- Slow and fast table distinction is being phased out across all PokerStars games and stakes.
- Fixed limit, zoom and CAP tables get one time; high stakes another.
- Players now given less time for preflop opening decisions.
In a move signaled last August, PokerStars has announced changes to ring game table speeds. The separation of Fast and Normal speed tables will end across all games and stakes.
The time allowed to act will now be based on only two factors: The game type, and the previous action. Preflop decisions in unraised pots will be allotted less time, with more complex preflop and all postflop decisions having more.
The new table is as follows:
| Game Format | First Round, not facing raise | All other times |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Limit, Zoom and CAP | 15s | 20s |
| All big bets (non-CAP) at $5/$10 and above | 20s | 30s |
| All other tables | 18s | 25s |
The previous timings allowed 15s for Fixed Limit and 18s for Big Bet games on fast tables and 25s and 35s respectively at Normal tables.
The warning that players are running out of time will now go off when there are eight seconds remaining. Previously Normal tables allowed 15 seconds.
If the option to “auto-muck” is not activated, players will have two seconds to decide whether to show before the hand is mucked.
The changes will be implemented this week and lobby banners will warn players to expect the new timings. Currently the lobby shows fast and normal tables. The timings are being implemented first on the “fast” tables, and then when normal tables are phased out next week the “fast” moniker will be dropped.
