27 Nov 2025 PokerStars has temporarily blocked a player’s account after the site noticed a massive change in his performance. The player received an email from the PokerStars Game Integrity team requesting him to explain several things: The player must describe how he improved his game over the past year Provide sufficient information on how he studied What software tools did he use The player needs to confirm whether he received coaching If the player used any third-party tools while playing According to the email sent and signed by Jack, the representative of PokerStars, he did not explicitly accuse the player of cheating. Guys don't study too hard or you'll get banned byu/DuckDuckDont inpoker The email stated that it was a normal inquiry from PokerStars after they discovered odd patterns in the player’s overall play. The player was given 48 hours to respond before a full investigation process was launched. As per the player, he decided to become serious in his game and began a study routine where he would complete 100 hands in a training program and review hands in a solver, mostly using GTO Gecko. In addition, the player alleged that his game improved through studying, hard work, and practice, and not by using real-time assistance while playing. A Closer Look at PokerStars’ Concerns The email sent by PokerStars needed clarification from the player regarding several things. They wanted to know which other poker site the player used The player is to provide details of any training software programs or tools they used If the player changed his strategy while playing They also asked about any tools used during live play Furthermore, the site requested to be notified if the player had developed or used any custom software that could help in decision-making. One of the critical clarifications needed by PokerStars is why the player’s strategy and way of interaction style changed so much in such a short time. Some of the questions asked are a routine inspection during probes of odd activity in modern online poker rooms. Because real-time assistance tools are readily available, poker sites use data analysis to spot patterns of odd activity. However, the player commented that they thought the message was more of an odd compliment than a direct accusation. According to the player, PokerStars was doing its job by trying to make games fair. Image source: PokerStars Game Integrity email screenshot The Role of Solvers and Training Tools In modern poker, it is normal to train with solvers and hand files. Away from the tables, players analyze their hands, study ranges, and simulate multiple scenarios. Most platforms let you do this kind of work. One tool that is not allowed at all is Real-Time Assistance, or RTA. If you use a solver or decision-making tool while playing a hand, you gain an unfair advantage. Some community members wondered whether the player’s recent posts about VPN use and interest in mobile solvers might have contributed to PokerStars' suspicions. None of this proves illegal activity, but it does contribute to the narrative. Like other major sites, PokerStars monitors players' play speed, decision-making speed, move accuracy, and deviation from their typical patterns. Alarms can be triggered if a player suddenly begins to play very close to the perfect solver strategy. Poker Community Reaction A lot of poker fans and players spoke out about the issue. Fair_Ant1: Comment by u/DuckDuckDont from discussion in poker MrHyp3r: Comment by u/DuckDuckDont from discussion in poker impliedfoldequity: Comment by u/DuckDuckDont from discussion in poker Some people believed that individuals should be able to study and improve independently, while others argued that the data strongly indicated external assistance What Happens Next PokerStars instructed the player to respond within 48 hours, failing which the review would proceed without his input. The site can ask third parties to record your screen, verify your device, and confirm solver access logs. Accounts are often reinstated if no illegal activity is found.
