I was going to blog about this, but it seems like it is more of a forum post as it leaves room for some discussion on the pros and cons of different rakeback methods.

Just got word that Full Tilt is switching from the (Dealt rakeback method) to the (Weighted rakeback method). This is great news if you are a super loose aggressive player. Not so good if you are taggy.

It used to be with the dealt method, that you would get a piece of the lions share of rake a s long as you were dealt 2 cards. So if you played tight and folded often you still made rakeback. Now with the weighted method , you will only earn rake when you contribute to a hand. This can be good too as you will get more rake out of the hands you play. So if you start getting less rakeback each week/month, maybe you need to loosen up a bit or go play elsewhere like the cake network, Doyles and other rooms that still use the dealt method.

I think overall, if you play using the methods taught here, you will still come out all right and maybe even get more rakeback than before. However, if you felt like you were walking through a minefield at Full Tilt before, I think players will be apt to constantly putting you to the test. You will probably see a lot more action than you were already seeing there and it could become a bit of a nightmare especially considering that they are also firing up the new Black card program there. It could get rough there.

Just my opinion

Good post and much needed discussion Filobetto.

You're right - Full Tilt's decision to switch to Weighted Contributed rakeback will hurt a lot of rakeback grinders at the site. There was an article on PokerTableRatings.com (http:// http://www.pokertableratings.com/blog/2 ... -the-nits/) comparing the actual difference in rake for various types of players. As you can see, if you play TAGish, you lose significant rakeback in a Contributed rakeback system compared to Dealt.

That being said, rakeback at the micro stakes often will contribute a major part of your winrate and I'd highly suggest to maximize it as much as possible. We have offers at the Cake Network (whether you join Cake or another Cake Network room like Victory Poker) that offer the max rakeback allowed where they offer Dealt rakeback. Check out the rakeback section of our site.

At the same time, if you're looking for the maximum number of fish to play against (another big contributor to your winrate), I would look at sites other than Full Tilt. They probably have the highest percentage of sharks there, whereas if you go on another network that's connected to Sports Betting sites, you'll get a large influx of weak players that have no clue what they're doing and are just looking to gamble.

I already have an account at Doyle's. 33% sounds pretty good. The only down side I believe is that the HUD for HM does not function there. Is that correct? Otherwise it would be a pretty easy move. I play a lot at UB right now anyways. Which rake back method are they using?

I just got a rake back account from "rake back pros" for full tilt. I've never had rake back before but the percentage seems pretty low. I guess it's better than what had before (none).
I concur with what atta says about the game play at FT, My Cbet following my raise into the the pot are getting little respect, I probably only pick up the pot on the flop about 15% of the time. I also think your up against a lot of other software programs that help the other players, such as poker edge (which means they have data on you even though they haven't necessarily played against you yet). I frequently see players almost time out deciding whether to steal my blinds as soon as I get on the table, or they may jump off table as soon as I show up. I'm thinking they know I'm usually a tag player.
So, I'm thinking of starting a different account somewhere, especially since my game is still developing so much right now. There is an upside though, if you can afford it I think you'll become a better player faster because you'll be playing against about 80% people that are as good or better than your average player.
Whats funny though is the donks and fish that are there, seem to hit there suck outs quite often. It's funny as long as I'm not the one getting donked.
Later...

I've been playing on FT for years but don't have a rakeback.
Is this really hurting me? Should I leave FT and go somewhere else just to get rakeback?

go to rakebackpros.com and join

I don't know... but maybe they can help ya get Rakeback at Full Tilt right here. If you have been winning and cashing out there then it would be worth it but with the change in their process "The Hand played" method I dont think you will get as much rake as you deserve.

Rakeback does make a big difference in your overall win rate and if you play without it, you are getting ripped off.

You're losing massive money by not having rakeback - I would strongly advise to get it wherever you're going to play.

Full Tilt is probably the worst place to play for multiple reasons:
1. They have the highest percentage of strong players and least amount of fish
2. They only have 'contributed' rakeback at 27% versus 33% Dealt rakeback at places like Cake/Victory poker. The dealt method is probably at least 50% more rakeback compared to contributed.

Rakeback comprises of probably at least 50% of your winnings at the microstakes. Do not treat it as just a bonus - this should treated as a main component of your winnings. Therefore finding a solid rakeback deal is very important. See more info on our rakeback info page: http://www.outstandingpoker.com/rakeback-info.php