Tuesday, December 2, 2008 - P0ker H0
Cereus launched last week, and the tournament schedule for UB just got better. Now there is a 1k buy in 100k guarantee on thursdays, there is a $300 100k guarantee on saturdays, and a $500 100k guarantee on sundays. I think UB filled some serious gaps in tournament schedules. Not just on on UB, but for online poker as a whole. Online Poker on Thursday through Friday is known for their lack of tournaments for the HigherStakes Player. This now gives players choices on those days. Another thing with Cereus, is their is FinalTable deal making. I personally really like this feature. For me the biggest improvement I notice is something quite simple. The HandHistory. It is so much more well layed out than before and is much easier to check past hands. Im sure there will be things to fix along the way, but overall I am pleased with Cereus. Hope everyone takes advantage of the new schedule.
P0ker H0
Tags: Cereus, P0ker H0
Comments (0)
Sunday, November 30, 2008 - Annie Duke
Well…I am not sure I could do a blog this week and not make it about the launch of Cereus. It has been a tough year to endorse UB, obviously, and I have been looking forward to cereus launching for months now because I kind of felt that would be the way to put all the nastiness behind us. So I think I really had some kind of rose colored glasses on about Cereus. That it would launch without problems and then everyone would be singing the praises of UB as the second coming of online poker or something. I mean as stupid as it sounds I had really kind of put my hopes on Cereus as like my knight in shining armor.
The thing is that all knights are probably not exactly what they are cracked up to be. I mean think about medieval times. The knights probably had bad breath and bad body odor. Imagine wearing the chain mail in a time when there was no deodorant. I imagine they were pretty stinky. The nice thing is that stink is something that can be cleaned up because in the end no matter how stinky the knight is he does save you from the dragon, rescuing the damsel in distress.
So Cereus is like my knight…it has a little bit of stinky breath, bad teeth and body odor but all that can be fixed because in the end it is saving us from the dragon. I agree with most of the UB players that there are things that need fixing. Certainly, I want the blinds and antes back in the title bar of the tournaments. I want my scrolling info back down in the left hand corner. I want the fonts changed. I want rebuys to be back to 30 minutes in a turbo.
But think really how minor all that is in the face of migrating a whole site onto a new platform. For anyone who lived through the Oracle disaster I think we can all agree that this migration was remarkably smooth. The site didn’t crash for one thing and the Oracle migration caused the site to crash for about 3 weeks. All in all it has been pretty smooth, despite the UB players having to get used to the new software. And what I have noticed is that, like me, the UB players are starting to get over the shock and explore the new features that really do make the site better.
I was as shocked as everyone and felt very disoriented when the new site launched. I have not played another site in years and felt really disoriented by the new software. I felt like I had lost a new friend almost. But as I have played over the last week I have realized that it really is like the knight with the smelly body odor. Someone will hand Cereus some deodorant and then we will all see how amazing this new site is. For one thing, I can find a game any time of the day and the guarantees are being crushed, something UB hasn’t seen in a year. There were over 30K players on the site in primetime during the week and that has never, ever happened.
The development team is hearing all the comments and you will see things get fixed and updated really quickly. This site is responsive to its players and wants everyone to have the best software and service out there because that is what will make UB a huge success going forward. So I am going out and getting some toothpaste, antiperspirant and buy some veneers for my knight in shining armor because I can deal with the superficial stuff if I need someone to save me from a dragon I am facing.
Tags: Annie Duke, Cereus
Comments (7)
Friday, November 28, 2008 - COO
Hi Everyone,
Our technical staff are working around the clock to address the issues you are having with the new software update. I apologize for the delay in response to your e-mails, we have a surge of requests coming in and it will take a bit longer than usual for our staff to get through them all. I assure you that we are here, we are listening, and we are working to fix these problems.
Before contacting our support team, please see if the content below helps solve your issue:
Problem: Everytime I click ok to receive the update it does nothing and now I can’t get on to Ultimatebet.
Solution:
- Close the Upgrade if it has crashed. This may require going into Task Manager (CTRL+ALT+DEL) and ending upgrade.exe process.
- Go to Start > Program Files > Settings > Control Panel > Add Remove Programs (depending on OS).
- Select any and all versions of Ultimate Bet and uninstall.
- Go to the folder Program Files to check for Ultimate Bet folder. If folder is found delete it.
- Go to www.ultimatebet.com
- Download and Install the UB software again.
Problem: I can’t get in without verifying my email (missing validation code).
Solution:
Try logging in now. All UB accounts should no longer have issues with the validation process.
Question: I have to change my screenname? What’s up with that?
Answer:
The CEREUS poker network offers UltimateBet fans many new advantages, including an expanded pool of players, bigger Bad Beat Jackpots, more guarantees and a lot more action at the tables. As a result of the expanded player base, there is some duplication of player nicknames.
Duplicate nicknames can’t exist on the same network, as it would cause a lot of confusion and mistaken identity issues.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused some of you, but keep in mind that picking a new username can work in your favor. If existing players recognize you at the tables and already know your playing style, your new name would make you appear brand new to them at the tables and they won’t know how to react to your moves. This is a significant advantage.
Once you login to your account, you will see a popup window asking you to change your nickname. To check the availability of the new nickname, click the button called “check ID.” Keep in mind that this change is a one-time deal, you will not be able to do it again, once your new nickname has been selected.
If you would like to keep a version of the username that you originally registered, simply add an additional letter, number or underscore. Special characters are not allowed. All nicknames will be in capital letters.
