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Thursday, January 8, 2009 - COO
We recognize that the community wants more information regarding the software malfunctions that occurred on the CEREUS Poker Network in December 2008. We hope that the information we are providing satisfies everyone who is interested.
I would like to restate that the players affected were all refunded and that the malfunctions were corrected in the software. This investigation has been our top priority and we have enhanced our automated and manual quality assurance procedures as well as our system monitoring to prevent future incidents from occuring.
On December 20th, PHILHELLMUTH and DOUBLEBALLER were involved in a hand where PHILHELLMUTH was awarded a pot incorrectly. DOUBLEBALLER noticed the malfunction and reported it to our Customer Service department.
Our investigation has concluded that a software release on December 10, 2008, introduced new business logic that caused the pot to be incorrectly awarded to the losing player. The offending business logic that caused the malfunction was introduced in order to force a player from a heads-up table after 5 minutes of inactivity.
Our system incorrectly disconnected/”stood up” DOUBLEBALLER from the heads-up table at the time the system was awarding the pot, which caused the incorrect payout. The disconnect was caused by our server and not the player’s connectivity.
We immediately began looking for other occurrences of this malfunction while we were investigating the software. Initially, we were unable to identify other incidents. However, after we understood the problem and cause better, we did find additional hands that were affected.
4 other occurrences of incorrect payouts caused by the December 10th software issue
These 4 hands did not have identical results as the PHILHELLMUTH/DOUBLEBALLER hand but they were caused by the same problem with the software.
#1154990093: Holdem (1 on 1) No Limit $0.50 – 2008-12-15 09:59:56.015 (ET)
#1158960646: Holdem (1 on 1) No Limit $1 – 2008-12-18 00:23:11.000 (ET)
#1159338828: Holdem (1 on 1) No Limit $1 – 2008-12-18 09:26:12.009 (ET)
#1165721853: Holdem (1 on 1) No Limit $2 – 2008-12-22 16:25:16.010 (ET)
Additional Software Issues
Through online poker forum twoplustwo an additional incorrect payout, that occurred on December 2, 2008, was brought to our attention.
#1136089263: Holdem No Limit $0.50 – 2008-12-02 03:48:49.007 (ET)
Our investigation has determined that the root cause of this incorrect payout was a game server transfer. For a variety of reasons we transfer player sessions from one of our game servers to another. Shortly after the launch of the CEREUS Poker Network, our software development team transferred players on one of our game servers to another. This transfer was the root cause of this malfucntion/incorrect payout.
We are currently enhancing and testing our game server transfer fucntionality and will not employ it’s use again until we are certain it is ready for our production environment.
On December 22, when we released new software code to address the previous issue, we introduced a new malfunction that caused incorrect payouts in 35 additional hands.
This malfunction involved players who selected “wait for the big blind” in Holdem, Razz and Stud ring games. The malfunction had different results based on a variety of variables. In the 35 cases the end result was either all or half the pot being awarded to the “waiting for BB” player.
Hand Histories
We have made all Hand Histories available for the community to review here.
Comments (3)
Thursday, December 25, 2008 - smokin_aces
As a special holiday treat, this week Phil has chosen a question to answer.
Racer submitted a very well thought out, in depth question that Phil answered in two parts.
Racer
“Hi Phil! I have a question about pot odds, fold equity, and big stack play.
For example: say you have above avg. stack, final few tables with the blinds 2,4k., and fairly tight table.
You are in position to make a raise from the button,no callers behind you, with the SB and BB slightly less than you. Say your holding something like A,10,or less, or maybe K,Q, or even small PP. Because this situation looks like a ’steal’, do you ever have the mindset of ’sizing’ your raise in regards to the blinds stack, in case of a re-shove from your opponent so your getting around 2:1 on your money?”
Phil Hellmuth
“Absolutely, if i have a real hand like A-10 or K-Q on the button, then a lot of times I will make a big raise, like to 16 or even 20K to show that I have something, and that I’m committed to play for a reraise. Then again, i may decide that A-10 on the button is good enough for me, and open for 12k with the intent of calling a shove. I use the second tactic when I feel a player is super aggressive and pretty loose with his move ins.”
Racer
“On the flip side, in a similar situation (except possibly a few seats away from the button)do you have the mindset leaving yourself some fold equity in case of a re-shove?
Im sure sure table dynamics and reads on opponents plays a huge part of this, but i just find my big stack play could use some improving, so maybe some helpful hints and some insight from the worlds greatest player could help!”
