I don't think this was meant for high stakes, so you are not the target (and Tim is probably not expecting you to put up with that god forbid).

why 10-handed - read back a few posts - Tim explained it.

Cliffs: 9 is uneven, and for this table layout that matters, 8 is good, except when you lose 2-3 players, than it doesn't work.

Love this idea and really want to see it succeed - I would play, but I'm almost certainly a fish.

Shame that certain spots on the 10-handed layout appear to have significantly less table space than others - specifically those to the immediate right of each dealer - am guessing this has been (or will be) tested extensively to make sure it's not a problem though.


How many people played during the Aria beta-test? 25 seems like an awfully small sample to be using to make any kind of decisions...

Thousands played the game during the trial period

Then it definitely sounds strange to state that they've surveyed "over 25 players" as if it's a good thing...

I watched this while i was playing a 2-5 game while back, it seemed like a game i would not enjoy.
I talked to the creator and it was his idea of bringing online to live. Allowing you to multi table... But most of the review from locals was that they did not like the game.

Are those reviews from locals that actually played the game?

Local here: loved the game. First time playing live where I got the in same mental "rhythm" where I was glued to the table, much like getting a bunch of tables going online and getting locked in. Most of the time playing live I get bored, antsy, start texting, etc. Playing MAP you are completely immersed in what's going on at the table. No time to text or get sidetracked. Hope this game makes a comeback in Vegas soon.

I also played on it, but as a tourist.

Overall I enjoyed it, mostly for the novelty, but also for the level of focus it required. It was a mental workout.

However, I wouldn't play it again for 2 main reasons:

1. It was super slow. The dealers really struggled. I think this could improve, but never enough given the amount of focus it required from all players to move much faster than a snail's pace.
2. More importantly, I found it actually discouraged action. People, myself included, were so preoccupied with following the mechanical action, they forgot to generate the poker action. It basically turned us all into first level thinking uber nits.

Sorry, not thousands. Closer to 1000.

We did not have the new design when the game was being played. So we could only survey people we know or were able to get a hold of IE Twitter etc.

Thanks Doc,
Once again, the dealer issue has been beaten to death. The dealers during the beta test for the most part did not support the game, so that comment makes sense.
I agree, the first 30 to 60 minutes players were preoccupied. The first hour of a new game with new players could be on the slow side. Hence, we have changed the lay-out and dealer buttons to improve player cognizance. It should improve that situation. I hope you will give it another try.

Sincerely,
Tim Frazin

so now to the next big announcement.....:

OPEN FACE CHINESE POKER TABLE

It is difficult for casinos to spread Chinese Poker and still be profitable. MAP’s Open Face layout allows eight players and two separate games to be played at the table. Each dealer only controls and deals to one side of the table. This can benefit casinos with space constrictions while also benefiting players by allowing casinos to spread a game they prefer not to. In addition, this can also benefit players by allowing the casino to lower the price per down and still be profitable.

The new MAP Open Face lay-out.

Tim

You know I'm a big fan, played MAP and enjoyed it, and am the last person to hate on innovation in a poker room, but....

I am not sure how this table increases profitability of OFC.

If the big benefit here is revenue per SQ FT, then why not just build two small four seated OFC tables.

Also, depending on the stakes of OFC, not sure if two OFC games with two dealers, would be as profitable as one NLH game with one dealer.

Always appreciate your support. Let me respond to some of your points.
1. If a casino charges $10 a down and has 4 players they make $80 an hour with this table they would make $160. I believe it would be beneficial for the casino and increase the profitability.

2. You bring up the obvious question everyone always asks. Why not just get 2 small tables. Answer: for starters not sure 2 small tables spaced out take up less room. MOST importantly, *** when there is no Open Face being played, the small tables would be DEAD SPACE in the room, they can not be used for anything else. (maybe Dominoes or Multi Action Monopoly) The new MAP tables are convertible and in less than 3 minutes be turned into a 1 dealer table for a regular game. Thus when open face is not being played, you still have a usable table. (no the felt does not change, but it is better than a Jack Links felt)

3. You are correct on this point. I doubt even a MAP Open Face table will bring in as much revenue as some other tables. However, it is about being able to offer customers (players) what they want. PLO and Mixed games do not bring in near as much as NLHE. Just as NLHE does not make near as much as Limit Hold-em.

There are many casinos that do not spread Open Face. This table has the ability for them to reevaluate the financial benefit of running the game.