In the past week, 888Poker has introduced two improvements to, as they say, improve the business of the room. One of them is the launch of the beta version of their Mac client, which is in line with market standards in the field of development. The other, however, has generated tremendous controversy and it remains to be seen if its effects are truly positive. 888Poker has decided to remove all heads-up cash game tables, in order to counter bumhunting.
“In keeping with our strategy to make our poker room competitive and fun, the decision have been made to remove the heads up cash games. All other games offering (i.e. HU Sit & Gos) will be available for your playing pleasure,” ‘888Rep’ posted in the 2+2 forum, as quoted by user ‘MadeInPolanD’.
Members of the poker community have reacted in diverse ways and the move of the room is generally considered overly drastic, despite the recognition of the fact that bumhunting has long since been one of the most pressing issues rooms have to deal with today. It appeared first in the high stakes games but has penetrated since lower levels as well: winning regulars occupy heads-up tables but avoid playing each other and only take up action against weaker players.
While other rooms and networks have also been working on countermeasures – for instance, PokerStars introduced the King of the Hill system, Microgaming switched heads-up tables to Heads Up 8-Man Blaze and iPoker put a cap on the number of heads-up tables –, none of the major operators has so far discontinued heads-up cash game tables altogether. It has so far not been officially announced, either; other than players’ reports, no forewarning of the decision has arrived from the room.
The letter received by ‘MadeInPolanD’ on the issue – and the only official statement on the question to date – reads as follows:
“Dear XXX,
Thank you for contacting us.
My name is YYY and I will be assisting you with your query today.
XXX, I am in receipt of your e-mail and I will like to advise you that 888poker has made the business decisions to remove the Heads Up cash games. At 888poker we strive to maintain a competitive and fun poker atmosphere for our players and as such we continuously review the variety of games we offer, and take the necessary steps to ensure that our players’ experience stays enriched. 888poker continues to increase its players base as we stay focused on meeting our overall player expectations. In keeping with our strategy to make our poker room more competitive and more fun, we have made the decision to remove this type of game.
I do apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.
XXX, I hope that I have successfully answered your query. May I take this chance to wish you the very best of luck. If there is anything that I can do for you then please contact us anytime and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Kind regards,
YYY
Member Support Representative”
“In keeping with our strategy to make our poker room competitive and fun, the decision have been made to remove the heads up cash games. All other games offering (i.e. HU Sit & Gos) will be available for your playing pleasure,” ‘888Rep’ posted in the 2+2 forum, as quoted by user ‘MadeInPolanD’.
Members of the poker community have reacted in diverse ways and the move of the room is generally considered overly drastic, despite the recognition of the fact that bumhunting has long since been one of the most pressing issues rooms have to deal with today. It appeared first in the high stakes games but has penetrated since lower levels as well: winning regulars occupy heads-up tables but avoid playing each other and only take up action against weaker players.
While other rooms and networks have also been working on countermeasures – for instance, PokerStars introduced the King of the Hill system, Microgaming switched heads-up tables to Heads Up 8-Man Blaze and iPoker put a cap on the number of heads-up tables –, none of the major operators has so far discontinued heads-up cash game tables altogether. It has so far not been officially announced, either; other than players’ reports, no forewarning of the decision has arrived from the room.
The letter received by ‘MadeInPolanD’ on the issue – and the only official statement on the question to date – reads as follows:
“Dear XXX,
Thank you for contacting us.
My name is YYY and I will be assisting you with your query today.
XXX, I am in receipt of your e-mail and I will like to advise you that 888poker has made the business decisions to remove the Heads Up cash games. At 888poker we strive to maintain a competitive and fun poker atmosphere for our players and as such we continuously review the variety of games we offer, and take the necessary steps to ensure that our players’ experience stays enriched. 888poker continues to increase its players base as we stay focused on meeting our overall player expectations. In keeping with our strategy to make our poker room more competitive and more fun, we have made the decision to remove this type of game.
I do apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.
XXX, I hope that I have successfully answered your query. May I take this chance to wish you the very best of luck. If there is anything that I can do for you then please contact us anytime and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Kind regards,
YYY
Member Support Representative”
