Any update? Is the new version still releasing today?

As far as I know, the client is still on track to be released sometime today/tonight. I haven't heard anything different, but I do have an inquiry in to see if anything has changed. As always, I'll let you guys know when I know.

OK - Just heard the good word.

The hand histories are not changing, so there will be no change with PT/HEM. However, there were more bugs found in the course of testing overnight, so the client will be delayed a bit further. Keep updated in this thread, any news will get posted here.

RPM Seth

Will Merge ever change their policy on transfers between different skins? I would like to make transfers with other merge players on different skins, but cannot do so. Seems like something that should/could be added.

I think the fact that bugs are still being found on the day of the release does not bode well for the new version. Shouldn't the developers have tested their product prior to the scheduled launch date?

It's been getting tested all month, but last minute things pop up. Security and smooth gameplay are of the utmost importance... Merge won't release something flawed!

Sit tight, news forthcoming!

I see it in player admin, but it's acting crazy on me. Maybe it was just put there, and not really ready for a few mins. will try again in a bit.

Hey folks...

We're live, here's the info...

** This is a Beta software release. There has been a lot of internal testing and Merge is confident that this is stable for players to play on. However, we do expect players to find some minor issues. The software's great, but it's still a Beta version.

** Players can go back to playing the 4.7 version of the software at any time. The 4.7 installation will remain on your PC even if you choose to install the 5.0 Beta software. Players will not be able to run both versions of the software at the same time.

** This software download is hosted in Player Admin, which means players must already have an account with RPM to be able to download 5.0 Beta. You cannot create a new account through this Beta version, it is for existing users only. In the case of Mac users this means they must create an account through the 4.7 client to be able to get access to the 5.0 Beta Mac version of the software.

** The length of the Beta period depends entirely on what issues (if any) are discovered and how long they take to fix.

Good luck, have fun, and we're awaiting your feedback!

RPM Seth

The hand history file format is slightly different in the new beta, so PT3 will not import hands played using the beta.

In the hand history file, the "data" attribute of the "game" XML element used to use a pipe character "|" as a delimiter, but it now appears to use a semi-colon ":". As a result, PT3 will not import these hands.

The fix should be trivial for either the PT guys or the Merge guys, depending upon who decides to change their software first to accommodate the other, but be aware. In the meantime, if you do a find-and-replace in the beta hand history files and swap all ":" for the older "|", the hands will import correctly into PT3.

On the upside, the PT3 HUD will work in the beta software. It won't update stats as you play since PT3 can't parse the new hand history files, but it will open at least.

font sizes haven't changed on the default table size.
How hard could be to change that? can I submit it as a bug?

just got the mac version up and running, so far so good!

Just had a first look. I have to say that other than it no longer being a Flash based client I don't see that much change. Filtering still has the same very basic options, no way to save your table layouts. Tournament lobby opening in a new window is good.

Removal of balance tab is annoying. Now I have to go to cashier-> webbrowser opens->overview. All that just to see the balance.

Perhaps the software is more stable and uses less resources, however I never experienced any problems with the old software in that regard.

I'll stick to the 4.7 version for now. Don't see any reason to upgrade at the moment.

I disagree that not having the cashier on every tab is not a good thing, most people do not want to know there balance while they are playing because they don't want to know how much they are up/down. But i do agree that your balance should be on the first page of the cashier and should be in client if possible rather than in a browser

An option to hide blackjack would be great... it's really annoying just sitting there.

I've been playing with the new client for a few minutes...... even though it looks similar, the differences have been a bit difficult to get used to... everything seems kind of.. muted I guess is the word.. things (such as color.. and the cards) don't pop as much. The game play seems smoother though, which is very good.

Just click player admin.. it has your balance in the top left corner of the webpage.

Not working in hem either.

For what it's worth, all of your comments are heard and being passed on! Keep 'em coming!

Well nothing seems to of improved much?

Filters are very poor, they really need improving and also make it so you can sort multiple columns in order like stakes AND players, not just either or.

Personally, i hate cashiers that loads up a web page, can't it be done in the client like Stars/FT/every other decent poker site?

The lobby and tables look good and the software has potential to be one of the best imo, but it's still so 1990's for me.

will the new RPM work with HEM HUDs like in the past?

A couple things:

PT released a new Alpha tonight that fixes the problems with the Merge beta. PT3 hand importing seems to work, and so does the HUD.

A small issue with the beta: In the bet amount field next to the slider, you can't start the amount with a decimal point. You have to type "0.56" instead of ".56". Nitpicking, I know...

One more thing. If a player's hand is folded because he times-out, his cards don't disappear. They stay visible on the table as though he's still in the hand, but the action just skips him.

where can we get the PT3 alpha from, i can't find it on the site

The PT developers release Alphas every couple days. To get them, you have to be in their alpha tester program. Basically you contact the PT devs through the forums at pokertracker.com and they enable your account to see get the Alpha downloads. You agree to download them as often as they're released and give feedback/bug reports/etc. In exchange, you get the latest features first. The downside is that the Alphas are basically test code, so they don't always work.

Does Hold Em Manager work with the new client yet??

Works for me.