At the moment, there doesn't seem to be a lot of budge on the issue. At least in the short term, I believe both structures will be around.

Just spoke with VIP Host Justin, and he will be in contact with HEM to get the ball rolling on updating the software. At the very least it is a step in the right direction. Once the Huds work it will be pretty important at that point for guys who want the new structure to stay and the old one to go to only play the new structure.

Truly dissappointing to hear that when Merge asked for a poll they were just blowing smoke. I have never seen a more united group of players on 2+2 when it comes to a games condition question. 50 voters out of 51 wasn't overwelming enough? Even with the missplaced vote its 49 of 51 at the moment. What more could you ask forin terms of unity?

Also dissappointing is this wait and see mentality we are confronting. It's really a set up for failure.

1. Some people aren't playing atm and waiting this multi structure thing out. (less overall volume)
2.Looks like some regulars really don't want to play w/o a HUD.
3. Your asking all the regulars to stop playing the old games that are loading so that you can see numbers you like? (If we don't it looks like we will be with a split structures forever)

It really looks like we are going to need to avoid the old games all together. At least for a few days to show Merge whatever the hell they want to see. If you really do want the new structure its time to prove it. Advise all the players you know, what playing the old games will mean. It will be hard to watch old games go off with all fish but thats what its going to take.

I am only playing the new structure now. I can only play 4 at a time without HUD but I think it will be worth it. I think everyone else should do the same, although I am hesitant to mention it since the games are pretty soft without all you grinders in there. (hint hint...)

zero

I guess I disagree with this assessment. Within a couple of hours of the poll going up, the new format was live in the client. That's not blowing smoke. I understand that for players posting here, things aren't in a perfect place just yet, with both still live in the lobby. But all things considered, it's reasonable for Merge to have a look over a slightly large period of time to try and determine what is best. If players really do steer away from the old format, Merge will see that.

Like everybody else has been saying, there are a lot of extraneous factors that may be skewing the numbers when you are running both formats simultaneously

I might be in the minority here, but I REALLY hate mixing both formats. Just in terms of profits, it doesn't seem like it's a struggle for me so far, but with the new games not going into HEM, faik, I'm just heatering, and actually playing badly. Even if I am doing well, it's extremely tilting for me, and it slows me down having to see if I've chipped up to 600, or chipped down to 600 (I'm sure the other grinders know what I'm talking about). Unfortunately though, whenever I open the client and see 10 of the old format sitting with 5/6 and 4/6, and the new ones getting hardly any action at all, the easy choice is to just load the old ones (LTT can scold me for not thinking long-term when making a decision like that )

Here's the thing I don't get: Do the people at Merge really think that getting rid of the old games, and just running the new ones, is going to chase off this massive pool of fish and casual players? If that's not the case, then not moving forward just seems senseless. Think about all the players who have vocalized their support for the change. There have been more than a handful of the most serious grinders--the guys who are in the top 5 or 10 of the LB month in and month out--adamantly requesting the new format exclusively. You've got probably over half of your monthly rake, right here ITT. I don't know what's holding this back.

I can't speak directly to exactly their thought process, and like I've stated, I'm with you guys and agree about this issue. But in the interest of fairness, it must be said: There's a large disconnect between the consensus on here and the numbers of these tourneys running. I also agree, like you said, that there are reasons that can account for that. But for the time being, they need to at least take a little more time to review it.

To be fair this is a valid point.

Much of the frustration stems from the fact that merge is utilizing the numbers of players playing each structure as a reference point, when they themselves were the reason many players were not playing the new structure (the hud issue).

Now that the hud issue is being worked on, I feel we will at least have a fair chance here. It was looking bleak when there was no word about the hud ever getting set up and Merge was using the volume numbers as their main reference.

I still agree with Oden that I don't think there has ever been this much unity in the poker community for change like this, and that needs to be considered more than it apparently has been. But if our only option is 1 step at a time, we will take that 1 step.

Maybe I worded my post poorly, or maybe I had my expectations in the wrong place. I was expecting a full change not just a trial. I fully understand Merge wanting a trial. It makes perfect sense. However, I feel that the trial may be skewed due to the reasons I posted earlier.

As for the new structure being in the lobby so fast, sure it was great to see a quick responce. But what was it in responce to entirely? They also threw in the Pokerstars structure for a bit too. It feel a lot like being heard but not listened too.

Please make this new structure available to all stakes... I love ST's but HATE the current merge structure.. This new structure is SO much better.. please remove the old structure and make this new one uniform across all stakes and HU. This new structure with the new software and improve customer service could make merge a real contender in my opinion. Couple that with improve MTT selection across all times zone and appeal to non-US customers could also improve the site as a whole.

My understanding is that the new format is available across the board? Which stakes is it now available for now?

You guys can bitch and moan as much as you want, but why would they make the switch when they look at the numbers and see more people playing the old structure? Last time I checked HEM doesn't work for anyone so the playing field is level. Until you guys commit to staying away from the old format how can you expect Merge to make that change? I am the one vote against the change on the pole you posted, but I am a casual player that just doesn't want to learn a new format. Out of respect for you good folks trying to make a living grinding, this will be my last post with anything positive about the old format, but I sure don't see you regs voting with your business yet so until you do you prolly need to get off Merge's back as they are simply doing what is in their best interest...Let's be honest, a format with the smallest possible edge to the regs is most advantageous to the house. The fact that you even got them to make this change is pretty impressive. (on both your parts)

If you guys are serious about getting the old format off the site organize a 1 week boycott...no old format games for a week. Get all your boys to sign a petition again and police yourselves to ensure everyone complies...then let Merge know when it is coming and tell them to make sure they check their numbers...If all you grinders unite it won't even be -EV on the leaderboards for anyone..Heck, I'll even join you guys for a week...so put up or shut up fellas!!!!

$5 thru $200

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Sorry, that was confusing. I meant to say which is it not available for now.