Please write down your new nickname, so if you forget it , you can easily look it up. Remember to keep your account password private, especially when other people may have access to your computer.
Problem: I am having a problem retrieving my password.
Solution:
Please try the Forgot Password process again located at the Login Window. We have made this process simpler and it should work now.
If you are unable to login after following these steps, please contact us at support@ultimatebet.com including the answer to your security question so we can provide further assistance.
Again, we will be working on addressing ALL your concerns around the clock. I know that some of you are unhappy with the changes we’ve made to the game interface. Change – any change – is usually met with resistance and it’s totally understandable. I urge you to give it another shot. I can assure you that the technical problems you are experiencing with the update are temporary. We will not let up until all these issues are resolved.
If you get past the superficial changes and think about the massive benefits this new network has to offer, I think you will fall in love with UB all over again. With so many more players online at one place, think of the massive jackpots, better tourneys, more guaranteed’s, bigger promotions. It’s huge!
I hope that you will stick with us through this time of change and I promise that we will do our absolute best to make sure that you have the most amazing online poker experience.
Tags: Cereus, COO, customer
Comments (3)
Friday, November 28, 2008 - ProductMan
I definitely overdosed on turkey this year. It is hard to believe that Christmas hasn’t arrived on the scene, especially since I already feel like hibernating until spring, but I blame that on whatever that turkey sedative is called, since the weather is surprisingly nice. If I couldn’t post this blog from the comforts of my bed, thanks mostly to the advanced surfing skills of my new iPod touch, you probably wouldn’t be reading any of this. I guess I could use my laptop, but I’m charging the battery for some eventual online poker action.
What better way to celebrate Black Friday than by hitting the poker tables, especially with the launch of Cereus. It looks like things are now running smoothly, with no more than a few minor hitches. Some dude, who actually only registered a few days ago, already snagged 250K by hitting the first Cereus Bad Beat Jackpot. I’m looking forward to more of these massive jackpots, more holdem tournaments, millions of new players, and tons of new features. Since I’m really neurotic, I’m going to love the new rabbit cam, and especially the added security and stability.
Now I just need to figure out how to run the UB software on my iPod. I have a texas-sized fridge full of leftovers to get through and it would be really awesome to hit the poker tables while lying on the kitchen floor. Texas holdem anyone?
Tags: Cereus, Product Team
Comments (0)
Friday, November 28, 2008 - UB Marketing
Oh happy day, CEREUS is finally here. And, while the “strongest technology on earth” powers UltimateBet and hosts thousands of players, we’re looking forward to December promotions. Bigger and Better. Here’s the scoop…
The WILD CARDS Super Bowl promotion is already visible and available. Mid-field seats. Yes. Forgot to put this detail on the UB website. I’m looking at the stadium layout right now and these are in the front two sections, mid field, lower half near to the turf. Ten tickets plus travel and accomodations to Super Bowl XLIII. It’s a shame the marketing team can’t play for these.
So, what’s coming after thanksgiving?
• The points race will be back. We had it in October for $115,000 but for
December the prize pool total is $220K.
• UB players will have access to GIZMO tourneys where you enter with
UltimatePoints and win anything from a Plasma TV to an HP touchsmart computer – very cool.
• UBOC. We’re getting close and there’ll be even more options to qualify for
any of the events, including a 300-seat guaranteed tournament (right after christmas) to the
UBOC million dollar Championship.
• Tournament leaderboards will be back. We missed them this week, but hey,
even leaderboards need a break every once in a while.
• Poker H0 H0 H0 Christmas special. Need I say more?
Well, the schedule I’m looking at is actually quite long and robust. But you get the idea, tons coming up. We got some great promotion ideas from players through the UB newsletters, maybe we’ll get some here in the comment section 
Tags: Cereus, Marketing, Promotions
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 - Mia
Well guys, CEREUS is finally here. You guys have probably been expecting it for a while as we have been telling you “it will be here soon”. Soon was the most used word when we were asked about CEREUS; on the chat, over the phone, via email… But it is finally here and we are totally excited!
We know you guys will love it, and we already know we will too. Many times in the past there have been moments where we wished that it was easier for us to get you guys the info you are looking for and to provide the proper service you deserve. Well, believe it or not, even though we are well-informed VIP Hosts, we have had to struggle in the past as our tools used to be a bit stiff. But no more shall we suffer with the hand history retrieval or calculating the daily balance from the transaction records! We have freed ourselves and can know give you even a better-faster service than what we have in the past.
I don’t know if it’s ‘cause Christmas is just around the corner or because this launch was so expected but the day UB went down for the upgrade I felt like counting down for New Year’s! We know that we have big challenges coming but we are stronger bigger and better so we are sure we’ll make it and you’ll be happy to have “stuck” around with us! Now we are getting ready for Thanksgiving and we have many things to be thankful for! So take a bow for all your loyalty and patience; but when you look up just remember we are CEREUS!
Tags: Cereus, poker software, VIP
Comments (43)
Saturday, November 22, 2008 - Cardroom
The buzz around the office these days is that CEREUS will be launching *very* soon and we couldn’t be more excited! What is CEREUS? CEREUS is big guarantees, higher stakes ring games, exciting new promotions, superior tournament and ring game structures, top notch customer service, fast payouts and the most exciting part …. *twice* as many players! You want to step up your game? Then it’s time to get CEREUS.
The Card Room
Tags: Cardroom, Cereus, software
Comments (0)
