PokerStars Announce 3rd-Party Software Restrictions
8 years ago
03 Oct
Yesterdayâs PartyPoker announcement regarding the new restrictions on software such as HUDâs and seating scripts, was very quickly followed by PokerStars releasing their own revised rules on what 3rd-party software would be allowed.
PokerStarsâ changes â although not as restrictive as those seen on PartyPoker and other sites â now mean that "Anything considered to be sophisticated in nature can no longer be used whilst the client is open," according to Baard Dahl, SNG tournament manager for the worldâs biggest poker site.
Dahl continued by outlining the siteâs approach to Heads Up Displays, one of the most common tools used by experienced players:
"HUDs are no longer permitted to display non-numerical data, categorize players or dynamically display statistics specific to a certain situation."
This could have serious repercussions for some of the main HUD developers, with PokerTracker (PT) and Holdem Manager (HEM) both relying on a mass of configurable statistics, downloadable hand histories and add-on, real-time equity calculators.
Others in the market, such as newcomers Jivaro, who boast PokerStars Team pros such as Randy âNanokoâ Lew and Bertrand âElkyâ Grospelier among their âclientsâ, will likely be less affected, if at all, as the majority of their statistics are unrelated to those described above.
The main reason for the changes announced yesterday by both PokerStars and PartyPoker are contentious in nature. The sites are trying to prevent experienced regular players (regs) from preying on those new to the site and/or casual recreational players (recs).
âI think these changes will help level the playing field for casual players, and preserve the quality of games for professionals,â
That was PartyPoker Ambassador Tony Dunstâs view yesterday, while PokerStarsâ spokesman Dahl explained:
âUnfortunately, many of the tools and tactics that professionals use to maximize their edge have made the games too difficult for new players to surviveâ.
Others, including many multi-tablers and long-time online players, feel that the major sites have got their priorities wrong and are over-reacting to the perceived issue of â bum-huntingâ, and in introducing these changes they are threatening the viability of the regulars online earning potential.
âBollocks as per usual, reduce your ***** rake if you want it to be more sustainable.â
That was the feeling of ânikinâ on the 2+2 forum, where the announcements were being heavily discussed and analysed.
Not everyone was up in arms about the PokerStars announcement however. âClutchmanâs view was âExcellent news! Very good job stars!â and âdappadanâ expanded on this sentiment by stating:
"Just get rid of any 3rd party software and see how amazing the games become. No mass tablers from Eastern Europe, no robotic players, no seating scripts - a level playing field and it would be insanely good for the game."
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