to play).

That's not to say I disagree with you about poker players being macho and not willing to admit they can't compete in the biggest game. I think you might be right, but we have to walk a careful balance between protecting the players and giving them what (they think) they want.

But you've obviously given this some careful thought, and we will give it the review and consideration it deserves.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write me.

Best regards,

Lee Jones