We are down to 5 players. the tornament is 4max. so, we had, 3 players in one table and 2 in onother one. this other 2, are "tdunn" and "pablo adrian". so, one talk, "hey, lets fold to each other all the hands, doing that, when some one knocked out, we reach to the final table". The other guy says, "OK". then, they talk on the chat: "just fold AA" "just fold QQ", etc... and they did that for 40mins!! until another guy(me), knocked out..

Colussion????

Ps response:

Although many of our players are not aware of all proper poker rules and etiquette, this player has now been informed of the applicable rules. Any future contraventions of the rules by this player will result in their receiving a chat revocation or even a tournament disqualification.

Ps is right? i really do not think so....

I think it is collusion. However Stars in these instances normally will look at their playing history. If they have not played together a lot they will email them asking about what they did. They will usually respond "Huh, what are you talking about? I can't do that?" At which point Stars will tell them not to do it again and it goes in the "master" file. Now if they do it again that is when they get the hammer. Sorry OP it sucks but there are a lot of idiots out there that do not know the rules of poker so Stars gives them the benefit of the doubt.

If you push them(PS) a little they will probably refund you difference for 4th place at least and they will for sure leave these players at site with explanation they didnt know what they are doing.

Poker Stars answer:

Between players tdunn' and 'pablo adrian' they fold to make in further in the tournament, technically their is nothing wrong with this, but discussing your intent to do so is not allowed

Therefore, if players start to discuss these tactics at the table, "implicit" collusion becomes "explicit" collusion and breaks PokerStars tournament rules. Specifically Rule 20, which states in part:

"Poker is an individual (not a team) game."

Openly discussing and coordinating such tactics is a clear violation of this rule, and PokerStars will take action against any players who are found to have done so. Such action can include warnings to players who were not aware of the rule previously and disqualification to players who had previously been made aware of the rule.

--- so, if u kill a guy once its ok, a second time is not alowed, ok?!! bc u have been warned.

come on...

what can i do?

email them and demand the difference for 4th place thats all you can get.

I think if you email them they should give you at least a little bit of $$$... This is definately something that (I think) I have heard happening in the past...

I agree w/ PS that they are probably just fish who don't know the rules and do not deserve a harsh punishment, I think you should definitely get a refund.

I would email again and ask for refund..Im sure they will give it to you.

lets see now.. thanks guys!

Hello Marcos, I am writing to follow up on your recent emails alleging possible collusion during tournament #317001235. I saw the thread that you started on TwoPlusTwo as well.

PokerStars will re-review the situation in greater depth, and will let you know the outcome of this investigation as soon as possible.

Thanks for your patience while we sort this out.

Regards,
Michael J
PokerStars Game Security Team

hello michael J

gl_op

yeah i hate when it gets close to the money because alot times people play so tight or hesitate and they don't won't to be the bubble boy. So they just keep giving the big stacks more and more chips instead of taking chances.

they don't deserve a harsh punishment? I don't care if they're fish and they didn't know better, this is blatant cheating. They should both be disqualified and the other 3 players make the final table. if it really seemed like they didn't know any better, give them both 5th place money, or 4th and 5th based on stack size.

couldn't agree more!! perfect!

Awesome analogy.

you are joking,right?

BOOMM!! works!

Hello Marcos,

I have now completed a re-review of your report regarding the players 'tdunn' and 'pablo adrian'. I have come to the conclusion that 'tdunn' and 'pablo adrian' made an agreement in chat to fold to each other until they reached the final table of Tournament #317001235. After making this agreement, they then executed it by folding to each other until they made the final table.

I can see that Ben Y has already ruled that their actions were a ruleviolation and that he has warned both 'tdunn' and 'pablo adrian'. It is not uncommon to find that players are not aware of the seriousness of such actions and given the circumstances, I agree that warning these players wasthe correct course of action here.

That being said, I also believe that their actions caused harm and as such I am disqualifying them both from Tournament #317001235. As a result you have been advanced from 5th to 3rd in this tournament and your account has been credited to reflect your new finish position. Because we found reason to believe that they were not aware of the seriousness of their actions, the cost to advance these players has been paid by PokerStars.

The integrity of our games is of utmost importance as is fair resolution ofsituations such as this. Our primary concern is to assure our players of afair and secure environment in which to enjoy online poker. Your vigilancein noticing the situation and reporting your concerns are appreciated. Please don't hesitate to let us know anytime you have questions or concerns.

Kind Regards,

Stephen T.

PokerStars Game Security

I guess it is fair solution...

gg stars,as usual.

Nice!