On November 29th, partypoker launched a software update and changed the design of its tables. The provider, which has been trying to attract more professional players and grinders for several years with high tournament guarantees and a potentially lucrative VIP program, has always struggled with a software that seemed a little bit decrepit.
One of the criticisms of some players was the look and feel of the tables at partypoker. These tables have now been fundamentally revised with the latest update. Partypoker now resembles the industry giant GGPoker and also borrowed from Unibet and 888poker.
What is different, what is new at partypoker?
The graphics and animations are more attractive and fluid: partypoker now has a look reminiscent of cartoons.
The cards have been given a new look, there are emojis and so-called throwables that you can use to communicate with your fellow players. There is no longer a normal chat.
The functionality to take notes has been improved and you can mark teammates with a variety of colour rings to classify opponents. Regular notes in text form are still possible.
It is now easier to customise the buttons and set your own bet sizes. In addition, there are numerous visual options for the table and background.
Furthermore, there is a hand strength indicator (such as "One Pair" or "Ace High") and if one folds before the river, one can see which cards would have been dealt via the Rabbit Hunting feature.
Here is a short video in which Jamie Staples shows the new functions:
A few visual impressions of the new partypoker tables
Partypoker Throwable in action Emojis New table view Notes and hand strength indicator All-in indicator (red triangle) Throwables
Poker community not yet fully convinced
The adjustments at partypoker are primarily of a visual nature. Overall, partypoker has moved a step in the direction of GGPoker, although the Asian giant is still miles ahead of party in terms of visuals, features and stability.
The game looks more colourful, recreational player-friendly and simpler. Multi-tablers and grinders are unlikely to make use of emojis and throwables, however.
The changes were received with mixed feelings by the players. It was not so much the new look per se that was criticised, but rather the fact that partypoker has larger issues that were not addressed. In particular, the instable servers, which too often go down on Sundays when there are large tournament crowds, are a thorn in the side of many players and they would have preferred an update with a focus on stability.
This tweet from @PictoKing is an example of the reaction of some partypoker players towards the recent update:
How about you just sort out your server problems. Crashed again last night. Not acceptable
— picto king (@PictoKing) November 29, 2021
A step in the right direction
All in all, the update is certainly a step in the right direction. However, partypoker's software still lags a little behind its own claim. The PokerScout player number ranking sees partypoker currently in 9th place - on a par with 888poker. The variety of games and the bonuses offered can keep up with GGPoker and PokerStars, but partypoker is still a long way from the two market leaders in terms of traffic.
PokerScout ranking as of 29 November 2021:
| Operator | Average player number | Peak real money cash game players | |
| 1 | PokerStars | 6000 | 9492 |
| 2 | GGPoker | 5800 | 8378 |
| 3 | IDNPoker | 3400 | 5800 |
| 4 | Winamax.fr | 1300 | 2383 |
| 5 | PokerStars Europe | 1200 | 2200 |
| 6 | PaiWangLuo (Bodog) | 1100 | 2000 |
| 7 | iPoker | 1000 | 1888 |
| 8 | Winning Poker | 950 | 1531 |
| 9 | PartyPoker | 850 | 1440 |
| 10 | 888poker | 850 | 1376 |
