Wow,
Some long time paying members are quite upset about (Filip) Fencer's attitude and implementation of Poker on his site. If we were to go to another board (Features, etc.) and ask about Poker, we would be redirected here. So, its hard to swallow being told we are "off topic" discussing Poker and its future...ON the Poker forum.

I've been a paying member for quite a while now. I don't have tons of games going, but I visit the site a couple of times a day 5-7 days a week....for years. I've learned a few things about Brainking.

1. Fencer (Filip) really doesn't care about members, paying or otherwise. He has repeatedly said, "If you are not happy here, you are free to play elsewhere"...even to long time members. I suggest you take him up on his offer. Stay and play the games because you like them, or bail on this site.

2. Fencer DOES care about this site. Which is why I am still here. He continually works on it, adds new games, etc. Albeit, very unprofessional with responses to questions from members. Fencer is not afraid of criticism. He will let people make "negative" posts that other sites would "moderate". But, don't expect a "friendly" reply.

To tie this into this board's "topic"...Fencer's game site (Chess, Backgammon, etc.) is one of the best on the internet. But, his poker site is one of the worst. I check back every 3-4 months to see if he has "fixed" it. I will find where he has done a few "features" (toggling sound on/off, etc.), but has not fixed the bugs nor addressed the "responsiveness" of the site.

I love playing poker (for fake money). But, to date, I don't play poker here because it is not worth the frustration. If you look at the number of members (paid or free) then compare that number to how many are playing poker, you will see that the poker tables are not well received. If you then look at the throngs of people playing on other poker sites (that do not offer real money tables)...well it doesn't paint a pretty picture.

I'm not sure what Fencer's plans are for the poker tables...and he won't tell us. When the tables were new, I use to make polite suggestions on how to improve various aspects of Brainking (games, rules, poker, etc.) Usually, I was simply ignored. Once a suggestion was actually implemented. But other times I got shot down rather rudely, as some here just did recently. Which is why I don't really offer my suggestions anymore. Trust me, after playing here for many years, I DO have suggestions.

I have seen Brainking go from a side project of Fencer's to a full blown site. With the addition of the Poker tables, I think Fencer has hit the limit of what one man can do...maybe it is time to get another developer to help out.

So...Kill the poker tables or fix them...I don't care. I will still be playing the other games. In a few months, I will check back to see if the tables are still worthless...till then, anyone care for a game of chess?