[J_B]

I tend to think of Party's rake structure as being an average for the industry. It sems to me that most other sites are very close or identical.

let's compare:

Poker room:
Examples:

Limit 5-10 players

1/2 LEVEL
Pot size $11 total rake $0.40
Pot size $12 total rake $1
Pot size $29 total rake $1

2/4 LEVEL
Pot size $23 total rake $0.80
Pot size $24 total rake $2
Pot size $48 total rake $2
(note: it would seem that Poker Room's site represents a different, cheaper rake schedule.)

Party:

Examples:


1/2 LEVEL (2-10 players)
Pot size $5 total rake $0.50
Pot size $12 total rake $0.75
Pot size $20 total rake $1

2/4 LEVEL (6-10 players)
Pot size $20 total rake $1
Pot size $30 total rake $1.5
Pot size $40 total rake $2
Pot size $50 total rake $2.5
Pot size $60 total rake $3

So far we will pay more rake at party 2/4 if the pot is $23. clearly we should only play at tables where the pot sizes are $23 at 2/4.

Let's see Absolute:

$1.00/$2.00 2 or more $0.25 for each $5.00 in pot, maximum $2.00
$2.00/$4.00 2 to 3 $0.50 for each $10.00 in pot, maximum $1.00
$2.00/$4.00 4 to 5 $0.50 for each $10.00 in pot, maximum $2.00
$2.00/$4.00 6 or more $0.50 for each $10.00 in pot, maximum $3.00

PR has absolute's rake schedule at 1/2 beat at $11. At 2/4 PR is chaper at $23, but at $24 is 2x the rake until a $50 pot!!!! Otherwise, looks like absolute wins hands down.

Maybe UB charges more? lets see:


1/2 LEVEL (6-10 players)
Pot size $5 total rake $0.25
Pot size $10 total rake $0.50
Pot size $15 total rake $0.75
Pot size $20 total rake $1

2/4 LEVEL (6-10 players)
Pot size $5 total rake $0.25
Pot size $10 total rake $0.50
Pot size $15 total rake $0.75
Pot size $20 total rake $1
Pot size $25 total rake $1.25
Pot size $30 total rake $1.5
Pot size $35 total rake $1.75
Pot size $40 total rake $2
Pot size $45 total rake $2.25
Pot size $50 total rake $2.5
Pot size $55 total rake $2.75
Pot size $60 total rake $3

UB's 2/4 players actually pay MORE rake than party! And I'm sure more than PR. But, less at 1/2 over all

In all fairness, it would seem that rather than adopting a linear rake schedule that is easy to understand by everyone, Poker room has adjusted their rake schedule to hit the overall sweet spot of the pots. PR has been collecting data on every pot that has ever been played there and I'm certain their analysis shows that these are the premium spots to charge the most rake in order to maximize their profits. While you will pay less in a very large pot, those pots are uncommon in the overall scheme of things. To the average 2+2 user we will be smart wnough to avoid their site from here on out. For the unsuspecting fish, he will do one of 2 things:

1. Continue playing at PR or
2. See an ad for Party and go there (most likely anyhow)

Ultimately it would seem that PR has decided to go out unto the world and take its chances with charging more overall rake and casting out the regular TA's and bonus whores. Perhaps fish will fill the tables and perhaps it will be +EV for the TA who does stay.

Good work PR, good luck, and good bye.