OK, just read through the thread, and a lot of my confusion is allayed.

I've been a Rakeback RPM player from at least 2010. I know I am still a RB player because I still get RB every day near 1AM CST.

I have enough VIP points to be at level T gear

It let me register for the monthly $4K freeroll but I unregistered. Did I do something wrong? For now I'd like to stay a RB player. So even though I can register for that game I shouldn't right?

I think it is ok to register for it. It is not going to switch you over to the VIP program. You have to request that.

OK, so I can join the $2K FR even though I'm just a RB player?

I have Gear T on RPM, and I also have gear 6 on GR88 - is it possible to play two freerolls this sunday or would that be pushing it?

Hi folks,

Rakeback players are now eligible to be switched to the VIP program. If you would like to do so, you can e-mail Manager at RPMPoker.com requesting the change. Please note that your VIP Point balance will need to be set to zero before you can change to the VIP program.

You will be placed in the gear that you have earned the right to be in based on your lifetime point balance, but you will not be able to exchange the points you've earned prior to the VIP Program's launch for cash.

RPM Seth

Does your tier level reset every month like on PS?

Currently at gear 8 with rakeback assuming that i probably won't ever play the 2500 hands required for extra bonuses should i even bother switching to the vip stuff? If i should, should i do it now or wait till what level to switch?

In case you didn't get an answer it is lifetime accumulated, but there is a min requirement at certain levels. I don't know which but they are easily attained by a grinder.

The system is good for long term grinding, not sure the DOJ will permit that or cashing out.

Just to clarify, the points we have earned thus far as rakeback players can continue to be redeemed for tourney entries if we switch into the VIP program, correct?

I believe that is correct. However, the pts earned as a rakeback player cannot be redeemed for cash.

I think when switching from rakeback to VIP, your level should be based on how much lifetime rake you have paid instead of how much lifetime VIP points you have earned.

A person with VIP would reach A gear for paying $30,000 in rake
A person with rakeback would reach A gear for paying $46,153.85 in rake

That is over 50% more rake paid by rakeback players to reach A gear.

Can someone who was on the VIP save all their pts and then exchange them at the A rate?(Once they get there?) I realize only 3 exchanges per month but still that would make it not worth it to be a RB player if you can get to the A rate. Cause you would be paying a lot more as a RB player and get less over time. I realize that the 35% daily is really nice though.

That's not how I read it....

This sounds to me like you get switched over at whatever your level is and lose all your points. Maybe Seth can clarify that.

I would also like an answer about the VIP tournaments. Can a RB player enter these and not be automatically switched to the new system? I do not see why not, RB players should still get the benefits of the VIP system minus the cash exchange. Afterall, the points earned, etc can be exchanged for tournament entries.

So rakeback was better then the VIP program?

For most players, yes, it is.

What part of New York are you from? Queens here.

I hope you don't get switched. I don't see why that would be the case, especially since RB players who meet the criteria are able to register for it. I went ahead and played in the freeroll today.

If I only play heads up cash, which is the better option? VIP or rakeback? I have rakeback, but am not sure if this is the best option. Thanks!

bigN - You gave no info on how high you play, how much you are raking, etc.

assuming you are 1 tabling on heads-up cash at NL50 or something then you are very likely better off just keeping your rakeback. If it would be better for you on VIP program somehow it wouldn't be by very much.

When people compare VIP to RB, they seem to compare RB at 35%. That may be true for some people but for me that number simply isn't true at all.

As an RB player, I receive 35% RB, 8.66% clearing bonus, 6.5% VIP for tournies, and ~9% for rake race from affiliate. The rake race percentage may vary from month to month but it is still effective rakeback you recieve. For me, the magic number to beat from VIP would be 59%. If I think I can get get more than 59% rakeback I would switch over.

Let's compare that to Q gear when assuming you play 33% of your volume during double VIP days. (35%*1.33)= 46.55% + 13.33% = 59.88%

Before Q gear, I would never even consider switching over. After Q gear, it really depends if double VIP days are still there or not. If they are, then it is worth it since you do not have to spend 6.5% of your RB on tournaments and you can choose to put in more volume during double VIP days to increase your effective RB. Still, IMO it's worth spending that 6.5% on Tournies (I would just save it up till last Sunday of the month and play some tournies along with the VIP freeroll) to get the benefit of getting RB deposited into your account daily.

I'm in 9th gear right now, I play 10NL-1NL. Most of my hands are at 50NL and 25NL though. Play about 50K hands a month. I don't even know anything about the rake race or how that works...but I really can't figure out how to do anything with my points. I've looked through all of the tournaments, and NONE of them accept ANY points. I've went back every day for a week and I got nothing.