Phil Hellmuth
“Well, generally speaking, if I’m playing tight, then they know i have something when i pop it up. Assuming a reraise, then at that point I do trust my reads, and that is the part that I cannot teach, the part that you need to improve through practice, practice, practice. I have made calls with K-Q (no too often), thinking that they have 9-9 or 10-10, and when I’m right—most of the the time—I look pretty good. i have also folded A-Q, and looked pretty good when they show A-K. Reads are what separates the greatest players from the great players. If you are weak on reading ability, then you can still use a reasoned, well though out, and primarily mathematical approach. In general, when they reraise you, assuming that you’re playing tight, then they have a strong hand. Especially in deep stack poker, and especially late in the tournament.
Let me take a moment to wish everyone out there Happy Holidays! May we all be blessed and have great 2009’s!”
Tags: Ask A Pro, big stack play, Fold Equity, happy holidays, Phil Hellmuth, Pot Odds, Pro Answers, table dynamics
Comments (7)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 - Aciator
We are committed to ensuring you have the best poker playing experience in the world, and that commitment extends to all of our Payment Processing products as well. As the Christmas season is upon us, we would like to hear your 2009 Wish- List of New Cashier features!
Below is a non-exhaustive list of features we’re considering for addition in the new year. Please let us know your thoughts on these suggestions. Which ones do you like and why? Also, feel free to submit your own ideas!
- 1-Click Cashier – Deposit directly from the table
- Improved Account History- All transaction records consolidated in one area
- Memorize most used deposit methods- Eliminate inputting credit card/ eWallets numbers
- Request Deposit Limit increase- For all methods, directly from the Cashier
- Document Upload system- Send the Security team your Identification Documents directly from the Cashier.
- Currency Management- Manage your balance in the currency of your choice.
- Other- Please Elaborate (Free text entry)
We look forward to offering you more features and functionality to make your money management better and more efficient in 2009. Seasons Greetings, and Good Luck at the tables.
Tags: account history, cashier, currency management, Deposit, deposit limit increase, e-check deposits, Payments, Software Update
Comments (2)
Saturday, December 20, 2008 - COO
Earlier today we learned about a poker hand where our system paid out the losing player instead of the correct winning hand. The hand number is #1162170993.
We are investigating this software malfunction as our absolute top priority.
This is the first incident of this kind we have encountered.
We are currently examining the poker system and the application logs in order to pinpoint the cause of this malfunction.
Paul Leggett
Tags: COO, poker software
Comments (30)
Saturday, December 6, 2008 - Dixon R
One of the features that I enjoy most about UltimateBet’s RAI$E program is the auctions site at ubauctions.com . I have the page bookmarked and check it nearly every day for updates. I love the idea since it allows for unique items and opportunities to be available to UB customers that are difficult to find in a traditional points store on sites like FTP and PokerStars. I feel that it is important to continue access to the UB pro team, even though I understand scheduling conflicts often arise. The personal touch of a heads-up match with a pro or even just an autographed shirt will keep customers brand loyal to UB. Since I participated in so many auctions at Aruba, I feel I should also comment on these special opportunities. Basically, ubauctions in Aruba made the trip for me. Being able to spend time golfing and having dinner with Phil and hanging out with the marketing team made my time there unforgettable. I also appreciated how responsive your team was, even when I was busy running around the Radisson trying to catch all the action.
Having football tickets available is a great idea. People love talking about sports with their friends, family, and coworkers. When someone wins tickets to their favorite sporting event, they are most likely going to tell people about how they got them. This could spark conversation about UltimateBet and its unique RAI$E program, which is obviously a great thing for all of us. Experiences like the trip to the Final Four last March should motivate people to play as much as possible to compete in the auctions and have a shot at these special event tickets. I hope you are planning an auction for Super Bowl XLIII this year, as I assume it will garner a lot of attention and hype.
As far as new ideas go for auction items, I can’t really contribute too much. Part of the reason why I love the auctions is because of the random things I can find that I would’ve never thought of myself. For example, I now have a cool LED nightlight for my hallway that gets compliments from everyone who comes over. They all ask where I got it and I can proudly say ubauctions.com . I also won a Joe Namath autographed football, which I am giving to my friend as a present since he is a big fan. One thing that I would like to see a little more of is items tailored for poker players. Last time there was an auction for a UB branded poker table I believe it had a successful bidding turnout. If there was an auction for a special table with black felt (like the ones used in Aruba) and cupholders I feel it might be a big hit. I’m not sure how many other patrons feel my sense of brand loyalty to UB, but I enjoy wearing the UB logo. If you look at Full Tilt’s store, they have a huge section devoted to random items branded with their logo from bar stools to slippers. This is something you may want to consider to stay competitive with other poker sites.
