A word or two about poker propping
Poker propping is something that's even less known for the majority of players out there than rakeback. First of all: what is poker propping ? Prop players are specially hired personnel (live casinos have such people working for them too) whose job is to create action at the tables to lure people in. Newly started online poker rooms desperately need such prop players to get their traffic rolling in order to reach critical liquidity. Once that's achieved, prop players are no longer hired.
The nature of the setup that you'll get yourself into when signing up to a prop deal though is such that once signed up, you'll enjoy the benefits of the deal even if the room stops hiring more prop players. So what exactly does being a prop involve, and why should you ever want to be a prop player. First: the benefits. Being a prop player means that you'll enjoy a different kind of rakeback deal. Rakeback deals that prop players get start at about 85% and go all the way up to 135%. That's right, being a prop player means that you will get paid by the room for playing, it is as if the room paid you rake instead of you paying rake to the room on your real money hands. A prop deal can make you a big winner, instead of the small time loser you are now. Most prop clients are said to be players who became winners because of such prop deals.
Now for the downside: as a prop player, you will not be allowed to play just any table or any limit you wish to. You cannot wait in queue at a full table. If the admins notice you doing that you'll probably be issued a warning or you'll be booted and your prop earnings will be seized. You should start new tables whenever possible to promote the action. Certain low or micro-limits are off-limits for you. Whenever you sign in to play, you're going to have to sign in with the shift-manager, via IM. Most of the time you'll be playing short handed extra-tight games (that is if you're unlucky), and you'll have to forget about table selection.
In conclusion: if you're a good player, poker propping will help you greatly, and make you a lot of money. If you're a break-even player, it might still help you. If you're a loser though, it'll be difficult to earn a buck being a prop player, despite all the advantages offered.
