Is PartyPoker segregating players based on skill?

[The Buzz]

Interesting report from PokerStrategy today on rumors that PartyPoker is segregating some of its table based on perceived skill.

Apparently some tables (those with higher percentages of new or losing players) are hidden from view for some accounts, while others have access to view all tables.

A statement from the company on the 2+2 message boards seems to confirm this.

"We are continually looking for ways to balance our poker room ecology. As we have said before, we are testing various features to make poker a more fun and entertaining game for both new and inexperienced players. Our extensive research shows that new and inexperienced players enjoy the game more and continue playing for longer if in the early stages they play with players of a similar ability, this includes, but is not limited to our welcome lounges. These players are free to play on any table they chose."

Full story here: http://www.pokerstrategy.com/news/wo...in-Rate_69650/

What do you think? Does it make sense to segregate players based on skill to "balance the poker ecology?"

[baldidiot]

Seems like a good way to drive away winning players. Even if every poker room started doing it, it'd just increase the rate at which players hop between rooms.

[lots0]

Party Poker has not earned my trust back... and behavior like this just makes me want to stay away even more than I already do.

If they are doing this, IMO it totally undermines the foundations of the game of Poker.

Part of the Poker Experience is LEARNING how to play...with the sharks and the guppies, learning how to sort out who are the sharks and who are the guppies.

This is the worst thing I have heard about Online Poker, since Black Friday...

With dumb ass moves like this, it is no wonder the popularity of online Poker is falling faster than a Lead Balloon.

[Anthony]

IMO, it's all about finding ways to maximize their rake.

[lots0]

It's all about finding ways to maximize their rake.

Ya...I agree.

But it is still depressing.
I love the game of poker and I hate to see it being destroyed by greedy dumb ass movies like this.