The PokerStars VIP Programme changes significantly in 2016, so today we look at the best use of your points before then.

At the start of 2016, major changes will come to the PokerStars VIP Programme and in many cases you will be better off cashing in the points you have this year before the changes take effect.

How the 2016 Steps VIP System will look

Frequent Player Points (FPPs) will be converted to StarsCoins at a rate of 1.2 StarsCoins per 1 FPP. One StarsCoin will be worth $0.01 and the prices of items in the VIP Store will go up accordingly. There are still two weeks left to get the maximum value from the old FPP system.

Below are some of the most popular options for redeeming FPPs, which includes a conversion rate of $/FPP. The higher this value, the better the use of the FPP.

Bonuses

Cash bonuses available in the VIP Store VIP Status Bonus Price in FPP Value $/FPP Supernova $1,600 100,000 $0.016 PlatinumStar $200 15,400 $0.012987 GoldStar $75 6,250 $0.012 SilverStar $25 2,250 $0.011111 BronzeStar $10 1,000 $0.01

Based on the announced changes, PlatinumStar and above will have a much less valuable conversion rate, so you would be best advised to redeem your points before the end of the year.

If you have GoldStar, it is expected that cash bonuses will cost roughly the same as they do now with the new StarsCoins system.

In contrast, SilverStar or BronzeStar are expected to get a better deal on cash bonuses in the new year, so you would be better off waiting for the new StarsCoins system next year.

Tournament Tickets

Tournament Tickets in the VIP Store Status VIP Ticket Price in FPP Value $/FPP SilverStar+ Sunday Storm $11 700 $0.015714 SilverStar+ The Big $22 1,400 $0.015714 SilverStar+ The Big $55 3,500 $0.015714 SilverStar+ The Big $109 6,900 $0.015797 SilverStar+ Sunday Million $215 13,500 $0.015926 SilverStar+ VIP Match with a Team Pro 15,000 $0.015667 SilverStar+ Sunday 500 $530 33,000 $0.016061 SilverStar+ Super Tuesday $1,050 65,500 $0.016031

Currently the tournament ticket option has a much better conversion rate for low status VIP players than the cash bonuses. Based on the announcement by PokerStars, the conversion rate is going to be the same as for bonuses in the new year.

Therefore if you play MTTs and have at least SilverStar status, you should purchase tournament tickets before the end of the year. The conversion rate is almost as good and sometimes better than the cash bonuses for SuperNovas, and the tickets are valid for years.

FPP Satellites

The FPP satellite lobby

FPP satellites are a popular option for players of all levels. For example the six max hyper satellites to the Sunday Storm for 235 FPPs where two players win an $11 ticket.

Assuming on average you win once every three times in these, the conversion rate is 0.015714. Of course if you are a profitable player in this format, the conversion rate is much better.

After winning the satellite you can unregister from the target event and take the tournament dollars instead. These T$ can also be exchanged for cash.

The hyper turbo FPP satellites are particularly appealing because they don't take long to complete.

Gift cards

If you have something to buy in mind, then you may want to exchange FPPs for gift vouchers instead. A €250 voucher in the VIP Store, for SilverStar and higher, costs 18,900 FPPs which works out as converting to about 0.014532.

What should you do?

If you have a lot of FPPs now is the time to think about what to do with them. The enhanced benefits for PlatinumStar and SuperNova will no longer be available next year. If you play lots of tournaments then you should seriously consider the tournament ticket option. There is also the FPP satellite option which can be done regardless of your VIP status.

However if you have a low VIP status or not many FPPs, and you are not an MTT player, there isn't much harm in waiting until the new year. The differences are small and in some cases you will be better off under the new system.

How do you plan to use your FPPs?

by spinek

Share this with your friends