I appreciate what your team has done and continues to do for UltimateBet. Our goals are similar in that I would like to see the site grow and prosper for years to come (let’s cross our fingers about U.S. legislation).
Have a great day,
Dixon R.
Tags: Dixon R, Online Team, UB Auctions
Comments (0)
Friday, December 5, 2008 - UB Marketing
December is already a blurr with so much going on. They decorated the marketing office yesterday. And, in case you’re wondering, yes, we did get a christmas tree, with red and gold decorative balls. Not as entertaining as the flags on all the desks for independence day, but even a fake tree cheers you up when it’s lit.
The UB points store is buzzing and the most wanted items all look great to me: plasma TV, a GPS, a digital camera, and a tower of chocolates.
Some players have enough UltimatePoints to get all these at once, but for most, we need to stack up the points before completing the christmas list at the UB store. Here’s four tips that can help you get the points and holiday shopping you want while at the tables:
DAYS OF DEALS: Every day a different deal. The deposit bonuses are good if you need to reload, but the key here is the daily promotion. No matter what you play, there’s a good deal and a chance at cash… Omaha, blackjack, sit n go’s, tournaments. And, for the christmas shopping, double points days in December. But, you gotta check every day because the calendar opens on a daily basis. BANNER17 won a flat screen TV this past WEdnesday, just for being at the blackjack tables.
FREE GEAR and CASH: Yesterday we announced the blogger tournament on the 17th. As it turns out, you don’t have to have a blog – or even know what it is – to get into the tournament. Just write down the code, play in the free tournament, and you can win SONY gear and a share of $100 cash.
POINTS RACE: Have some fun, play hard for your cut of $220,000, and those same status points that get you to the top of the leaderboard get multiplied by your RAI$E status for even more shopping.
RAI$E your status: When you simply MUST buy with cash, work your way up the RAI$E loyalty program. Get to ICON level and you can swap points for cash and get $1000 every month.
And, if you want a great deal, The Toshiba 50-inch TV is going for only 3,100 UltimatePoints at the UBauctions. That’s less than the points you need for a jacket at the store.
Want to help out? Any other tips to get more this holiday season?
Tags: UB Auctions, ub marketing, Ultimate Points
Comments (2)
Thursday, November 27, 2008 - HollywoodDave
Well today may be Thanksgiving but Christmas came early this year — Cereus launched a few days ago & it is freakin’ awesome! I love the visual hand replay and the way you can see your discards while the hand is still in progress… pretty sweet. There are a few minor tweaks still to be made but just to have this thing up and running finally is such a relief. Finally I can get a 10-20 HORSE game going at night…. yum yum. If anyone fancies a game, stop by and see me!!
This week also rocked hardcore for an altogether different reason… fellow UB pro Scott Ian invited me to the see him and girlfriend Pearl perform at Metal Skool on the Sunset Strip! It was one of the best shows I’ve seen in awhile — after Scott and Pearl opened up with a couple rockin’ songs, the main act took over and belted some of the best 80’s hair metal songs ever! Plus as a special bonus, they dragged my poker bud Sully Erna from Godsmack up on stage to sing some Alice in Chains along with cameos from members of Fallout Boy and a few other bands. It was my first time there at Metal Skool & everyone I talked to said it was one of the best nites ever!
I snuck my vidblog camera in and snagged some footage of Scott and Pearl jamming to start the nite off — Check it out ! Metal Skool
Scott had us set up in VIP with Owen Wilson and Mike Judge (director of Officespace & King of the Hill) — it was great meeting them & getting to talk some poker. Apparently Mike has a degree in Statistics so he totally understood card counting. And at the table next to us was Dodgers star pitcher Brad Penny, who told me blackjack was a favorite casino game & wanted some lessons! For those of you who don’t know, I bleed Dodger fucking Blue! Its just too bad Penny is going to the bastard Yankees next season…
As far as poker goes, I’ll be playing all weekend on UB to support the new Cereus launch, not only the major tournaments but plenty of HORSE and PLO8 action as well. Thanks to Annie Duke, I’ve really come to love mixed games and have learned to kick some serious ass…so bring it! You know where to find me –
Rock on –
-hd.
