PokerStars, the largest online poker room in the world, has revamped its VIP program in 2012. Now, people are outraged over the changes made to PokerStars’ VIP system. By people we mean 24-tabling muppets whose nitty style of play is destroying the games. I digress; read on to discover whether the PokerStars VIP changes will effect you.

Is having more than 20 bbs a foreign concept to you? Do you get scared when community cards appear? In other words, do you play tournaments or Sit and Gos? Congratulations! The PokerStars VIP changes do not effect you. Please continue going all-in or folding; depending on what your Excel spreadsheet tells you.

On the other hand, cash game players will ultimately earn less FPPs than previous years. PokerStars has switched from the dealt method to the weighted contribution method in distributing VPPs.

Occupy PokerStars

In the old system, players dealt into a hand split VPPs equally. For example, at a 6-handed cash game table, $3 rake was collected and 6 players were dealt into the hand; 16.5 VPPs were awarded. The 16.5 VPPs were split evenly among all players dealt into the hand. Each player would receive 2.75 VPPs.

In contrast, the new system awards players based on how much they contribute to the pot. To illustrate, assume Nitty McNitterson, TightIZrite, and Dan Harrington fold. Triptanes raises to $6 on button, the SB (masterballabra) goess all-in for $47, the BB (HelgaPataki) calls $47, and Triptanes folds. Assuming this is at a $1/$2 6-max table, points are awarded accordingly:

NittyMcNitterson – 0
TightIZrite – 0
Dan Harrington – 0
Triptanes – ($6 / $100) * 16.5 VPPs = 1 VPP
masterballabra – (47 /100) * 16.5 = 7.75 VPPs
HelgaPataki – (47 / 100) * 16.5 = 7.75 VPPs

As you can see, PokerStars awards the bold and gives nothing to those who fold.

The 24-tabling grinder at PokerStars just took a big hit. Most of his winnings came from FPP bonuses and milestones and now those are harder to earn.

Even Microstake players are feeling the changes. Several low limit players have conveyed they earn only 60% of the VPPs they normally do.

In response to the changes, players attempted to “OccupyPokerStars.” The plan was for players to sit-out at up to 24 cash game tables on January 1st. PokerStars was ready. Its virtual pepper spray code scattered the e-protesters, allowing them to only sit at one table. On the bright side, PokerStars invited a select number of players to visit its headquarters and discuss the changes.

Although the situation remains fluid, at present, cash game players will be accumulating less FPPs. If you’re a cash game player at PokerStars, let us know how you feel. What percentage of VPPs and FPPs are you earning compared to last year?