New Merge Software

[frob23]

It looks like Merge did a fairly substantial software update since I last played on there.

I have to say, there are things I really like about it. First off, I love the new mini-windows. They are clean, small, and simple. I can easily fit 4 of these on my tiny laptop screen without feeling like I'm missing out because parts of the windows are covered by other tables.


An example of tables. Here I am just playing two tables of $4NL -- as I was testing the "point" thing I mention later.

I also like that I am now getting some form of credit and points when I play $4NL because they've changed the whole comp-points program. It is no longer based on the number of raked hands you see but the actual rake contribution you make. You get 10 points for every $1 of rake you generate... and they do fractional points too. Currently, I have 5.20135 points on one of the tables I am playing. Which means, I have contributed roughly 52 cents in rake. I like that because it means I get more points for the big pots I play. Of course, I get very few or no points when other people at the table play a big pot and I am not involved.

I also like that I'll be able to better predict the amount of rakeback I'll be getting. I just need to look at the number of points I have and multiply it by 3 to get the rakeback in cents that I can expect. Although, I am not sure how this is going to effect the number of points I actually generate and the ability to play in the upcoming "freerolls" on the sites. Apparently, the big tournaments in upcoming months might have a "points" buy-in. So you use your accumulated points to buy into the game and your balance will be reduced by the number of points you use. I am fine with that. It means that my play during slow months (like this one) will still count. But it makes me wonder if I will need to play more actual hands to get into the games.

There is apparently an auto-rebuy feature now. I see it when I use the buy-in screen but I haven't made use of it. And the addition of the "mini" mode means they also added a menu to tile, cascade, and add windows to a grid. So it might be easier to manage multiple windows now.

What does everyone else think of the changes? Had you noticed the mini mode? If you tried it, what do you think? I like it. I don't chat much (outside the PTOTW) and don't really care about the avatars and other minor detail stuff.

Edit: Edited to change the image to not show my real money balance.

[braveboat27]

Too bad Poker Tracker doesn't yet support the Merge network...