Tags: Cereus, Hollywood Dave, Scott Ian
Comments (2)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - smokin_aces
As you can probably imagine, Phil Hellmuth has travelled extensively and continues to do so in the good name of Poker. He is arguably the most widely recognizable Poker icon and as such has become something millions of people strive to emulate. Phil has produced many resources to aid budding grinders on their quest to perfect their Poker strategies, but now you can get one step closer! Now you can WEAR Phil Hellmuth. Poker Brat Clothing Co. has been in development for some time and has now finally launched. In the design creation stage, Phil worked with talented fashion aficionados from a variety of locations. “I told them to design whatever their hearts desired and, man, did they create some great poker designs!” said Hellmuth. Those familiar with Phil’s usual attire will remember his PH logo hat and more traditional T-shirt designs. While those styles are still available, Phil has stepped up the creativity with elaborate designs akin to the “Affliction” and “Ed Hardy” lines. Phil’s new line is available at www.pokerbrat.com and will soon be available at www.philhellmuth.com. Check out some of these fun designs!
Flame
Poker Brat Orange
Poker Face Blue
Poker Outline Grey
Poker Tree
Tags: Phil Hellmuth, poker brat
Comments (1)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 - Tiffany M
I just got back from Vancouver for the B.C. Poker Champs where I had one of
the best times at a poker tournament. Lacey Jones, Maria Ho, Liz Lieu and I
were given the Penthouse Suite at the River Rock Casino and were treated
like stars during our stay! I’m used to the glitz, glamour and
pretentiousness of Vegas casinos so it was a breath of fresh air being at
the River Rock where the theme and vibe is very chill, lodgey and rustic.
My favorite part was the ceiling of the casino which looked like you’re
staring up at the midnight sky, filled with twinkling stars.
The main event was a $2700 buy-in, with over 600 players and a great
structure but somehow Liz, Lacey, Maria and I were all out on Day 1, lol. I
have to admit, even though you feel like a total loser busting out so early
I much prefer that compared to grinding it out for a few days, going deep
and THEN busting or bubbling. With the spare time on our hands we drank,
dined, threw a few parties in the penthouse, had a jam session around the
fireplace (thanks to Devo bringing his guitar) and spent lots of time
sweating Daniel Negreanu who eventually went on to win the whole event.
Lacey, Maria and I also did some fun PR stuff – signing autographs and
shooting a piece for ‘This Hour Has 22 Minutes’ with Shaun Majumder (a
popular Canadian comedian) which will air on CBC TV in Canada Dec 2nd at
8:30pm.
Possibly the highlight of the trip was the night we went to club Caprice in
downtown Vancouver. The previous night David Williams and some of his guys
went to a club where they had a table reserved and almost couldn’t get in
because they were wearing Ed Hardy and Affliction clothes… which we came
to find out is considered gang wear in Canada! Ha Ha. They were only
admitted once they turned their shirts inside out. We had our own ‘gang’
experience at Caprice. A group of us were sitting at our VIP table and the
next this we know the freakin’ Gang Special Force Task is confiscating all
of our guy’s ID’s which is Brad Booth, Gavin Smith, Steve Sung and a few
others. At first we think they’re just checking to see if anyone is under
age, which is weird anyway because in Canada ‘19′ is considered legal and it
was obvious all our men were over age. The cops completely disappear for
like 20 minutes with the ID’s and passports while we wonder what is going
on and if they’re even coming back. When they return Brad Booth goes up to
this little officer to figure out what’s going on and is told that we had a
gang member sitting at our table, which is ridiculous. Brad assures him
that nobody in our group is a gang member and then the cop gets an attitude
and says, “I’M NOT ASKING YOU, I’M TELLING YOU!” Brad’s response, “I’m just
saying I don’t believe you.” I literally started busting up laughing… who
tells a cop who’s having a power trip, “I don’t believe you”?! Brad Booth
apparently, lol. Well the ‘gang’ member who was supposedly in our group
must not have a bad enough rap because nobody got arrested and the cops just
left. I love Canada but they’ve got some weird procedures when it relates
to gang stuff.
Hope everyone has a FINGER-LICKIN’ TASTY THANKSGIVING! My mom and brother
are chefs so I have to admit T-Day at my house is almost better than
Christmas! Until next time…
Much Love xx
Tags: BCPC, Daniel Negreanu, Tiffany "Tiffany M" Michelle
Comments (1)
